help with Divx playback....

[bboy486]

Hi i have been running Divx on my small computer. For the most part the playback is flawless, however every now and then it will freeze for less than 1/2 a sec and resume.

I have already used msconfig to reduce running application. and the system resources are below 70 ( i think around 50%)

What could be causing this problem

Specs\
itx computer
VIA Mini-ITX EPIA M9000 w/C3 933 CPU
256 meg of ram pc2100
10 gig hdd
on board graphics
extigy sound card hooked up to an analog surround sound system.

Also I have my computers networked via a wireless network (excellent 11 mbps) having the itx computer directly connected to the cable modem.

When i play movies, or divx files from my other computer the files freeze up and skip frequently.

Why would this occur? and what caN I do. I have also run msconfig on this as well.

[chickeneater]

you can try FFDSHOW or divfix. they may help to skippyness

[bboy486]

ffdshow

Most of my divx are on Cd's
I odnt see how those programs would help. I dont think the divx has a problem.... its either hardware or software or resources.... but i am not sure

[Enchanter]

every now and then it will freeze for less than 1/2 a sec and resume.

Looks like an overtaxed CPU.

If you are running Windows 2000 or XP, bring up Windows Tax Manager (by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del) and play a video file. If the CPU Usage meter peaks at 100% constantly, then it is a sure indication that your CPU is not coping well with the decoding task thrown at it.

Apart from using FFDShow, as chickeneater suggested, reduce all post-processing filters and ensure that DMA for the harddrive is enabled. If you can get yourself a spare video card (a more powerful one than the on-board adapter), you might try it and see whether it makes an improvement.

Cheers.

[bboy486]

reply

I cannot get a video card because the pci slot is low profile. So basically i cannot find anything that will fit inside the slot.

what does FDDShow do?
How do I reduce all post-processing filters ?
and how do I ensure that DMA for the harddrive is enabled?

[Enchanter]

what does FDDShow do?

It is an alternative decoder for the popular formats DivX and XviD. It contains many features and is light on CPU resources.

How do I reduce all post-processing filters ?

Play the movie file with WMP 6.4, BSPlayer or any players that allow access to the decoder properties. Go to the said property window and adjust the post-processing slide bar accordingly.

and how do I ensure that DMA for the harddrive is enabled?

Check for the status of DMA under Device Manager (accessible by right-clicking on My Computer and selecting Properties).

For Win2K/XP, it can be found under IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers. For Win9x, it can be found under Disk Drives (if I remember right).

[bboy486]

post-processing filters

"How do I reduce all post-processing filters ?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Play the movie file with WMP 6.4, BSPlayer or any players that allow access to the decoder properties. Go to the said property window and adjust the post-processing slide bar accordingly."

well i am using bsplayer, and I switched the post process bar from the extreme left to the extreme right, however the divx files i am running from over my wireless network is still skipping a bit?

I have no idea what is causing it

oh and by the way when running the divs my system resources is only at 50% betwwen 37 - 60 min and max

[Enchanter]

oh and by the way when running the divs my system resources is only at 50% betwwen 37 - 60 min and max

That brings things differently then.

Try updating the drivers for your components instead. Update:
1. Chipset or motherboard driver
2. Video card driver
3. DirectX

If possible, look for a setting that can increase the bandwith of the on-board video adapter. I have a suspicion it is the weakest link here.

[bboy486]

That brings things differently then.

Try updating the drivers for your components instead. Update:
1. Chipset or motherboard driver
2. Video card driver
3. DirectX

If possible, look for a setting that can increase the bandwith of the on-board video adapter. I have a suspicion it is the weakest link here.


Its on board video s3 graphics or something, directx should be at what 9? and how do I"look for a setting that can increase the bandwith of the on-board video adapter. I have a suspicion it is the weakest link here." exactly?

[bboy486]

updates

i got a few updates from windows updater
i hope that works....

[Enchanter]

how do I"look for a setting that can increase the bandwith of the on-board video adapter

Consult your motherboard manual on whether and how, if possible, you can do it.