skipping video

[mces97]

I have two computers setup in a wireless network. One is rather old, 1.3ghz Pentium 4, and the other has a 3.2ghz Pentium d. The problem I run into is either when i stream videos from either computer to the other, which are mostly xvid avi's, while watching, maybe every 4 or 5 minutes it freezes for about a second then continues playing fine. I don't think it is a codec problem or wireless problem , as I get full bars on 54Mbs connection. Has anyone else run into this problem, or have any suggestions as how I might be able to remedy this
I just noticed that the problem does not happen when i use media player classic. It seems to skip when i use zoom player. I would prefer using zoom player though. I cant figure out why zoom player makes it freeze, but media player classic does not. They both are using the same codecs.

[redwudz]

I would check the Task Manager in each computer and see how much CPU/memory each is using.

The 'every 4 or 5 minutes' make me think one of the computers it running some program in the background. Check that also in Task Manager and see whats running. Antivirus programs are a good candidate.
The two players may be different by how much CPU power each needs. MPC is generally better for slower computers.

If it's not a computer problem, then maybe it is your LAN. But 54MB should be fast enough. Running a temporary CAT5 cable between the two computers may answer that question. There may be access on your LAN at those 4 or 5 minute intervals that is interrupting the flow.

Finally if you did think it might be a codec problem, you might try VLC media player. It uses it own codecs, so it should tell you if it's codec related.

[mces97]

I found out that the only videos it seems that have a lag/freeze to them are avi's. I found that on the 3.2ghz machine the only way to get them to play lag free is through media player classic. On the 1.3ghz though no matter how I try I get a lag. I also discovered that if I copy a large file from either computer to the other, then watch an avi there is no lag. What I cant understand is if copying a file stops the lag, then I would think its a network problem, but other files play fine so that makes it seem like its not a network problem. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

update: I connected the computers with a wired cat-5 cable and the problem went away. It must be something in the network, but I still dont know why it only happens on avi's. I am able to stream high definiition x.264 files fine. Like I said I get 54Mbs and full bars. This also I noticed only happens on xvids with the newest 1.1.2 final version, not older versions. If I am getting full bars getting a better antena probably wont help right? Im at a loss here. Suggestions?