Slow motion

[Pliny]

Macbook 2 GHz
VLC 0.8.6c
2 GB RAM
Hooked up to Samsung LCD HDTV LNT-4665F as extended desktop

Something I've noticed recently in playing back a variety of media files (XVID, MKV, DVD, TS) is VLC looking like it's going into slow motion for a couple of seconds, then re-motioning itself back into normal speed. I tried checking the "Drop late frames" and also "Skip frames," but it still happens randomly.

I think I've noticed it more since I started running video on the Samsung as an extended desktop. I don't seem to remember it happening when I would use the "mirror desktop" option. I'm not running anything in the background and the Internet is off. The preferences are mostly at default.

Any idea what's going on?

[terryj]

Could be latency in post rendering to the HDTV?
if the problem does not exist with the monitor
connected, then I would say you have found the culprit.

If you could, what happens using a standard Mac mini dvi to VGA out
to a standard VGA monitor at say 60hz?
Does it still stutter,or does it play correctly?
you might try changing if possible the refresh rate on the LCD
it may help.

[Pliny]

I used to have a PPC Mini 1.42 GHz.

Unfortunately, I can't change the refresh rate on the TV unless I change the source, which would be the Display Preferences on the Macbook. It's at 60Hz running on 1080p. I don't think I had the problem running it at 720p, but I'd like to use the TV to its fullest.

[terryj]

if the problem doesn't exist at 720p, then that may be your
only option as the video card in the MacBook may not
be able to handle the upscaled resolution without the stutter
(overtaxing of the Video Card/ not enough buffering or adequate
onboard VRAM?). TEST AND LET US KNOW.

If so, you may be forced into looking into a video converter
box,a go between, which would handle the larger res.

another thing, and I know this will not give you the clearest of pictures, but if your tv accepts S-VHS or composite inputs,
what would happen
if you sent the signal out from the mac using a mini dvi to
S-VHS adapter?
I'm thinking a decrease in quality, but no stutter ?

[Pliny]

I just watched a DVD (on the hard drive) using the Apple DVD Player last night on 1080p. I didn't seem to notice anything. I'm suspecting that VLC might be the culprit. Tonight I will turn all of the VLC settings to default and test out a movie.

I do have a mini-DVI to S-video adapter from my SDTV days, but I can't go back now!

[terryj]

ok, keep us posted Pliny.

[Slydude]

I'm certainly curious about this. I'm currently looking at sets in the 46-50" range and am definitely leaning in the direction of Samsung. Originally I thought Plasma due to the supposedly better color (deeper blacks etc). Since I own a Dual 2 gig G5 I'd like to find one that plays well with Macs.

[Pliny]

I've been watching several movies and TV shows with VLC in the last few days and I haven't noticed anything. I did a reset of the VLC prefs soon after I posted, but I don't know if that had anything to do with it. If I see the slow-mo again, I will note the codec info and file type.