In a message dated 02/03/2004 12:26:57 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> Subject: DVD Problem
>
> Hi there
> I've just installed a new DVD Rom drive in my computer and although it can
> read and transfer data no problem, when I come to use it to watch a DVD film,
> it plays for a few seconds, sometimes minutes and then the whole system
> freezes and the audio has a constant dddddddddddd! All other aspects of the
> computer are fine.
>
> The spec of the PC, I believe is OK
> 1.8GHz AMD K6 Processor
> 256Mb RAM
> On-board Shared 16Mb Graphics Card
> Windows XP Professional O/S
> Cyberlink PowerDVD Software
>
> The discs I am attempting to play are original silver Region 2 ones. If
> anyone can help, I'd appreciate it - could be the drive is faulty!!
>
> Best regards,    Pete Sowerby

Pete, I'm not positive but it almost sounds to me as though the graphics part
of your system is the weak link here. 16mb of on-board shared video means
that the your using a portion of the RAM to power your graphics. A rather small
and slower type of video power. You will probably need to beef up your graphics
to a dedicated graphics card as DVD video is hungry for memory and processor
speed. Even the fastest processors and mobo's can't quite pump out the video
requirements needed versus a dedicated graphics card. I think the system is
getting overwhelmed. Any others with thoughts?

Chris Ryan
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