Hardware related Stuttering

[Zathras]

Hello to all

I had originally posted my problem in the support form under the following link:
http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php?t=20583

I thought maybe someone here in the hadrware forum may have better insight to resolving my problem.

To sumarize; When the frontend PC is connected to my home network at "1Gb/s" (using CAT 5e or Cat 6 cable) live TV stuttering is present.

The playback is smooth if the Network card is connected at "100Mb/s" using and old Cat 5 patch cable I had laying around.

I adjusted some of the XP priorities however it had no effect on the playback.

If anyone has an idea on how I can improve playback while connected at 1GB/s I would appreciate our advice.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Regards, Kevin

[HtV]

Hello to all
The playback is smooth if the Network card is connected at "100Mb/s" using and old Cat 5 patch cable I had laying around.
Regards, Kevin

Does it work ok at 100mb/s with the longer cables?

[Zathras]

Htv, Thank you for your continued assistance. I was away for a couple days.... First let me say that when I purchased the CAT 6 cable I purchased one that was 6 ft (2m) length. I figured it was best comparing apples to apples so to speak (because the old CAT 5 cable was 6ft). When both client and server are connected using CAT 6 the stuttering is present.

The only way I can get the system working is by limiting one of the connections to 100mb/s. In other words, I could install the old CAT 5 patch cable between the "server and hub" or the "client and hub" to have decent live TV but could not have live tv with Client and Server connected using CAT 6 (or CAT 5e).

Obviously I will continue my research and try to figure out why this issue exists but at least the system works and Live TV functions.

Thanks again for your help.

Regards, Kevin

[HtV]

When both client and server are connected using CAT 6 the stuttering is present.

Just to get things straight: You do not only switch cable but also change settings for your nics, from 100 mbit to 1 gbit or reverse. What happens if you set the nics to automatic?

[Zathras]

Appologize for the confusion. I was trying hard to be descriptive but obviously I didn't succed.

To answer your question. No I did not limit the NIC. (I wish I was that smart).
I meant that by using the old patch cable I could limit the connection. The network hub has lights which indicate the connection speed. I placed the old patch cable between the hub and the "server". The hub displays a connection of 100Mb/s. The client is connected in the family room by a 10m CAT 5e cable.

The setup works.... Although I have no idea why I get sttutering if I put a newer cable between hub and server.

I hope this is a better explination and is clearer.

Thank you, Kevin

[Brian_W]

Is it a Hub or a true switch? if it is a hub, you may be suffering too many collisions at Gbit speeds, causing retries which could definitely affect performance.

Brian

[HtV]

Is it a Hub or a true switch? if it is a hub, you may be suffering too many collisions at Gbit speeds, causing retries which could definitely affect performance.

Brian

Do gbit hubs exist?:confused:

@ Zathras: You might consider updating your nic-drivers.

[Brian_W]

Do gbit hubs exist?:confused:

@ Zathras: You might consider updating your nic-drivers.

I have no idea, I would hope not! lol I wouldn't be surprised since they would be lower on cost and they can say "It supports Gigabit". marketing I tell ya.

Brian

[Zathras]

It is an IO Data ETG2-SH8 8 Port Gigabit switching hub.

http://www.iodata.jp/prod/network/lanada.../index.htm

This is a japanese site containing the specs. Not sure that it is very helpful.
I will try to look for updated drivers although I think I updated them a couple of months back.

Brian if your senario was true would you have any recommendation?

Thanks again to all of you.

This is truly a great community!

Kevin

[Zathras]

I did locate updated drivers... Thank you Htv for prodding me in that direction. Unfortunately the stuttering is still present when connected at 1Gb/s. The journey continues