Windows 7: Windows Media Player 12 Video Lag

While watching an avi movie if I minimize it, leave it minimized for a second or or two, then re-open the video lags or slows down for a few seconds then returns playing normal. This also happens if I maximize a window over media player, then close it, the video also lags.

does this only happen in wmp, have you tried watching the same video in vlc or another alternative? try updating your gpu drivers as that may increase performance, also does this only occur in Windows 7 or have you tried to watch the video in wmp on vista/xp?

I have my gpu drivers update to the latest, 9.8. I'll download VLC and replay back in a bit. I've only had this issue in Win 7, just recently built a new gaming pc, had the same issue on my previous build. I have 2 movies in wmp that don't have this problem, the other 30 odd have the issue.

Gave VLC a try, same video plays fine, no lag or studder but looks a little more grainy or pixilated than vista x64. Anyway to get the video to work in wmp 12 right?

Are you using a codec pack of any kind? What file types are you playing when it happens? I noticed something similar happening recently with MKV and AVI files in Media Center when I skip forward or back. It could be codec issue. If you are using K-Lite or Shark 007's codec pack try changing the default AVI splitter in their options tools to Haali or Gabest.

It could also be an EVR issue related to the Catalyst drivers. Try an older set and see if the problem still exists.

I'm using Win 7 RTM x64, it already has the codec's I need, no codec packs installed. Trying to play avi files. This problem existed on my old computer with an 8800GT using the RC build. Now i'm using a 4890 so it can't be just a ATI problem.

is the avi hd? as windows doesnt have the proper codecs for that already installed

No, it's just a standard avi movie.

Does anyone else have this problem?

try installing k lite codec pack to make sure its not a problem with the windows codecs