HTPC problems - any ideas?

TKK

I'm wondering if anyone can help with a couple of problems I'm having with my new htpc.

I have a machine with an E5200 processor, 4gb RAM, Radeon 4670 &LG blu-ray drive. My audio and video are being output via HDMI to my amp (Pioneer LX51) and on to my tv. I'm running ArcSoft TMT3 for blu-ray playback and finding that the whole thing starts seriously stuttering (audio and video) after 5-10 minutes. Pausing playback for a few seconds allows me to go on but it does the same thing again at regular intervals. I'm using the Dark Knight blu-ray to test. To me it seems like a buffering issue or something along those lines but I'm not sure.

I've checked the task manager when this stuttering is happening and there doesn't seem to be any great load on the system. I've tried looking online and found that some people think there's a bug in TMT3 when outputting via HDMI but then again it's not clear if this is actually the case.

I downloaded the PowerDVD 9.0 demo to try but it reports that the disc is an incorrect format?


The other thing is I'm trying to track down an IR receiver so I can control the pc via my Harmony remote but it's proving very difficult. MS seem to have stopped making/selling the MCE remote??? Are there any alternatives? Anyone know where to get a hold of an MCE remote and receiver or just the receiver on it's own?

eddiem74

Have you tried Audio via SPDIF output or some other option to see what happens ?

What version of display driver as you using ? The latest or ?

Assume TMT is also up to date with any patches, etc?

Are you playing back from disk or hard disk ?

TKK

I've not had a chance to try the audio via spdif yet...it's on the list though.

I'm using the latest catalyst version from ATI.

As for patching TMT - I'm pretty sure it's up to date. I can't see any patches listed on their site.

I'm playing from a blu-ray disc.

MAJJ

On the IR receiver front, i bought from this seller and for approx. 10STG I rolled the dice. He had good feedback.

http://cgi.ebay.ie/New-HP-MCE-USB-IR-Receiver-IR-blaster-For-Vista-MCE_W0QQitemZ220481239301QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectables_InputDevices_RL?hash=item3355b4b905

Package arrived after 2 weeks. It's a USB receiver and remote. I use it with my Harmony and it works fine. Have only done a simple test to date.

Note the package I received was missing the IR wires for controlling a STB but they are meant to be on the way.

eddiem74

TKK wrote: »

I've not had a chance to try the audio via spdif yet...it's on the list though.

I'm using the latest catalyst version from ATI.

As for patching TMT - I'm pretty sure it's up to date. I can't see any patches listed on their site.

I'm playing from a blu-ray disc.

I know I've read around that the 9.8 drivers are more stable than some of the more recent, could be worth a shot?

Alternatively a reinstall of TMT, etc., you know drill.

This is the fun HTPC tweaking part everyone talks about, right ?

TKK

eddiem74 wrote: »

This is the fun HTPC tweaking part everyone talks about, right ?

This must be it alright...I'm having the time of my life