Windows 7: Video playback quality gone horrible!

Greetings to all!

Since last thursday, I've seen a significant depreciation in the video playback quality, both hi-def and divx video files. I installed Windows 7 Ultimate edition in August and the playback quality was great until that last thursday.

Specs-
* Model- HP Pavilion dv6543tx
* Windows 7 Ultimate edition
* 4 GB ram
* Intel core 2 duo T1700 1.8 GHz
* NVidia 8400M GS
* 200 GB Hard drive

I've tried installing the latest Graphics card drivers, codecs and loads of video players including VLC, Media Player etc. I even made a clean installation on Windows 7. But nothin worked.



Am outta ideas now, I'll truly appreciate any help. THANX!

Hi Moody and welcome to the Forum
Think back to last Thursday, did you install new hardware, software, udates or anything else. When did you do the re-install? Since last Thursday?

I hope that's the possible cause

Hey Mitchell65

Thanx for replying.

No hardware updates. Maybe a few updates through Windows Updates but I'm pretty sure none were related to the graphics card. I tried re-installing Windows 7 (both x84 and x64) on Saturday, 8th May. I've also tried all compatible drivers provided by NVidia for the 8400M GS card, but it made no difference. I even tried tweaking the settings given in the NVidia Control Panel.

Will I need to format the entire hard drive and re-install Windows 7? Will installing Vista ( currently using x84 Win 7) do any good??

Waiting for any/ all suggestions. Thanx!

It may be a codec issue . Try installing Shark 007 Windows 7 codec.

Hi Moody
So you had Vista on your notebook to start with and then upgraded to Win 7? You say you re-installed Windows 7 on 8th May. I'm not familiar with upgrading from Vista as I never used it I came straight from XP but the upgrading may be the issue. Oerhaps some other member more learned than I would come in here. If it were left to me I would download and install the very good freebie Media Player Classic. If that doesn't play your videos well then the player is not the problem.
EDIT Sorry Arc, we crossed I was slow in typing

My laptop came with Vista but I upgraded to Win 7 last year in August. There weren't any problems then. This issue came only last thursday. Then only I went in for re-installation of Win 7. Its a bit unorthodox to say this, but this problem just came outta the blue! And I'm not able to pin down the actual source of the prob.

Although I tried installing K-lite full (made no difference) earlier, I've tried shark 007 now.... No noticeable improvement

Hi moody ! There are a few causes of having a bad video quality these are namely driver problem, codec problem, the video itself is of bad quality, or your vdu is over occupied . Try to sort out what happened to you.

Hey Arc

Whats the procedure to check if the vdu is over-occupied?

One more thing, earlier when I used to play videos (any format), the Windows used to set the current Aero theme to Windows 7 Basic theme and then the video used to play.
I assumed Windows was trying to optimize its performance.
Now, it plays the video WITHOUT changing the theme.

I tried adjusting the performance settings under Advanced System Settings and also increased the Virtual memory. But no changes.

To measure monitor's performance, go through Performance Testing of Computer and Video Monitors and if you want to check your graphics card's workings, apply 3D Benchmark - Video card speed test .

What the program you use to play videos ? Any common program doesnot change the color scheme to basic to play a video . If it is WMP 12, it is my first experience of such a situation .