Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: Barefoot_Tom on November 20, 2009, 05:18:31 PM

Title: Playing MP4 Files
Post by: Barefoot_Tom on November 20, 2009, 05:18:31 PM

I am trying to set up a computer to play MP4 files. The Computer is a Compaq PC, and has a CPU speed of 500 MHz (which I suspect is the problem). I am using Win2000 as my OS, and am trying to play the files using VLC Media Player.

My problem is that the sound of the file works fine, but the video images won't play smoothly. There is little actual motion of the video, it jumps from static display to the next display. I have downloaded the latest version of DirectX, and the latest video drivers, but the problem persists.

How can I correct this problem?
Tom

Title: Re: Playing MP4 Files
Post by: Linux711 on November 21, 2009, 12:58:16 AM

Quote

The Computer is a Compaq PC, and has a CPU speed of 500 MHz

The video card is more important than the CPU when playing videos. But an upgrade CPU of 1Ghz would probably help. I am assuming that it is a socket 370 Celeron or Pentium III. It's only about $5-10 bucks on ebay ($900 when introduced ::), so its probably worth a try. The video card would cost a little more than the CPU, but it's still trivial. Again, I am going to assume that your system only has PCI slots because it only has a 500Mhz CPU. So look on ebay for a cheap PCI video card. MAKE SURE IT SAYS PCI NOT PCI EXPRESS. The ebay community mixes this up a lot. Even the filters won't work. So just make sure it says PCI.

If you could provide more specs, I could help you find the correct type of card and CPU.

Title: Re: Playing MP4 Files
Post by: Barefoot_Tom on November 21, 2009, 03:03:01 PM

Quote from: Linux711 on November 21, 2009, 12:58:16 AM

The video card is more important than the CPU when playing videos. But an upgrade CPU of 1Ghz would probably help. I am assuming that it is a socket 370 Celeron or Pentium III.
If you could provide more specs, I could help you find the correct type of card and CPU.

Thanks for the offer, but I'm not sure I'm going to try. The present CPU, BTW is an AMD K-62. I doubt that a new video card, would do much to help.

The computer works fine for the very limited things I ask of it. It is a stand-alone box, with no internet or LAN connections, and no printer.

I guess I was hoping for a magical suggestion that didn't involve putting any actual money into the box.

Tom