DVD Playback

[tal56]

Hi guys,

I'm having a little problem with DVD playback. I have powerdvd 6 installed and that works fine for playing dvds, but when I play from GBPVR, the picture is like semi scrambled and sounds is very choppy.

I've tried using different decoders for the dvd, including the cyberlink ones for both video and audio, but the same thing happens. Not sure what to try next, any suggestions? Thanks

[csy]

This is classic symptoms of lack of timing synchronisation between the source (DVD in your case), audio/video decoder, and renderers.

First you need to ensure you are using the matching DVD navigator to the decoders. This is because the DVD navigator filter provides the primary timing reference to the decoders, and the timing mechanism is proprietary to the brand of decoders used, ie if using Intervideo decoders then also use Intervideo DVD navigator. In my experience this is really important for smooth DVD playback.

Second, you need to ensure you have the directx 9b quartz.dll installed because the latest directx9c has a known timing problem with its quartz.dll (search this forum for the directx 9b quartz.dll file). In order to obtain best benefit from this fix, you need to ensure you are using the default MEG2 Splitter/Demux (not other 3rd party ones like Moonlight mpeg2 demux). You can check this using a utility called GSpot (google search on Internet).

Third, the audio/video decoders don't work correctly on their own. Take for instance the Intervideo decoders, the WinDVD application applies a whole lot of registery settings to make the decoders work correctly. GBPVR simply uses these decoders without applying the required registry settings, therefore timing problems occur.

The required Intervideo decoder registry tweaks can be found at thread:
http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php?t=9082
That thread contains my own registry recommendations and also another persons recommendations. You are welcome to try either recommendations or both in combination. The important registry setting for timing is "DsContinuousRate" applied to both the audio and video registry keys.

Another point to note is that if you specify a decoder in GBPVR, that does not guarentee that it will be used, but instead is a preference only. An example being if you are using the Moonlight mpeg2 demux, then the Intervideo video decoder is not compatable with that demux and will never be used irrespective of GBPVR settings. Again this can be proved by using GSpot.

I personally have not had any luck getting the Cyberlink decoders to work smoothly in GBPVR, and therefore have stuck with the Intervideo decoders, but other users may have had more luck than me with the Cyberlink decoders.

Well that's my 2cents worth, I hope it is of help to you.