HELP Weird scratchy noise

**setarip** · 23 Dec 2001, 04:43 AM

It could be weak connections, a faulty drive, or a strong electrical source too close to either your speakers or computer system.

**Anubis** · 24 Dec 2001, 03:31 PM

I've noticed it as well on a few of our systems here.
Some of the noise can be cleared by adjusting the vol. for the DVD and the master vol. or speaker vol.

You might want to mute any channels that your not using, like the mike input, midi, or the line in.

It seems to be really noticable with low-end sound cards like the entry level soundblaster 16 or some mother boards that have on-board audio.

But I don't notice anything on systems with the Live cards..

Just an observation..

Anubis

**vandaldeca** · 24 Dec 2001, 09:58 PM

sigh then if its a hardware problem i think it would be best if i opted to change the drive that i have at the store i purchased it from.

Is the Aopen 16X drive good? cos i think this is the only other drive they carry

**setarip** · 25 Dec 2001, 03:02 AM

"sigh then if its a hardware problem i think it would be best if i opted to change the drive that i have at the store i purchased it from."

I don't believe that either response that you've received (mine and the one that followed) specifically stated that you have to replace your drive...

**Anubis** · 25 Dec 2001, 03:34 PM

I agree, I don't think it's a drive problem. If anything it might be a simple connection issue or a power issue as stated before.

I don't know what type of audio equipment that you have connected to your computer but one thing you have to understand is that all the components inside your computer run at different frequencies (operational noise) that are suppose to be with-in tollerance of each other. Some motherboards do not integrate all of the components very well and some do. You may have interference with one or more components in side the box or it might be the fact that you have your tower next to your monitor or speaker. It's doesn't have to be a power hog to interfere with your system, rather just a collision of operating frequencies. Maybe that neon light above your desk, or some kind of interference with a component hooked to the computer like the 2400 watt stero reciever or a lamp..

I'd investigate one possibility at a time before I would start taking components back to the store..

Anubis

**vandaldeca** · 25 Dec 2001, 09:10 PM

hmm ok ok......

so what should i do first?

the DVD Drive is a tower casing under my table. I dont think anything outside the casing is interfering cos the casing is more or less isolated from other hardware and its just sitting there by itself under the table.

What are the chances of this problem occuring if i do change the drive?

I'm not really good at handling this sorta problems so for a hardware illiterate like me, the best i can do is change the drive and hope the problem goes away.

**Anubis** · 26 Dec 2001, 02:16 PM

OK,

I'd first check the vol. setting on your computer in the play control panel. Some people don't realize that you have a master control as well. You might want to try and see if you can control the noise by adjusting the vol. of the master and the cd audio ( i'm guessing that's where your plugged in at on the soundcard) and your speakers. If that doesn't work try muteing all the other channels that are not being used (i.e. line in mic in so on.) One at a time while playing a DVD. If the noise is still present and the master is muted,stop the DVD check to see if the noise is still present while the hard drive is being accessed. If you experience more noise it's something with-in your system and a DVD drive swap will most likely not solve the problem.

If the vol. is turned way up on something you might just be hearing the noise of the hard drive, I've noticed this on a few low end systems here before. The solution I mentioned above was the best short of buying new computers and components.

One other thing you might want to consider is that it maybe a particular DVD, try others to see if the effect is still present. I'd consult the manual/website for information on your sound card. If it's a thrid party addition to your system. You may want to contact your computer vendor and ask for tech support. Check your hardware/software settings you may have difficulty decoding dolby 5.1 who knows...

Best of Luck!

Anubis.

disclaimer - The views I've presented do not reflect that of any computer manufacturer. I do not endores nor discredit any products mentioned. Please read your manual and wear protective gear when operating. Remember to collect 200 bucks
when you pass go.

No animals were injured during this production.

2001c

HELP Weird scratchy noise