Anyone else use an HTPC?
Comments
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I think I may have found your problem it's your TV. I just look up the specs on it and it says the native resolution is 1024 x 768 (BTW that's not a true 16/9 widescreen), so what I think is going on is that your TV is scaling (up or down) the video from your HTPC and cant keep up. What you might try doing is if you have a 16/9 or 16/10 computer monitor capable of 1920 x 1080, 1680 x 1050 or 1280 x 720 try hooking that up to your HTPC. If you don't have the same problem than it's your TV.“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” ~ Mark Twain
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I doubt it's that. If a TV can't interpolate a non-native resolution without causing stuttering then there's something seriously wrong with it. HD broadcasts are either in 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720, so if that were the case, it would be stuttering regardless the source.
RT-12, CS350-LS, PSW-300, Infinity Overture 1, Monoprice RC-65i
Adcom GFA-545II, GFA-6000, Outlaw Audio 990, Netgear NeoTV
Denon DCM-460, DMD-1000, Sony BDP-360, Bravia KDL-40Z4100/S
Monster AVL-300, HTS-2500 MKII -
Not necessarily he says it only happens with fast action movies and anime both have very quick scene changes.“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” ~ Mark Twain
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Fast action and quick scene changes could also indicate software rendering. Best way to check is to "Restore Down" while a video is running and have task manager up to see if the CPU is pegged at 100% during those moments. That's a simple check that I would try first so I can cross it off my list while I'm troubleshooting.
I also agree with Disneyjoe7 that it's dicey to play with 64bit. It's doable but headache prone even though I run it for testing purposes but my HTPC is 32bit. Shark007 x64 seems to be pretty stable so far.
As for Raid levels, yeah, it can be a headache if your raid controller isn't up to the task.
From what I'm reading so far, I currently doubt the 720p TV is causing a problem unless you're software rendering your video.
Oh, yeah, maybe I should explain. Software rendering means your CPU is handling the video. Hardware rendering means your video card is handling the video (and sometimes audio depending on your card). This all depends on the video codecs you're running.
For example, my x64 Vista Ultimate system playing action scenes running in software mode stutters at 1080P using a quadcore cpu (Q9300 pegged at 100%) with 8GB of memory. In hardware mode (rendering), the ATi 4850 takes over and that same scene runs smoothly with the CPU idling at about 20% or less.
Of course, I can be wrong and it's something else. That's the joy of chasing down codec problems. -
I still don't get it. I didn't have to do anything special for any of my 64 Vista, Win7 or Win2008R2 installs. I installed the OS, installed the drivers, and away I went. Nothing different than how I would have done a 32 bit OS. Oh well...fatchowmein wrote: »I also agree with Disneyjoe7 that it's dicey to play with 64bit. It's doable but headache prone even though I run it for testing purposes but my HTPC is 32bit. Shark007 x64 seems to be pretty stable so far.
That Q9300 should have been able to play 1080p in software mode without stutters. Maybe you weren't using a multi-threaded codec? I had absolutely no problems with stutter free software-only playback on a T9300 (which is the dual-core version of the Q9300) using FFDshow. I personally don't use DXVA accelerated playback since it has issues with some videos since it's really only designed for Blu-ray playback, and is therefore picky about how it is encoded.For example, my x64 Vista Ultimate system playing action scenes running in software mode stutters at 1080P using a quadcore cpu (Q9300 pegged at 100%) with 8GB of memory. In hardware mode (rendering), the ATi 4850 takes over and that same scene runs smoothly with the CPU idling at about 20% or less. -
Server 2008 R2 has Windows Media Center? I'm not sure we're on the same page but if you were able to playback VC1 or H.264 or AVC through Windows Media Center with minimal codec install, more power to you. I'm impress, especially with x64 and subtitles.
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About 64bit....
I quoted this from AVS forum user renethx post #15633
Note my HTPC build was roughly from his post on builds.
"OS
Microsoft Windows is the dominating OS in HTPC for good reasons. The latest Windows is recommended.
Windows 7, Home Premium or higher, 32-bit or 64-bit, Retail or OEM or TechNet/MSDN Subscription.
http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...10-12/0_OS.png
Remarks
Windows 7 Editions: Home Premium is enough for normal HTPC tasks. 7 Home Premium supports full-system backup and restore unlike Vista Home Premium. You can find comparison of Windows 7 editions in this Microsoft web page and Wikipedia.
32 bit vs. 64 bit: Advantages of Windows 64 bit are:
It supports more than 4GB memory; however this is not important because normal HTPC tasks won't get benefit from more than 4GB memory.
If you are going to boot from a HDD over 2.199TB capacity, you will need a motherboard with UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) and Windows 7/Vista 64-bit. (The 32-bit OS supports a data storage HDD over 2.199TB just fine.)
Disadvantages of Windows 64 bit are:
Windows Media Center of Windows 64-bit is a 64-bit application and hence you can't use a couple of useful 32-bit DirectShow filters with its internal video player (e.g. madFlac Decoder, ReClock, ArcSoft Audio Decoder, ArcSoft Video Decoder, CyberLink Video Decoder). This is not a fatal disadvantage however even if you use Windows Media Center as a front end; you can always use an external media player such as Media Player Classic HomeCinema.
So which one to choose? Personally I recommend Windows 32-bit. All the video playback applications (except for Windows Media Center in Windows 7 64-bit) are still 32-bit and there is no point of using the 64-bit OS. The 64-bit version simply creates complications in configuring the system for 32-bit players with zero performance benefit. By the time media players and video/audio codecs, in particular commercial Blu-ray players, are developed in 64-bit, Windows 7 will have been outdated anyway."
Speakers
Carver Amazing Fronts
CS400i Center
RT800i's Rears
Sub Paradigm Servo 15
Electronics
Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
Parasound Halo A23
Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
Pioneer 79Avi DVD
Sony CX400 CD changer
Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR -
Nope, I never said that. I was talking about compatibility issues with the 64-bit OS's, nothing more.fatchowmein wrote: »Server 2008 R2 has Windows Media Center? I'm not sure we're on the same page but if you were able to playback VC1 or H.264 or AVC through Windows Media Center with minimal codec install, more power to you. I'm impress, especially with x64 and subtitles.
That is an interesting quote, and does bring up one good point - 64-bit WMC. I'm not a fan of, and therefore so it doesn't really matter to me; however, for those who insist on using it, it might be an issue. However, note that there is a 64-bit version of ffdshow available, which contains many different codecs, so I'm not sure if it would really be much of an issue anymore.disneyjoe7 wrote: »About 64bit....
I quoted this from AVS forum user renethx post #15633
Note my HTPC build was roughly from his post on builds.
"OS
Microsoft Windows is the dominating OS in HTPC for good reasons. The latest Windows is recommended.
Windows 7, Home Premium or higher, 32-bit or 64-bit, Retail or OEM or TechNet/MSDN Subscription.
http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...10-12/0_OS.png
Remarks
Windows 7 Editions: Home Premium is enough for normal HTPC tasks. 7 Home Premium supports full-system backup and restore unlike Vista Home Premium. You can find comparison of Windows 7 editions in this Microsoft web page and Wikipedia.
32 bit vs. 64 bit: Advantages of Windows 64 bit are:
It supports more than 4GB memory; however this is not important because normal HTPC tasks won't get benefit from more than 4GB memory.
If you are going to boot from a HDD over 2.199TB capacity, you will need a motherboard with UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) and Windows 7/Vista 64-bit. (The 32-bit OS supports a data storage HDD over 2.199TB just fine.)
Disadvantages of Windows 64 bit are:
Windows Media Center of Windows 64-bit is a 64-bit application and hence you can't use a couple of useful 32-bit DirectShow filters with its internal video player (e.g. madFlac Decoder, ReClock, ArcSoft Audio Decoder, ArcSoft Video Decoder, CyberLink Video Decoder). This is not a fatal disadvantage however even if you use Windows Media Center as a front end; you can always use an external media player such as Media Player Classic HomeCinema.
So which one to choose? Personally I recommend Windows 32-bit. All the video playback applications (except for Windows Media Center in Windows 7 64-bit) are still 32-bit and there is no point of using the 64-bit OS. The 64-bit version simply creates complications in configuring the system for 32-bit players with zero performance benefit. By the time media players and video/audio codecs, in particular commercial Blu-ray players, are developed in 64-bit, Windows 7 will have been outdated anyway."
In my prior posts I was thinking more along the lines of the OS itself, as well video use, but not specifically where WMC is concerned. However, I do wonder why M$ couldn't have included a 32-bit WMC in 64-bit OS's as well, at least as an option. They still include both a 32-bit and 64-bit Internet Explorer, so why not WMC??? -
For HTPC use, I can't see not just using Win 7 32bit over 64bit it just works.
Speakers
Carver Amazing Fronts
CS400i Center
RT800i's Rears
Sub Paradigm Servo 15
Electronics
Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
Parasound Halo A23
Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
Pioneer 79Avi DVD
Sony CX400 CD changer
Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR -
I've been running the 64bit shark codecs with no problems on two different machines both based on i3 cpus. Haven't noticed any problems at all and my rips are mkv.
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I had the same problem or similar problem when putting a BD in my ACER. The video card RAM (well, the whole card really, it could not keep up) (and that) was my issue. So, for me, I went and got a PS3 for not only streaming from my pc and internet, but also playing blu ray discs and Madden.Onkyo TX-NR636
Main - polkaudio Monitor 60's
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Audio Outdoors
Pioneer VSX 406 - polkaudio Atrium 5
Shed
Sony junker str-dn2010 with Sony bookshelf floor models and polkaudio R150's
Shed 2
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Not sure if you're talking about my TV, but it's native resolution is 1920x1080.I think I may have found your problem it's your TV. I just look up the specs on it and it says the native resolution is 1024 x 768 (BTW that's not a true 16/9 widescreen), so what I think is going on is that your TV is scaling (up or down) the video from your HTPC and cant keep up. What you might try doing is if you have a 16/9 or 16/10 computer monitor capable of 1920 x 1080, 1680 x 1050 or 1280 x 720 try hooking that up to your HTPC. If you don't have the same problem than it's your TV.
This is true, however the only source I have for this HTPC is my videos.I doubt it's that. If a TV can't interpolate a non-native resolution without causing stuttering then there's something seriously wrong with it. HD broadcasts are either in 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720, so if that were the case, it would be stuttering regardless the source.
My GPU rarely goes above 10-15% when watching a 1080p movie. This is to be expected though, with the video card I have. I have checked the CPU usage during movies to make sure my GPU was taking the load, and it never went over 5-10%, which could be accounted for by all the tabs I have open in Opera.fatchowmein wrote: »Fast action and quick scene changes could also indicate software rendering. Best way to check is to "Restore Down" while a video is running and have task manager up to see if the CPU is pegged at 100% during those moments. That's a simple check that I would try first so I can cross it off my list while I'm troubleshooting.
I also agree with Disneyjoe7 that it's dicey to play with 64bit. It's doable but headache prone even though I run it for testing purposes but my HTPC is 32bit. Shark007 x64 seems to be pretty stable so far.
From what I'm reading so far, I currently doubt the 720p TV is causing a problem unless you're software rendering your video.
Oh, yeah, maybe I should explain. Software rendering means your CPU is handling the video. Hardware rendering means your video card is handling the video (and sometimes audio depending on your card). This all depends on the video codecs you're running.
You're right there. If this was a dedicated HTPC, I would be using a 32-bit OS.disneyjoe7 wrote: »For HTPC use, I can't see not just using Win 7 32bit over 64bit it just works."Dr Dunn admitted that his research could also be interpreted as evidence that women are shallower than men. He said: "Let's face it - there's evidence to support it."
My System:Best Buy is for people who don't know any better. Magnolia is for people who don't know any better and have more money to spend.
TV: SAMSUNG UN55B7000 55" 1080p LED HDTV
HTPC: Chromecast w/ Plex Media Server. Media streamed from Media Server. -
ryanjoachim wrote: »Not sure if you're talking about my TV, but it's native resolution is 1920x1080.
My GPU rarely goes above 10-15% when watching a 1080p movie. This is to be expected though, with the video card I have. I have checked the CPU usage during movies to make sure my GPU was taking the load, and it never went over 5-10%, which could be accounted for by all the tabs I have open in Opera.
Sorry I was looking at the wrong TV.:redface:
Your GPU and CPU usage looks good nice and low, and with that TV it's not your hardware.
This brings me back to an earlier question, How are you converting your movies/videos, what software are you using, are you converting strait from the DVD/BD. What are the steps you take. ?
Another thing how are you connecting the HTPC to your TV, HDMI, DVI-D, VGA, Component. ?“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” ~ Mark Twain -
Sorry I was looking at the wrong TV.:redface:
Your GPU and CPU usage looks good nice and low, and with that TV it's not your hardware.
This brings me back to an earlier question, How are you converting your movies/videos, what software are you using, are you converting strait from the DVD/BD. What are the steps you take. ?
Another thing how are you connecting the HTPC to your TV, HDMI, DVI-D, VGA, Component. ?
All of my movies are ripped directly from the source disc (dvd/bd). I do have some 720p TV shows that I recorded, but I'm not too worried about those (I do have this issue with those shows sometimes though).
I used a program like Handbrake (as well as others) to handle the ripping and re-encoding of the video files.
I have an 8-10ft (can't remember exactly) HDMI cable going from my tower to my TV. The cable is 1.3b spec."Dr Dunn admitted that his research could also be interpreted as evidence that women are shallower than men. He said: "Let's face it - there's evidence to support it."
My System:Best Buy is for people who don't know any better. Magnolia is for people who don't know any better and have more money to spend.
TV: SAMSUNG UN55B7000 55" 1080p LED HDTV
HTPC: Chromecast w/ Plex Media Server. Media streamed from Media Server. -
That cable should be fine but I think you need a 1.4 for 3D if I recall correctly.ryanjoachim wrote: »All of my movies are ripped directly from the source disc (dvd/bd). I do have some 720p TV shows that I recorded, but I'm not too worried about those (I do have this issue with those shows sometimes though).
I used a program like Handbrake (as well as others) to handle the ripping and re-encoding of the video files.
I have an 8-10ft (can't remember exactly) HDMI cable going from my tower to my TV. The cable is 1.3b spec.
The TV shows are more than likely your source provider. i.e. cable, sat, over the air. I get the samething from comcrap er comcast sometimes when just watching a show or movie.
Again are you re-encoding while your ripping the disk. If this is the case than this is most likely your problem especially with BD disks. You should be ripping your disks to the hard drive first then re-encode them from the hard drive. Doing it this way solved a whole host of problems I use to have when I was doing it. A/V sync, Subtitle sync, Dropped frames etc...“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” ~ Mark Twain -
That cable should be fine but I think you need a 1.4 for 3D if I recall correctly.
The TV shows are more than likely your source provider. i.e. cable, sat, over the air. I get the samething from comcrap er comcast sometimes when just watching a show or movie.
Again are you re-encoding while your ripping the disk. If this is the case than this is most likely your problem especially with BD disks. You should be ripping your disks to the hard drive first then re-encode them from the hard drive. Doing it this way solved a whole host of problems I use to have when I was doing it. A/V sync, Subtitle sync, Dropped frames etc...
I don't give a rat's-**** about 3D lol...useless gimmick for movies IMO.
And I always rip to the hard drive then re-encode my movies."Dr Dunn admitted that his research could also be interpreted as evidence that women are shallower than men. He said: "Let's face it - there's evidence to support it."
My System:Best Buy is for people who don't know any better. Magnolia is for people who don't know any better and have more money to spend.
TV: SAMSUNG UN55B7000 55" 1080p LED HDTV
HTPC: Chromecast w/ Plex Media Server. Media streamed from Media Server. -
ryanjoachim wrote: »I don't give a rat's-**** about 3D lol...useless gimmick for movies IMO.
Agreed, What's the saying If you can't make it good make it 3D.
Boy you've got me. At this point we can rule out your hardware, It's more than what I'm running. And the way your ripping and converting, Here's what I'm using also I use WMC for playback because it has a 10' interface works with my remote and can play all my movies.
LIAN LI Black Aluminum PC-C37B Micro ATX Case
Intel Core2 Duo E7500 Wolfdale 2.93GHz 3MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W
ASUS P5QPL-AM LGA 775 Intel G41 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
ASUS (LP) GeForce 9400 GT 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI E 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
CORSAIR XMS2 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM (PC2 6400) Dual Channel
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V Modular
LITE-ON Black 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA DVD-ROM Drive
3 Seagate Barracuda LP 2TB 5900 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drives
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit
iMON Insider (I just use the remote drivers as the iMedia software is crap)
So this leads us back to codecs which made me remember something "windows codec priority". Apparently with windows (more so with 7) it doesn't make any difference what codec you use to encode your videos with when you play them back windows forces the use of the codecs included with windows unless you change the codec priority. You'll have to google it to figure out how to change it or just download and install shark007 codec pack and the x64 component (it's the pack I use). you can goto www.shark007.net for more info.
A word on VLC. The only problem with it as I see it is it's trying to be to many things for to many people and ending up not doing any of them very well. JMO
Hope this helps.“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” ~ Mark Twain
