Please! An expert for codecs...

[xtrips]

Hello,

Some raw data first:
- HTPC based on Vista Ultimate
- Audio output only through S/PDIF
- Connected to a 7.1 audio system
- I have no problems with video codecs
- I am mainly using PowerDVD Ultra or GOM player
- I only playback HD files, no encoding
- I only playback files widely available on the net. MKV, WMV, AVI, TS, BlueRay, HD-DVD, etc..

My problem is only with audio playback. Most files play OK except:
- WMV files encoded with multichannel audio (codecs WMA3, WMA9)
- mkv encoded with DTS soundtrack are clipping or stuttering

Please help, I have tried everything available. It's the understanding and the method I lack most.

Thanks

[Nelson37]

Do ALL files in those formats have problems or just some of them?

Reason I ask is that Internet files are a total crapshoot. Quite possible they were just improperly encoded.

Can you obtain some sample files from a known good source and test those?

[Ansuer]

I run everything in XviD with MP3, MP2, or the native AC3 encoding. For the passthrough of AC3 I just use AC3Filter that comes with the klite codec pack.

Definitly try to tinker with some different codec configs. It took me a while to get klite installed just right to play all my files and formats correctly.

I use AC3Filter for DTS decoding as well, though my receiver shows it playing as Dolby Digital.

[Bjs]

Another one ... klite codec pack ... leave it out .

Install only codecs you actually need and have less issues later .

But there are numerous issues here , both from pc setup and format .

It may be a simpler task to unpack those problematic files , and repack into a format known to work on the current system .

I like Nelson37's usage of the term "crapshoot" in relation to internet accessed content ... You never know if it will play correctly , until its completely downloaded ... which could be a waste of time and effort .