Topic: Noise after installing 12.0.529/12.0.530 [solved] (Read 8825 times)

tskumc · « **on:** August 11, 2008, 04:14:54 pm »

After following the prompt to upgrade to 12.0.529 MP3's and WAV files play with an atrocious noise. DVD's play fine. A subsequent upgrade to 12.0.530 did not fix the problem. Media Center was working fine previously and MP3"s play find in windows media player.

several days ago I did install the "combined community codec pack" but am 90% sure that i have had several restarts of the computer and no problems playing MP3's since then.

JimH · « **Reply #1 on:** August 11, 2008, 04:22:58 pm »

Switch playback between wave out and direct sound in MC's options.

gappie · « **Reply #2 on:** August 11, 2008, 04:24:46 pm »

im not sure, but you could try to switch playback between directsound and wave out. its under tools>options>playback>output mode.

gab

as jim already said ....

tskumc · « **Reply #3 on:** August 11, 2008, 04:28:08 pm »

I tried both directsound and wave out (both before my original post and then again after your replies)...neither setting works.

gappie · « **Reply #4 on:** August 11, 2008, 04:31:24 pm »

have you disabled all dsp effects?

tskumc · « **Reply #5 on:** August 11, 2008, 04:33:15 pm »

all the DSP Studio check boxes are unchecked

tskumc · « **Reply #6 on:** August 11, 2008, 05:01:05 pm »

Uninstalling (retaining libraries) and then reinstalling did not fix the problem

KingSparta · « **Reply #7 on:** August 11, 2008, 05:23:28 pm »

you could try unchecking digital output to see if that helps.

In windows Play Controls, Advance

tskumc · « **Reply #8 on:** August 12, 2008, 11:16:50 am »

I did a complete uninstall then installed an old version I had downloaded in July (12.0.497) and everything worked fine.

I then used the "check for updates feature" and upgraded to version 12.0.529 and the noise returned (and when I say noise I am not talking about music with noise but full blown, rough sounding static.)

I then did a complete uninstall, installed 12.0.479 then upgraded manualy to 12.0.530 with the same results (noise).

I then did a complete uninstall, and then installed 12.0.528 which was still on the FTP with the result of noise.

This appears to be a bug introduced at some point between 497 and 528, unfortunatly the older versions are not available for download so I could track down the exact version where the problem started.

Media Center 12.0.497 Registered -- C:\Program Files\J River\Media Center 12\

Microsoft Windows XP Workstation 5.1 Service Pack 3 (Build 2600)
AMD Athlon 2150 MHz MMX / Memory: Total - 2096 MB, Free - 1341 MB

Internet Explorer: 7.0.5730.13 / ComCtl32.dll: 5.82.2900 / Shlwapi.dll: 6.0.2900 / Shell32.dll: 6.0.2900 / wnaspi32.dll: N/A
Ripping / Drive E: Mode:Normal Type:Auto Speed:Max
Drive F: Mode:Normal Type:Auto Speed:Max
Drive U: Mode:Normal Type:Auto Speed:Max
Drive V: Mode:Normal Type:Auto Speed:Max
Digital playback: Yes / Get cover art: Yes / Calc replay gain: Yes / Copy volume: 32767
Eject after ripping: Yes / Play sound after ripping: No

Burning / No burners found.
Test mode: No / Eject after writing: Yes / Direct decoding: No / Write CD-Text: Yes
Use playback settings: No /

Portable Device Info
Removed devices:

Interface Plugins:
last.fm (Active)
Library Server (Active)
TiVo Server (Active)
UPnP Server (Active)

fitbrit · « **Reply #9 on:** August 12, 2008, 02:55:13 pm »

Do you have Nero 8 installed on your system? I noticed something similar when I tried to install a recent build of MC on a friend's computer. He was previously using Nero 8 for music. We ended up removing MC, because Nero was essential for his work, but MC wasn't. Not sure whether it was Nero, per se, but it was able to play music fine, but MC produced noise (with a barely recognisable tune underneath).

tskumc · « **Reply #10 on:** August 12, 2008, 04:44:49 pm »

nero not installed

leezer3 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 12, 2008, 05:17:23 pm »

Have you tried updating your audio drivers?

Cheers

-Leezer-

tskumc · « **Reply #12 on:** August 12, 2008, 07:56:01 pm »

they are up to date, both acording to Microsoft and the Mother Board Manufacturer

mbdundee · « **Reply #13 on:** August 12, 2008, 10:32:26 pm »

I mite suggest there is a problem within the latest versions of MC. I hope this is corrected before it is truly the last version of MC 12. I am not getting major static, but that could be the difference in sound cards and drivers. I can not use 12.0.529 as there is no audio from the rear channel of my Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS. I went back to 12.0.451 and all audio works correctly, 4.1 channel setup working as expected. Upgrade again to again 12.0.529 and no rear channel output. Back to 451 for now. I have not tried 12.0.530 but I don't see any fixes in the list that could affect this.

tskumc · « **Reply #14 on:** August 13, 2008, 10:37:06 am »

If given access to the builds between 12.0.497 & 12.0.528 I would be glad to track down the point at which the bug was introduced.

Matt · « **Reply #15 on:** August 13, 2008, 10:59:50 am »

Quote from: mbdundee on August 12, 2008, 10:32:26 pm

I mite suggest there is a problem within the latest versions of MC. I hope this is corrected before it is truly the last version of MC 12. I am not getting major static, but that could be the difference in sound cards and drivers. I can not use 12.0.529 as there is no audio from the rear channel of my Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS. I went back to 12.0.451 and all audio works correctly, 4.1 channel setup working as expected. Upgrade again to again 12.0.529 and no rear channel output. Back to 451 for now. I have not tried 12.0.530 but I don't see any fixes in the list that could affect this.

Build 511 changed this:
NEW: Added "All Channels" option to DirectSound configuration that may be necessary on some systems to get cloning of stereo to more speakers.

You might try configuring the channel routing in Options > Playback > Output mode settings...

Let us know if any other channel routing settings make a difference.

Thanks.

glynor · « **Reply #16 on:** August 13, 2008, 11:18:50 am »

Quote from: tskumc on August 13, 2008, 10:37:06 am

If given access to the builds between 12.0.497 & 12.0.528 I would be glad to track down the point at which the bug was introduced.

Did you try turning off any DSP effects?

tskumc · « **Reply #17 on:** August 13, 2008, 11:59:03 am »

Quote from: glynor on August 13, 2008, 11:18:50 am

Did you try turning off any DSP effects?

yes

mbdundee · « **Reply #18 on:** August 13, 2008, 09:11:16 pm »

Quote from: Matt on August 13, 2008, 10:59:50 am

Build 511 changed this:
NEW: Added "All Channels" option to DirectSound configuration that may be necessary on some systems to get cloning of stereo to more speakers.

You might try configuring the channel routing in Options > Playback > Output mode settings...

Let us know if any other channel routing settings make a difference.

Thanks.

Further tests show there is only one way I can get sound from the rear channel by changing the Direct Sound Settings:
Select channels Left Rear + Right Rear and restart Media Center. Then as expected the front channel does not work however the rear channel does. Of note, if you do not restart MC after the change, the front speakers will continue to work after selecting the rear channels, it appears to not be dynamic like most MC functions. (Most MC functions are dynamic, this is not at the moment)
I tried selecting Default Channels and restarting MC, got front channel but no rear channel
I selected All Channels and restarted MC, got front channel but no rear channel
Did the same tests changing Device as SB Audigy 2 ZS with the same results above.

winterminute · « **Reply #19 on:** August 13, 2008, 09:46:16 pm »

I'm seeing the exact same thing after auto-updating to the latest release. I uninstalled and installed 12.0.251 and everything works.

tskumc · « **Reply #20 on:** August 14, 2008, 08:26:03 am »

Quote from: winterminute on August 13, 2008, 09:46:16 pm

I'm seeing the exact same thing after auto-updating to the latest release. I uninstalled and installed 12.0.251 and everything works.

Noise or chanel issues?

If noise does your motherboard use NVIDIA nForce sound?

Matt · « **Reply #21 on:** August 14, 2008, 09:35:48 am »

For the channel routing problem, please copy this file:
ftp://ftp.jriver.com/pub/downloads/music/tmp/out_MJ.dll

To C:\Program Files\J River\Media Center 12\Plugins. You should overwrite the existing plugin.

Then, in Options > Playback > Output mode settings, try these two new channel routing modes:
Hardware Direct (sound card chooses)
Do Not Specify Channels

Do either (or both) of those work?

For the static problem, what happens if you use the Disk Writer output plugin to create a WAV file. Then play the WAV file in another program that doesn't have the problem.

I'm trying to figure out if the problem is the decoding system or the final playback stage.

Thanks.

mbdundee · « **Reply #22 on:** August 14, 2008, 01:20:16 pm »

Quote from: Matt on August 14, 2008, 09:35:48 am

For the channel routing problem, please copy this file:
ftp://ftp.jriver.com/pub/downloads/music/tmp/out_MJ.dll

To C:\Program Files\J River\Media Center 12\Plugins. You should overwrite the existing plugin.

Then, in Options > Playback > Output mode settings, try these two new channel routing modes:
Hardware Direct (sound card chooses)
Do Not Specify Channels

Do either (or both) of those work?

I replaced the out_MJ.dll file and when I select Tools -> Options I get a critical error and MC exits. Guess I should have saved the original out_MJ.dll before replacing it.

Matt · « **Reply #23 on:** August 14, 2008, 01:59:22 pm »

Quote from: mbdundee on August 14, 2008, 01:20:16 pm

I replaced the out_MJ.dll file and when I select Tools -> Options I get a critical error and MC exits. Guess I should have saved the original out_MJ.dll before replacing it.

Make sure you have the latest Media Center 12 installed before trying it. (i.e. 12.0.530)

mbdundee · « **Reply #24 on:** August 14, 2008, 02:44:53 pm »

Quote from: Matt on August 14, 2008, 01:59:22 pm

Make sure you have the latest Media Center 12 installed before trying it. (i.e. 12.0.530)

I was on 12.0.529, upgraded to 12.0.530.
Verified 12.0.530 has the same channel issue by trying all the settings again in the output mode, same results/issue as 529.
Copied the new version of out_MJ.dll and restarted MC. Select Tools -> Options and still get a critical error and MC exits.

tskumc · « **Reply #25 on:** August 18, 2008, 09:16:14 am »

Quote from: Matt on August 14, 2008, 09:35:48 am

For the static problem, what happens if you use the Disk Writer output plugin to create a WAV file. Then play the WAV file in another program that doesn't have the problem.

I'm trying to figure out if the problem is the decoding system or the final playback stage.

Not sure where to find the "Disk Writer output plugin" is found but
1) I went to <tools><Advanced Tools><Convert Format> and created a WAV file which played fine in other applications. The WAV file was just noise in MC.
2) Using the record function in MC I created a WAV file from the stereo mix and it was noise in other applications and in MC.

I am not sure what the routing/decoding issues are for DVDs but thier sound plays fine. Where as known good WAV files and MP3's are noise

Alex B · « **Reply #26 on:** August 18, 2008, 09:40:31 am »

Quote from: tskumc on August 18, 2008, 09:16:14 am

Not sure where to find the "Disk Writer output plugin" is found

Options > Playback > Audio > Output Mode: Disk Writer

In the disk writer mode MC writes its final audio output stream to a single uncompressed wave file (or to separete track files depending on the selected setting) as fast as the played files can be decoded.

tskumc · « **Reply #27 on:** August 18, 2008, 10:05:07 am »

Quote from: Matt on August 14, 2008, 09:35:48 am

For the static problem, what happens if you use the Disk Writer output plugin to create a WAV file. Then play the WAV file in another program that doesn't have the problem.

I'm trying to figure out if the problem is the decoding system or the final playback stage.

Thanks.

The Disk Writer WAV file plays fine in other apps.
When swithcing back from "Disk Writer output" I tried "Wave Out" (instead of "Direct Sound"...???I though that was one of the first things I tried???) and things played normally. Apparently it is in the direct sound interface where the problem can be found.

winterminute · « **Reply #28 on:** August 24, 2008, 02:33:51 am »

This bug still hasn't been fixed??? Come on JRiver, this needs to be fixed ASAP! In its given state, this product is 100% un-usable (i.e. I can't listen to MP3s, everything all this product does centers around listening to music) - Seriously, get some people looking at this, don't just send us on a wild goose chases.

Alex B · « **Reply #29 on:** August 24, 2008, 05:45:03 am »

Quote from: winterminute on August 24, 2008, 02:33:51 am

This bug still hasn't been fixed??? Come on JRiver, this needs to be fixed ASAP! In its given state, this product is 100% un-usable (i.e. I can't listen to MP3s, everything all this product does centers around listening to music) - Seriously, get some people looking at this, don't just send us on a wild goose chases.

These problems are (were?) not common. I have not noticed them on three different PC setups.

You didn't answer tskumc's question:

Quote from: tskumc on August 14, 2008, 08:26:03 am

Quote from: winterminute on August 13, 2008, 09:46:16 pm
I'm seeing the exact same thing after auto-updating to the latest release. I uninstalled and installed 12.0.251 and everything works.

Noise or chanel issues?

If noise does your motherboard use NVIDIA nForce sound?

Which problem do you have?

The 531 build has new channel options that should help and tskumc find a solution to the noise issue:

Quote from: tskumc on August 18, 2008, 10:05:07 am

When swithcing back from "Disk Writer output" I tried "Wave Out" (instead of "Direct Sound"...???I though that was one of the first things I tried???) and things played normally. Apparently it is in the direct sound interface where the problem can be found.

JimH · « **Reply #30 on:** August 24, 2008, 06:49:16 am »

Quote from: winterminute on August 24, 2008, 02:33:51 am

This bug still hasn't been fixed??? Come on JRiver, this needs to be fixed ASAP! In its given state, this product is 100% un-usable (i.e. I can't listen to MP3s, everything all this product does centers around listening to music) - Seriously, get some people looking at this, don't just send us on a wild goose chases.

How about providing real information? You haven't even reported your OS or sound card. We are not seeing a wide spread problem, so a few details might help.

And you could try Alex's advice:

Quote

The 531 build has new channel options ...

winterminute · « **Reply #31 on:** August 24, 2008, 02:20:26 pm »

Sorry I missed that reply in the replies about the output mode/disk writer plug-in. I don't have anything fancy, no plug-ins, some DSP, nothing. Just MediaCenter. I'm seeing the noise issue, and yes, my motherboard uses an onboard nForce audio. I'm running XP (was SP2, but now just reformatted with SP3).

For what it's worth, nowhere did you guys indicate this was a rare issue. A couple of forum members indicated they had a problem and you responded with what seems like "please go do my troubleshooting for me". Although this problem exists in Jukebox as well, all of us paid for Media Center and your attitude was similar to what I expect for support for free software.

JimH · « **Reply #32 on:** August 24, 2008, 04:18:12 pm »

Did you try 531 and changing the settings for channels?

It could be a driver issue with the nforce audio. Looks like both people reporting the problem have nforce. Try a search on google to see if you can find others with similar problems.

Alex B · « **Reply #33 on:** August 24, 2008, 04:31:55 pm »

Quote from: winterminute on August 24, 2008, 02:20:26 pm

... For what it's worth, nowhere did you guys indicate this was a rare issue. A couple of forum members indicated they had a problem and you responded with what seems like "please go do my troubleshooting for me". Although this problem exists in Jukebox as well, all of us paid for Media Center and your attitude was similar to what I expect for support for free software.

Oh, I see. Maybe it wasn't obvious that those who posted in this thread and tried to help didn't experience the problems themselves.

If the JRiver developers could have reproduced the noise problem they would have immediately said something like "OK, we see it now. Please try the next build to see if our fix works."

If the users like me and others who posted in this thread would have experienced something as serious as totally broken audio playback after installing a new build the release thread would have been full of reports and the build would have been pulled by JRiver.

Now, back to the topic...

Quote

Sorry I missed that reply in the replies about the output mode/disk writer plug-in. I don't have anything fancy, no plug-ins, some DSP, nothing. Just MediaCenter. I'm seeing the noise issue, and yes, my motherboard uses an onboard nForce audio. I'm running XP (was SP2, but now just reformatted with SP3).

None of my PCs have an onboard nForce, so maybe the problem really is related to that sound device.

For now, I can only ask further questions:

Did you try to change the playback mode inside MC?
Does the sound device's control panel offer any options that you could try?

Quote

some DSP

Do you mean you have some DSP features enabled in MC's DSP studio? If yes, could you disable them (as a test)?

Edit: Jim posted while I was writing my reply.

winterminute · « **Reply #34 on:** August 24, 2008, 06:28:27 pm »

Thanks for the quick replies. Just to clarify, I meant "no DSP". Should be a completely standard install. For this and other reasons, I figured it was a good time to reformat. I reinstall XP (slipstreamed SP2) and then install SP3. I installed MediaCenter and the problem still existed. I then uninstalled and install JukeBox (just to see if it was any different) and it also exhibited the problem. Following you're advice, I installed the latest build of MediaCenter and changed the output mode from "Direct Sound" to "WAV Out" and then it started working. I then switched back to Direct Sound and now I can't get it to fail again. So, good news is that it worked. Bad news, we have no idea what the issue was or what fixed it. Do you guys have any leads on what might be going on?

JimH · « **Reply #35 on:** August 24, 2008, 06:42:04 pm »

Quote from: winterminute on August 24, 2008, 06:28:27 pm

So, good news is that it worked. Bad news, we have no idea what the issue was or what fixed it.

You might say that, but I'd say it's good news/good news. It is probably a flaky driver.

winterminute · « **Reply #36 on:** August 24, 2008, 07:08:07 pm »

I just installed MiniLyrics and the problems came back (both Direct and WAV out). I uninstalled MiniLyrics and the problem went away. I'm not sure why/how this plug-in would interfere with audio processing, but it might be related. Then again, it might just be a red herring.

tskumc · « **Reply #37 on:** August 27, 2008, 07:09:17 am »

This problem is definitely not solved.

I just tried 12.0.31 and it still doesn't work with direct sound (works with wave out.)

It is slack to suggest that this is an NVITA driver problem when every other sound related program I have works (including version 12.0.497 of MC). True, there appears to be a conflict with the NVITA products but it was introduced into MC some time after 12.0.497.

Please remove the "solved" tag from the thread. A work around has been found but a bug still exists.

I have been using JRiver for my player for well over 10 years (numerous versions before MC even existed) and paid for most if not all of the upgrades. When I was a computer consultant I recomended JRiver to most of my clients and since then to numerous friends. When support was by phone it was excelent, later when it was by email it was still excellent. While I appreciate the help of volunteers and even see it as an appropriate first stop, as a busy professional the time investment and time from beginning of the problem to a still unsolved issue is unacceptable. This problem should have been moved from a forum to a true support setting long ago.

My offer to check all the versions after 12.0.497 to see exactly when the bug was introduces still stands, just give me access to the installs. This should make finding the bug much easier.

Matt · « **Reply #38 on:** August 27, 2008, 10:01:50 am »

Quote from: tskumc on August 27, 2008, 07:09:17 am

This problem is definitely not solved.

Have you tried the new Direct Sound output modes added in the newest build:

NEW: Added DirectSound channel modes "Hardware Direct (sound card chooses)" and "Do Not Specify Channels" to help with surround sound routing on some hardware.

Please report your results with these new modes. Remember you must full-stop playback (not just pause) for changes to take effect.

tskumc · « **Reply #39 on:** October 02, 2008, 07:14:34 am »

Quote from: Matt on August 27, 2008, 10:01:50 am

Have you tried the new Direct Sound output modes added in the newest build:

NEW: Added DirectSound channel modes "Hardware Direct (sound card chooses)" and "Do Not Specify Channels" to help with surround sound routing on some hardware.

Please report your results with these new modes. Remember you must full-stop playback (not just pause) for changes to take effect.

It works using direct sound with "Hardware Direct (sound card chooses)" also works with "Do Not Specify Channels.

I am a bit happier now

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Author Topic: Noise after installing 12.0.529/12.0.530 [solved] (Read 8825 times)