Strange Usb Sound Problem - Only For The Brave

how about this for a weird problem

I got my new usb speakers this morning.

the sound has been pop and crackling from the start.

somtimes it`s clear as a bell - fantastic.

right, I found how i can get perfect sound, but it`s ver strange.

if i use windows media player in full-screen the spound is perfect, but as soon as i minamise it to the task bar the noise starts.

when i re-open the sound goes perfect again, I was using WMP 11, so i downgraded to WMP 9, just the same.

nero player is just the same, so is powerdvd.

I have found that it is the visualization - in the windows that stops the noise.

even if i only have a small media player running with visualization the sound is perfect, If i turn visualization off the noise comes straight back.

what the hell is causing this .??????????????

my usb chipset is by VIA.

thanks.

John

 

Your graphics chip and USB chip are probably sharing IRQ's or something. Does your graphics card have dedicated memory?

 

my graphic card shares the system memory.

you would think i was playing an old scrached up record.

any help is appriciated.

thanks.

 

update : i just found that if i plug an usb2.0 memory stick into a free usb port the sound output is perfect.

strange but i had an similar problem with an logitech usb1.1 webcam it had a very jumpy output until i plugged in the usb memory stick, I upgraded to an usb2.0 logitech webcam and it works fine.

It look like my system has a problem with usb1.1 devices.

thanks.

John.

 

another thing i just found out, if i can keep my cpu usage above 5-10% the sound from my usb speakers is perfect.

but if it goes below 0-2% the audio starts to pop again.

I have an celeron-m 420, so i didn't thing processor throttling will be an issue.

but what the hell is.????????????

thanks

John.

 

I know it`s a tuff one, but sombody must know why low cpu usage causes sound problem with my usb speakers.

thanks.

John.

 

My guess is a power usage thing. Also, cheaper USB speakers exhibit exactly the kind of symptoms you describe. Try plugging it into another computer, and see if it still happens.

 

I have tried it with an external powered usb hub and it`s just the same, so it`s not a power problem.

I think it`s a problem with the via usb 1.1 compatibility with my laptop.

but why should low cpu usuage cause the problem and high cpu usage cure it.???????????????????????

any more suggestions.

John.

 

Have you got lots of Windows open. Sometimes its just a coincidence that you have an irritating advert on your home site.

Maybe your speaker cones are not very good.

Maybe the speakers are not recieving enough power, and you need to plug them into AC.

Maybe the BitRate of the music your listening you is low and poor.

Maybe you need to upgrade your Sound Chipset's drivers.

 

Hi.

I have already tried everything you suggested, the speakers are fine.

my conclusion is my usb chipset is crap on usb 1.1, it cannot keep up with the music without drop-outs.

I had a similar problem with an logitech usb 1.1 webcam constantly jerky video on this laptop, so i bought an usb2.0 webcam and it`s fine.

I dont know if you can get usb2.0 speaker.?????????????

still looking for solutions to my problem.

thanks.

John.

 

I have this problem on three different forums, i have tried everything.

why when i restart my computer can i play a song for 20 second perfect and then it starts popping and cracking.

thanks.

John.