HD files stuttering

[UW]

When I transcode HD files to my PS3, I find that I occasionally suffer from stuttering.
This only occurs when the bitrate goes above about 10-13mbps. For the most part this isn't a problem, but on certain files it can be extremely frustrating.

My computer is running a Quad Core Q6600 at 2.4GHz, with 2GB RAM. I've even tried giving TVersity realtime CPU priority and it only uses 40% at even at the parts it struggles with.

I can only think the problem lies with the network somehow, but here's the thing:

I've plugged my PC directly into the PS3 from the second network card (Gigabit) and bridged it to my internet connection. I've manually set the PS3's connection to be gigabit, and it has readily accepted that (Previously when it was plugged into the 'fast ethernet' router, it simply wouldn't connect if I set it at that speed). This should mean that when I'm streaming movies to the PS3, it should be running directly from the PC down a gigabit line..(In theory) so I can't see why there would be any problems.

Is this a known problem with a solution, can anyone think why this might be happening?

Thanks
UW

[nfs0623]

You are not alone - this happens to me too...

I have some high bitrate MKV files that always stutter, and some moderate bitrate ones that play fine. Again, my system is never taxed to the limit.

Also, I have high bitrate mpeg2 files that never stutter...

My thinking is it's related to the transcoding, but not related to hardware or network.

[slycklink]

Do you think a new firmware of TVersity could fix it? I'm having the same problem.

[Darko_kun]

This would be a solid program if we could stream hd content with out stuttering. Do you guys think buying a new router would fix this problem? Are you guys using good routers? im using a netgear wireless router right next to the ps3. Would buying a new router work?

[RFontenot]

If you are transcoding a HD video and it stutters, try lowering the output resolution size in TVersity until the stuttering stops.

If you are streaming a HD video that plays natively on the PS3 and it stutters, try copying it to the PS3's internal drive and see if stutters. If it does, the problem is with the video file. If it doesn't, the problem could be your network, your PC, or TVersity.

I run 1080i MPEG-2 HD video at 20Mbps across my 100Mb wired network without any problems, so you don't need Gigabit to stream HD successfully, but you do need a network that can deliver all of it's rated throughput.

In my opinion, running HD across a wireless network is asking for problems. There are so many things that can degrade the signal, which in turn degrades the throughput, and there isn't a lot you can do about that.

If you have a wired network, be sure your cables and connectors are top quality. I once made my own patch cables, and they seemed to work just fine for regular traffic, but I could not stream video across them. Replacing them with a high quality set of factory made patch cables solved the problem. If your cables terminate into punchdown connectors, be sure to follow the rules regarding proper termination.

Most motherboards nowadays come with a fairly decent Ethernet chipset, but if you are using a bargin basement Ethernet NIC, consider upgrading. I've always used either 3Com or Intel NICs and I never had any problems with them. Be sure to upgrade the drivers if there is an upgrade available.

Check your PC for any viruses or adware or other bots that my be consuming CPU cycles or consuming network bandwidth. If you want to get technical, download and install Wireshark and use it to see just what is happening when you stream packets across your network.

RF

[pc9999]

If you are transcoding a HD video and it stutters, try lowering the output resolution size in TVersity until the stuttering stops.

If you are streaming a HD video that plays natively on the PS3 and it stutters, try copying it to the PS3's internal drive and see if stutters. If it does, the problem is with the video file. If it doesn't, the problem could be your network, your PC, or TVersity.

I run 1080i MPEG-2 HD video at 20Mbps across my 100Mb wired network without any problems, so you don't need Gigabit to stream HD successfully, but you do need a network that can deliver all of it's rated throughput.

In my opinion, running HD across a wireless network is asking for problems. There are so many things that can degrade the signal, which in turn degrades the throughput, and there isn't a lot you can do about that.

If you have a wired network, be sure your cables and connectors are top quality. I once made my own patch cables, and they seemed to work just fine for regular traffic, but I could not stream video across them. Replacing them with a high quality set of factory made patch cables solved the problem. If your cables terminate into punchdown connectors, be sure to follow the rules regarding proper termination.

Most motherboards nowadays come with a fairly decent Ethernet chipset, but if you are using a bargin basement Ethernet NIC, consider upgrading. I've always used either 3Com or Intel NICs and I never had any problems with them. Be sure to upgrade the drivers if there is an upgrade available.

Check your PC for any viruses or adware or other bots that my be consuming CPU cycles or consuming network bandwidth. If you want to get technical, download and install Wireshark and use it to see just what is happening when you stream packets across your network.

RF

Just to add to this (not much to add though)
If your bit rate on your file exceeds the network throughput you will see exactly this stuttering as it caches things. I run a 10mb wilress to the ps3 and it stutters when I exceed 5mpbs because of the half duplexing of the wireless switched networks dont have this problem so a 100mb link can deliver a file at 100mbits/sec (well over hd needs)

Also watch the disk access due to swapping give the PC as much ram as you can

Also make sure tversity isnt updating the db during this as HDD activity also causes lag on the stream.

I set mine to be 720x576 and it works fine but I cant fwd faster than 1.5x as it then exceeds the network speed for the wireless.

[Burrito]

I have the exact same problems with a wired 100MBit half-duplex connection!

When i copied the file to the PS3 HDD it plays like a charm.

The copying took less than 30s for a 200MB file so thats roughly more then 53MBit throughput.

To reproduce this problem:

Download: http://playlist.yahoo.com/makeplaylist. ... =web&pt=rd
(need quicktime pro to save this file or set Firefox (Tools -> Options... -> Content -> Manage...) to always download MOV files.

Change Container from MOV to MP4: http://yamb.unite-video.com/

Share and play. You should see heavy stutter when the Mammoths can be seen first.

I will try a 3COM gigabit switch tonight and report back!

[Burrito]

Like i said i took a 3Com Gigabit Switch home from work today (its from the OfficeConnect series so its not high end) and the stuttering issue i explained in my post above is finally gone!

Both the PS3 and my Yukon Ethernet Card directly connected to the switch witch 1000Gb and Full-Duplex. The integrated Router/Hub i used before only connects with 100Mb and Full-Duplex so i'd conclude this was the issue.

The above linked Trailer goes as high as ~45Mb at times and it seems the old Hub couldn't cope with it.

[pzcisco]

oddly enough, I have my PS3 wireless and i have no stutter issue. DivX will let me fast forward x120 and mpeg-2 x1.5

[jacob_ma]

I have the exact same problem!!!

What is the solution, not everyone has access to a 3Com gigabit switch.

[Burrito]

I have the exact same problem!!!

What is the solution, not everyone has access to a 3Com gigabit switch.

Every other switch should work in theory. Just make sure it support Gigabit Ethernet and is no Hub but a Switch.
Also make sure you are using the newest driver for your ethernet card in the pc.

[jacob_ma]

I have the exact same problem!!!

What is the solution, not everyone has access to a 3Com gigabit switch.

Every other switch should work in theory. Just make sure it support Gigabit Ethernet and is no Hub but a Switch.
Also make sure you are using the newest driver for your ethernet card in the pc.

Yeah, tried, latest firmware the whole bit on my Billion 7402VGO.

I'd upgrade if I knew a particular model worked for sure. Wireless, Switching 4port, VOIP SIP function!!

[micro23]

hey man... i have been trying mkv's over the last few days. Hands down the best way I have found is using the instructions in my post below yours, give it a shot. Just try one and see how it works.

[kenworth]

I had the same problem but found out why. I use dvdshrink for my movies. If I left the both 2 channel Stereo and 5.1 sound channel on while making my copy, I found out it was stuttering on my PS3. Now I only choose 5.1 and my problem is solved. If you put your display on while watching your movie, you can see that it switches back and forth from 2 channel and 5.1.

[nexed]

Hey all,

I had this exact same problem, didnt matter what settings I choose in TVersity or on the PS3. I tried everything.

I investigated it further on my PC and found that the issue had todo with my router/network card configuration. For a network transfer that I did a while back on a different switch, I forced my PC's network card to 100 Full duplex. Most networking professionals will agree, forcing the network card to 100 Full Duplex and not auto negotiation reduces port errors and guarantees a stable connection on Cisco switches (as long as all the attached devices/ports are configured the same)

However I left the setting when I hooked it up to a generic WRT54GS Linksys Router. Apparently it doesn't like that setting too much.

Here is my network configuration with the PS3 while I was having the problem:
PC <------ 100 Full Duplex ------> Linksys Router <~~~~~~54Mbps Wireless Auto-negotiation ~~~~~~> PS3


When I switched my PC to auto negotiate, all my problems went away:
PC <------ Auto Negotiate ------> Linksys Router <~~~~~~54Mbps Wireless Auto-negotiation ~~~~~~> PS3


So hopefully this helps someone out....


~drew