Bad DVD quality when played on PC

[Cheeez]

This is an issue I have with all DVDs, not just anime, but it stands out on anime more.

Basically whenever I play a DVD on my PC using any software the quality is appauling, there are artifacts everywhere around the lines. I've tried several players, namely VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player, and Cyberlink PowerDVD. However when played on my XBOX or the dvd player I get no such problem.

Is this an issue with my PC, the software player, or both?

[Leader Desslock]

Sounds more like an issue with the DVD drive itself. What kind of DVD player do you have? Did you replace it? If so, did you have these problems on your previous drive? Have you enabled DMA Mode on your drive? When was the last time you cleaned the drive heads?

[Cheeez]

This has happened on all of my drives, my current one is a Pioneer-108 DVD writer. Tell me more about this DMA mode?

[max|mus]

What resolution are you running your computer at? If it's over 1280x960/1024 are you expanding it to full screen?

Keep in mind that most DVDs are encoded in 720x480 (I think that is the resolution used, it's somewhere in that area anyway.) If you stretch it to anything over that there will be artifacting or blurriness.

Also, what video card are you running? If it's integrated that could be a reason as to why, if not do you have the latest drivers for it?

[Cheeez]

What resolution are you running your computer at? If it's over 1280x960/1024 are you expanding it to full screen?

Keep in mind that most DVDs are encoded in 720x480 (I think that is the resolution used, it's somewhere in that area anyway.) If you stretch it to anything over that there will be artifacting or blurriness.

Also, what video card are you running? If it's integrated that could be a reason as to why, if not do you have the latest drivers for it?

1024x768. I don't usually full screen. The kind of artifacting I get is like what you would see in a low quality DivX.

I have a Geforce 6800.

[EternityOfPain]

I agree with previous posts. Main area of concern is first look to see if you have updated drivers for your DVD drive. If not update them. Also look to see if the movie you are playing is "widescreen" or "full screen" chances are you have a standard full screen monitor therfore all widescreen movies will look a bit distored unless set to the proper resolution. Just a side comment but if you notice skipping with your DVD drive just as a heads up they are much more sensitive to scratches then standard DVD players so if you do notice skipping of any sorts I recommend getting a dvd cleaner or simply watch the dvds on your TV. If you dont have a dvd player you can easily get a cheap (but decent) dvd player at your local radio shack or other stores. I saw one in raido shack for 20 bucks got it for my grandmother a couple months back and works great.

Also, if you could take pictures of the quality so we can see that might be helpful.

[max|mus]

Do you have the latest drivers for it?

If you're pretty familiar with it I'd try going to the control panel for it (Right click desktop > properties > settings tab > advanced)

I'm not familiar with nVidia's display panel but perhaps in there is a setting or two that can be adjusted. Not a sure fire way but wouldn't hurt to look around.

One thing to check is to make sure you aren't zoomed in on the video playing.

[Leader Desslock]

This has happened on all of my drives...
Well, then you've ruled out the drives as the source of the problem. You seem to have ruled out the DVD software. You've ruled out the DVDs. That leaves something video related (hardware/drivers/decoder) as a likely culprit.

Ever changed the video card? Did you have these problems before you did? After?

Did you build this machine yourself?

[Cheeez]

I do have the latest drivers. I'll check drivers for the DVD recorder now.

I mentioned in the OP that I have a standalone DVD player, it just bothered me that the quality on here was bad and I wondered it if was a problem for many people. Apparantly it isn't.


Ever changed the video card? Did you have these problems before you did? After?

Did you build this machine yourself?

Yes to both of your questions.

[Cheeez]

UPDATE: I think I just solved my own problem by upgrading my DVD player software. Thanks for the help, the thread can be closed now.