Audio Crackling when playing Video files via WMC and WMP

Hi,

I hope this is the correct forum to post this. Let me know where I should post if not. I Bought a desktop computer last weekend and am testing to make sure it will meet my needs primarily as an HTPC.

When using the WMC I have noticed crackling sounds when playing m2ts video files containing AVC and AC-3. I have noticed crackling sounds primarily on start up of the video file and sporadically during playback. At first I thought it might be a hw issue but now I'm not so sure. BTW the video playback appears to be okay...just a problem with the audio.

On the windows sw side I am fully up to date i.e. with Windows 7 HP x64.

On the hardware side I have updated by video and audio drivers to the latest...in fact all the drivers are upto date. The Machine is an Acer Aspire X1470 desktop model with 4 GB of ram. AMD Radeon HD 6410D Graphics (display adapter). AMD A4-3400 APU.

I have tried connecting the audio thru the on-board sound system. I've also tried using an external USB based sound I/F. Which one I use makes no difference...The crackling still comes thru.

Part of the reason I'm led to believe this is not strickly a hw issue is because I've tried playing these same files with XBMC and they play cleanly. So it would seem there is some kind of interaction issue hw and sw when using WMC on this computer. BTW I've tried using WMP (my preferred choice) but the audio and video degradation is markedly worse than WMC. I've included the Media info data for one of the files I've played below:

Regards,
Charles

General
ID : 0 (0x0)
Complete name : \\CHARLES-EPC\Users\Charles\Videos\Home Library\Music Concertino\20100607 Concertino\02 What Child is This.m2ts
Format : MPEG-TS
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
File size : 93.0 MiB
Duration : 2mn 39s
Overall bit rate : 4 882 Kbps
Maximum Overall bit rate : 40.0 Mbps
Video
ID : 4113 (0x1011)
Menu ID : 1 (0x1)
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : Main@L3.1
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 2 frames
Format settings, GOP : M=3, N=13
Codec ID : 27
Duration : 2mn 39s
Bit rate : 4 382 Kbps
Width : 1 280 pixels
Height : 720 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate mode : Variable
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Stream size : 83.5 MiB (90%)
Audio
ID : 4352 (0x1100)
Menu ID : 1 (0x1)
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Mode extension : CM (complete main)
Codec ID : 129
Duration : 2mn 39s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 256 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : Front: L R
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Bit depth : 16 bits
Compression mode : Lossy
Delay relative to video : 15ms
Stream size : 4.88 MiB (5%)

you'll need to install some codecs to get it working properly in the Windows players.
download and install x64Components addon and the 32bit Win7codecs

After installation, rightclick the Both of the Settings Application shortcuts, and choose Run as Administrator
There is a 32bit app that controls WMP and a separate 64bit app for Media Center.
select the [x] SUGGESTED settings checkbox and then on the SWAP TAB, choose to disable the Microsft Audio decoder.

Hi Shark007,

I did everything you suggested in your reply and I'm happy to report that I am now able to play the same files (i.e. as per e.g. shown in media info) and they play flawlessly in both WMC and WMP.

I was more surprized when they actually played in WMP because prior to your fix it was a real mess watching these files play...i.e. not to mention hard on my stereo. WMC was marginally okay but still crackled a little but now after you fix it's totally is clean.

Thank-you,
Charles