Audio Quality Is Very Poor on High-Quality Video or DVD (306700)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Media Player for Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Media Player for Windows XP Professional
This article was previously published under Q306700

SYMPTOMS

When you use Windows Media Player to play high-quality video or a DVD, the audio quality may be extremely poor, and the audio may become garbled. Note that this symptom does not occur with lower quality video.

CAUSE

This issue can occur if you are using NeoMagic video adapter drivers. Some of the NeoMagic video adapter drivers are not fully compatible with Windows XP. Note that this issue can also occur with other video adapter drivers that are not fully compatible with Windows XP.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, obtain and install video adapter drivers that are fully compatible with Windows XP.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, try either or both of the following methods.

Reduce Video Hardware Acceleration in Windows Media Player

  1. In Windows Media Player, click Options on the Tools menu.
  2. Click the Performance tab.
  3. Under Video Acceleration, move the slider closer to None, and then click OK.

    NOTE: This procedure may cause poor video performance.

Alter the Display Settings

  1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Appearance and Themes, and then double-click Display.
  3. Click the Settings tab.
  4. Click 16-bit, 24-bit, or 32-bit color quality.
  5. Click OK.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/29/2003
Keywords:kbenv kbprb kbui KB306700
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.