How to reduce CPU load when playing HD content (TS & MKV

[sekar72]

I'm using BS player to play all my media content. I like it very much.

I'm looking for ways to reduce my CPU load when playing HD content especially TS file or MKV file.
When playing TS file the cpu load is in the range of 97% to 100% and after some time my computer just shuts down by itself.
When playing MKV file the CPU load is in the range of 70% to 75%.
I've the following installed - latest ffdshow filter and Haali media splitter.
OS : XP media center
CPU : athlon XP 3000.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[adicoto]

1. Your computer shouldn't turn off by itself. This is probably caused by the CPU overheating (if it works 100 %). But the main cause it's CPU cooler wich probably wasn't cleaned up since ages and can't do his job properly.
2. 3000+ Barton CPU should play with no problems 720p and 1080i. I am using (and I reccomend) for MPEG2 files Elecard MPEG2 decoder and for x264 CoreAVC decoder.
3. Settings:
a) if you have .TS files, transform them into regular MPEG2 files using HDTV2MPEG2 http://download.videohelp.com/downlo...2_v1.11.89.zip No quality loss, takes a few seconds to transform.
b) when playing an x264 file, open CoreAVC properties (rightclick->options->filters) and set deinterlacing to "no deinterlacing" and deblocking to "skip all deblocking".
This settings will reduce the presure from your CPU.

[sekar72]

thanks. will try your suggestions.

[sekar72]

Tried your suggestions, outcome as follows :

1) Not tried yet - cracking my head to solve CPU load problem first.

2) Tried Elecard decoder, still TS file playback is in the range of 97% to 100%. Using Cyberlink decoder in BSplayer for TS file also results in 97% to 100% CPU load.
Just to counter check, I used Cyberlink PowerDVD player to play the TS file - CPU load was only 35% to 40%. So what could be the problem?

3) (a) Tried the HDTV2MPEG converter, you suggested, conversion was fast. But playing the resultant file was also using the same CPU load as TS file (97% to 100%).

3) (b) worked - now mkv playback is in the range of 50% to 55%.

Thanks Again

[adicoto]

Cyberlink decoder knows how to use MPEG2 hardware decoding acceleration built-in in your video card. BSPlayer can't do that. But it's normal to have a higher CPU load, as most of your MPEG2 files are 1080i while most of your mkv files are 720p.
On the other hand, if CPU load it's 90-100 % it's not normal for the computer to crash. That's because of the insufficient CPU cooling (and that range of AMD CPUs was indeed HOT). For example, if I make a video encoding, my CPU stay ay 100 % for some hours without crashing. Why ? Just cleaned my cooler.

[sekar72]

thanks. will try to clean the CPU cooler. Hopefully I don't damage anything while doing the cleaning.

[adicoto]

1. Be carefull when removing the cooler. You can damage CPU, especially this series of Bartons. You must have a lot of place aroud (if you have a good motherboard. You can see here the clams you must free to remove it.

http://www.directron.com/howtocmdp55g11.html

http://www.mysuperpc.com/cpu_cooler.shtml

2. You must see alot of dust inside the heatsink, underneath the fan. Take it away and that should do the trick.

3. Clean the thermal paste from the heatsink and the CPU surface. Use smooth paper or some clothing. Not hard surfaces, you may damage all.

4. If you are not sure you can manage this, buy a new cooler, it's somethinh around 7-10 $.

[sekar72]

You were right! The CPU cooler was clogged with dust. Cleaned the cooler, now my PC able to run those 1080i files without shutting down by itself. CPU load still hovers around 97% to 100%.
As long as I can watch a full length HD 1080i movie, I'm a happy man.
Thanks for your help.

[adicoto]

CPU still hoovers around 100 % because it's running at full capacity to decode the files. But it does not overheat anymore.
Glad to see everithing workout OK.