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View Full Version : Strange problem, Video playback over LAN


Vipasnipa
09-30-08, 10:59 PM
PLEASE CONSIDER READING THIS ENTIRE POST BEFORE TRYING TO HELP

Synopsis: Opening video files from a network share using a 100mbit Ethernet connection results in frequent stuttering and video lag, while using a 54mbit 802.11G connection shows NO stuttering and lag.

Details: Host computer is a Windows Vista SP1 machine (my sig), connected via its NIC to one of the LAN ports of a D-Link DIR-615 B2 router updated to the latest firmware (2.25 as of this writing.) Client computer is a laptop running Windows XP SP2, connected by its NIC to another LAN port of aforementioned router. A folder is shared on the Vista box which contains Xvid AVI files which are encoded at about 2,000 kilobits/sec. These files are opened locally via Windows' (Samba?) default network browser on the XP laptop using the newest version of VLC using default settings. During playback, there is stuttering every 5-10 seconds. However, when the physical Ethernet link is disconnected and NIC disabled on the laptop side and WIFI is enabled instead, there is absolutely NO stuttering and playback is flawless.

Important note: CPU and network utilization is a NON-FACTOR. CPU and network usage on both machines is negligible during playback of the video file, even when the stuttering problem is apparent.

Things tried that have not solved the problem:
:: Changing Vista's network behavior, including setting autotuning=false through netsh and turning off the infamous multimedia network limiter in the registry.
:: Using Cat 5 cables of various lengths and shielding quality.
:: Disabling firewall software on both machines.
:: Restarting everything, including the router, many times.
:: Applying all OS updates.
:: Disconnecting the router from the Internet.

Help?

JigPu
10-01-08, 11:50 AM
Hello from Eugene! :D

It is pretty strange that the wired connection is the one causing grief. Given what you've said and tried, I'd next try to locate a different router or switch to test with. You could also try connecting a crossover cable between the server and client if you can find one.

Some additional questions:
Do the files play back from other computers over a wired connection without trouble?
Do you have trouble playing files with another media player?
Do you experience the same problem when hosting the video from your XP box and playing it on the Vista one?

JigPu

ChronosKill
10-01-08, 12:54 PM
Could try using a different lan port on the router if you haven't tried that already.

--Edit--

I don't know how the network usage goes with other things other than video streaming, but the wired NIC could be bad as well.