HTPC video stutter - drivers or system spec at fault?

Duke_ · 21 Feb 2011 at 11:29

Hi All,

I have an HTPC which suffers from stuttering which is really noticeable in panning shots (both BluRay and .mkv files). Please could anyone let me know if they can recommend any driver tweaks or if the system spec is simply not up to it?

Core 2 Duo E6400 (2.13GHz 2MB cache)
2GB RAM (appears to be at least 800MB free while watching films)
Radeon HD 5570 1GB (latest catalyst drivers installed)
Windows 7
WD 120GB HD (OS)
WD 2TB Green HD (Storage)
Using VLan Player to watch the .MKV files and PowerDVD 9 for BluRay disks.

Thanks

Duke_ · 21 Feb 2011 at 12:13

Thanks for the replies

psykix said:
That GPU is more than up to the task..
What codec are you using?

Whatever came with the VLan player

, sorry not great with video software!
Where's the best place to check? Should I hunt through the VLan settings while a video file is loaded up?

Vtec9k said:
Spec is more than fine.
If it's in an HTPC case then what are your CPU temps? Some get really hot and you see speedstep throttling.

Not too keen on adding more ram - have a daft dual RAM type mobo which means I only have two slots DDR2 and two are for DDR3 so I'd need to scrap the two sticks of DDR2 I have. I will if necessary though - then I might as well go for a DDR3 setup and change the ageing processor...!

Skyline said:
I would also stick another 2gb of Ram in to be sure..

The case is a GD05 - I think the graphics temps were around 35C and that's the fanless version of the 5570 so I think the temps are ok as it seems to get good airflow - I'll double check the cpu temps though.

Duke_ · 21 Feb 2011 at 12:31

Brian8bit said:
Tried a driver roll back just to see if that solves the issue?

It's a fresh install so apart from windows default drivers I have nothing to roll back to - let me know if I've missed something obvious!

Duke_ · 21 Feb 2011 at 12:50

psykix said:
I use Mediaportal along with MS codec for both high def and sd content.

I use Arcsoft TMT5 for Bluray playback. I have a GTX460 in my main server, and a HD5450 in one of the clients. Neither have a problem with stuttering.

Are you sure you haven't installed any codec packs or similar?

The only codec I downloaded consciously was for DivX. I think I'm just using the codecs which came with the Vlan player.

Apart from Vlan & Power DVD 9 I'm using Windows Media Centre for TV recording & DivX playback.

Duke_ · 21 Feb 2011 at 17:54

Brilliant - thanks all, will try these later on this evening and let you know how I get on.

Duke_ · 25 Feb 2011 at 13:44

powelly2010 said:
try using vlc media player for mkv?
edit: its either vlc or vcl

Thanks - already using that - see OP - VLC = VLan player.
Sadly it's still being a pain.

I have tried the suggested codec packs with no luck.
Going to install SP1 then try FFD show.
CPU usage while watching DVD is ~5% so the GPU seems to be doing it's job.
HTPC currently set for 1080P @24Hz

The judder / stutter is really odd - smooth for 1-2 seconds then it just jumps forward 1/2 a second - watching a film with cars driving they just suddenly appear further forward on the road.

Will keep you (pl) posted...!

Duke_ · 25 Feb 2011 at 15:48

Thanks All,

I tried 24Hz for use with BluRay but will change back to 60Hz.
I have the Shark codec pack but will also get MKVToolnix v4.5
It might help to know 1080 HD on Youtube plays flawlessly