Choppy Video on MEGA 180

Hi all,
I'm suffering from choppy video playback on my MEGA 180. By choopy I mean every ten seconds or so it will freeze up for a split second, the audio stays in sync, but you can slightly tell that the video stops, or skips.
This happens when watching .avi, DivX or even commercial DVD's. It also happens on my screen saver.
Since I was using the onboard video I thought I'd try using a video card but the same thing.
What I can't figure out is what the onboard video and a seperate video card have in common, since it's happening to both.
My onboard video has the latest drivers, and the PC as a whole is up to date.
Any suggestions are greatly needed.
Thanks.

can you give more information on the hardware you have installed in your Mega 180?
and can you give more background information; ie how long have you had this system, has it ever worked correctly, did the problem start after you installed any particular software, etc etc...

Similar Messages

Mega 180 - Install Video Card or Install Video Driver

I just spent 6 hours at a customer's house trying to fix the Mega 180 I built for her.
As I stated in a previous thread, the machine was working fine and then she experienced the BLACK SCREEN OF DEATH. This is when your machine POSTS, loads Windows and just before Windows starts, the monitor goes dead. Windows still loads and if you remember where icons are on the desktop, you can click them and stuff happens. The monitor just stops getting a signal. However, if you hold down F8 during boot and chose VGA mode, you can use Windows in VGA mode. The monitor being used is a Sony Multiscan200ES.
Once in Windows, if you look under device manager, you'll see a listing of Unknown and under that it lists nVidia GeForce4 MX Integrated CPU.
So, I've tried the following fixes:
1) Uninstalled all chipset & viideo drivers, reboot, reinstall chipset drivers, reboot, reinstall video driver, reboot. BLACK SCREEN OF DEATH.
2) Uninstall video driver, reboot. Windows starts under the generic driver. I install the video driver, reboot, BLACK SCREEN OF DEATH.
3) Figuring there had to be an easier solution to this problem, I installed an ATI Radeon 8500 card that I had laying around (I know this card works) figuring that I'll just sidestep the whole video driver issue by not using the onboard video. Things just aren't that easy because after I installed the card the machine won't even POST. It turns on but nothing happens. ARRRR!!! I try reseating the card, nope - nothing. I take the card out and use the onboard graphics to make sure everything is ok in BIOS. I read that if the BIOS detects an AGP card it will automatically disable the onboard graphics but it doesn't seem like that's happening. So I look around BIOS and there is no way to disable the onboard graphics. I have it set to boot AGP first, etc. and nothing works.
I guess the last thing I can do is reformat the drive, reinstall windows, and reinstall everything else. But I don't want to do this because the machine is all set up, been used for a while, and it takes so long to reinstall everything.
My question is this. How can I either reinstall the video driver so it works or how can I install a video card so it works? Ideas???

Quote
I'm going to hunt over at nVidia's website to see if they have a cleaner utility (ATI does for its Radeon drivers - rids the system of every last trace).
nVidia don't need a cleaner utility cos their software is better written!
stab in the dark - the vga lead is connected to PRIMARY vga port?
go to add/remove programs and Remove "Nvidia Display Driver" in Safe mode
restart your computer and it should boot into VGA mode, and prompt with Found New Hardware. cancel this.
the nvidia software will leave the install stuff on your computer, usually in C:\NVIDIA. browse to here and find and run the setup.exe to reinstall the software.
if its been working before, then its probably not a memory issue - it might also be worth making sure the latest nforce drivers (3.13) are installed too.
oh and customers usually WON'T admit to messing around to stuff they shouldn't - in my experience anyway!!

Mega 180 no post/video

o_0I've looked over the forum and I haven't found anything that could help (but if you know of a thread that has pertinent info then do tell). Anyway I've been working on my Mega 180 on and off for about a month and I still can't get it to post. I think all of my jumpers are correct and I've tried to dismantle component by component, but no avail (the only thing I got was some beep codes when I took out the ram).
I can tell you that the HD seems to grind a bit, the lights to the keyboard flicker on, and the fans spin when I power up (but no video...nuttin'). I even bought another processor just to make sure it wasn't that.
Could just be a general problem but I was just wondering if there was a persistent issue with the Mega 180s that could prevent it from booting.
I've built a few computers and I figured all those out, but this one is bothering me. Thanks for any help.
By the the way I got:
Athlon 3000+
2x256mb Generic DDR2700
80mb Generic IDE HD
Memorex CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
Thanks for any help.

Anyone ever get one of these mega 180's to post/work with only a single stick of ram? Or, am I going to find myself going to buy a second stick tomorrow? I might be able to get my hands on a second stick tonight, who knows though.
I'm having the same situation described above. The monitor I am using indeed works, as it is on a KVM. I have tried both VGA ports on the unit, to no avail. I have also tried both PCI and AGP graphic cards, and still no avail. The only beep is when I remove the RAM. *sigh*
cpu: amd barton 2500ish..
ram: 1x corsair 256mb pc2700
hdd: 120gb wd
cd: p.o.s. that is sittin plugged because it died on me when trying to troubleshoot this thing.
cpu and ram were just taken from a working PC that I decided to scrap, as I wasn't using it.
I'm too tired to keep playing with this tonight. So far, I feel I just bought a $300 radio that isnt worth $300.
...just tried another stick of ram, a generic 256mb.. it's a pc3200, but it was just laying there, asking to be tried. still, no go.
ok then guys. just ignore me. i decided to take the whole darned thing apart, to see the board in it's entirety, thinking maybe something was out of place or something...
i get it stripped, and to my disappointment, nothing. a rather bare board. so, i mount it all back as I think it should go. for giggles, i decide to boot it up (original equipment, mind you...only now, alchohol is in my system.) and, i suddenly get post. o_O
lets hope it statys that way. :D

Mega 180 VGA Video Out Of Range

Hello all.
I recently received a Mega 180 (used, but not too used). It had an ATI AGP card in it that I pulled out. I then installed Win XP Pro (SP2 and other up to date MS stuff).
It was working fine for a few days ... I have a KVM switch and plugs attached to it, with the VGA cable into the primary VGA slot. Now I can't get any video output. My LCDs (attached to the KVM, and directly to the Mega180) say that "video out of range". I've connected a CRT to it but it's not getting a video signal after the MS XP Pro initial screen.
I've gone into the BIOS and reset it to the "optimal defaults" but no luck there either.
Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.
ESlater

Bass: Are you sure it's the F6 key that allows one to reset to VGA mode? I've gone into CMOS and turned off Quick Boot, but still, everytime I press F6 I just get the Windows options for Safe Mode boot.
I did go into Safe Mode and set my resolution to 800x600 but that still didn't help.
I guess I can always go ahead and re-install the ATI AGP but I was thinking this unit should work with the standard VGA plug. What is weird is that Windows was running fine, and I wasn't really using the machine at all when the video mode got "reset" (or something).
I guess I'll boot into Safe Mode and remove all video drivers and see how that goes?
Otro: I thought that by hooking up the CRT I'd be able to capture all video modes (certainly more than w/the LCD). What's happening is that the CRT is turning "off" once Windows moves beyond the initial screen (presumably to the User Account Login Screen), as if the Mega 180 isn't even sending a signal down the VGA connection.

MEGA 180 - Video Card Added

I've tried adding a Radeon 8500 video card to a Mega 180 system and when I add it, the system doesn't even POST, nothing. I know the card works.
If you have successfuly installed a video card into a Mega 180 please let me know exactly what you did. The manual seems to state that you simply install it and, of course, plug the monitor into the card. But no dice with this Mega 180. There is no place in BIOS to disable the onboard video either.
Help!!!

Actually, not for me. For a customer who requested this barebones speciifically. You're correct, the machine has been a NIGHTMARE. In fact, I had to RMA the first box I had. I built it, installed the software and proceeded to let it run for a few days before I delivered it. Well, the USB bus just up and died during this burn in period. It totally disapeared from Device Manager and no voltage was present at any of the USB ports.
It cost me $35 to send it back to MSI and it took 6 weeks for me to get a new box from them. Now this box has fried a few sticks of RAM on me and I'm having this $*&% driver issue and the system locks up and won't boot if I install a video card.
UPDATE: Today I tried a brand new Radeon 9600, no dice. Even after I blasted the AGP slot with compressed air. The machine won't even POST. I'm starting to think that the driver issue and the machine's inability to accept a video card are the same problem - the motherboard's video subsystem may have failed.
I build computers for a business and I've built a few hundred machines over the years. Generally, I only use Asus boards, AMD CPUs (love the A7N8X-E Deluxe, Geil RAM, and I prefer Radeon based graphics cards but I will use an nVidia card if need be). If I'm building an ultra cheap box for someone, I'll load the free OS, Knoppix, on it.

Choppy video on steam

I am running windows7 on iMac 20" (new) and video on games is terribly CHOPPY...is there a special setting or do i need a better driver? the driver says "generic LCD"

can you give more information on the hardware you have installed in your Mega 180?
and can you give more background information; ie how long have you had this system, has it ever worked correctly, did the problem start after you installed any particular software, etc etc...

Choppy video on burned DVDs

I've used my optical drive and Toast Titanium for plenty of DVD video burning and for the most part it's been great. However, the last 20 or so DVD's i've tried to burn have all come out choppy when playing in my DVD player that's connected to my TV (not the MBP). By choppy I mean that it will play, and all the sudden it will pause, for maybe 1-2 seconds sometimes longer, and then it will start playing again. It gets pretty irritating.
I thought perhaps it had something to do with numerous programs i've installed so as I mentioned in another thread with problems i'm having with this computer lately, I reformatted and started with a fresh copy of OSX. Still no dice, I get the same choppy / stuttering videos.
Could this be the optical drive going bad?
Or maybe my DVD player just needs cleaning? even though regular purchased DVDs play fine as opposed to my home made burned ones?
thanks for the help and ideas

can you give more information on the hardware you have installed in your Mega 180?
and can you give more background information; ie how long have you had this system, has it ever worked correctly, did the problem start after you installed any particular software, etc etc...

TV-Out on Mega 180 (Composite)

Hi there,
I just received my Mega 180 some days ago. So far I'm really satisfied. I just have one problem an perhaps you could help me.
I at first used the S-Video out from Mega to my S-Video-Scart-In of my TV. That worked without problems.
Now I wanted to use the Composite out instead of S-Video out from the Mega 180. So I connected a composite-adapter to the S-Video port and connected a composite cable to it. Now my TV only shows the picture black/white.
I know that this is an issue connected with S-Video. So I changed in nvidia-driver the automatic detection to manual (composite). But whenever I change this, I just get a complete black screen. I tried this with many nvidia driver versions. All the same.
And now the really misteryous thing: when I de-install the nvidia driver (graphic) and start windows with standard vga-mode, I have a colored picture with the mentioned composite out without having changed anything.
Anyone has an idea? Thanks in advance.
My Hardware:
- MSI Mega 180
- Athlon Sempron 2800
- WinTV 350 PVR
- 512 MB
- onBoard graphicscard

Quote
I at first used the S-Video out from Mega to my S-Video-Scart-In of my TV. That worked without problems.
Quote
I want to use composite instead of s-video because my tv doesn't support s-video. It only supports composite.
just re-reading this post has got me a little confused. are you now connecting to a different TV now?

Things to Know Before Building Your Mega 180

Some people have asked me for a list of tips so here is my attempt---I'll ask Wonk to sticky it if it turns out OK....
Feel free to PM me with more tips---I'll add as necessary....
TIP SHEET FOR THE MEGA 180:
So you bought that new Mega 180 and the docs leave a lot to be desired......Don't panic!! Take a look at this tip sheet. Should save you a lot of hours!
RAM AND PROCESSOR:
Several things here.....If you are going to use onboard video----you should NOT use higher RAM than PC 2700----waste of money to buy higher as the Nforce2 18G "Crush" was only designed to run no higher than with DDR333 RAM (PC2700). Nvidia warns against it on their site. I have personally experienced a LOT of problems when you try to run the onboard at DDR 400 (PC3200)----trashed Bios in most cases. Also---the 18G and to some extent---"Dual Channel" is picky about memory----try to get a matched pair of DIMMS----and if you REALLY want to be on the safe side----go to Nvidias site and look up the page that lists known, compatable memory with the NForce2 chipsetNforce2 compatable memory. I use A-Data 512 sticks---but they are hard to find.
If you are going to use a Vidcard---then higher memory is just fine----but if you are NOT planning on overclocking-----there is really NO need for higher than PC2700 as the default bus for Barton 2800+ and below is FSB 166 (DDR333---PC 2700).
Alyways run your RAM (Synch) 100%---do not play with dividers if you are using the onboard video. If you have no clue what I just said----you are fine as the defaults will take care of this----this last was for overclockers.
Processor----I like the cost of the Barton 2800+ right now----fast, cheap and even using the onboard and no overclocking----you have a fast machine that can do anything. The 2800+ also leaves the door open for a slight overclock (I have not tried this yet) without too much stress on anything.
LCD PANEL:
Do Not----I say again----Do Not use the "welcome.exe" program----or ANY other program on ANY disk or the MSI website to do ANYTHING to your front panel. That program is for the Mega 651 model and WILL TRASH YOUR LCD. The LCD panel works just fine----it doesn't need any updating.
If this advice is to late, the firmware fix is in here:
https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?threadid=46355&sid=
Do download and install the latest version of PC Alert MSI Mega 180 Downloads----works great with the front LCD panel and displays PC info nicely.
Use the EQ mode buttons while playing in the HiFi mode----changes the sound a lot and also the display changes------COOL!
OPTICAL DRIVE:
Use an MSI optical drive----basically anything from MSI will work fine---some other drives are reported to work fine like a NEC 2500A----but if you use an MSI drive----you can't go wrong. You might want to put the drive in another machine with a floppy first----and download and update that drive to the latest firmware (most will require a floppy to do that and the Mega 180 has none.)
CABLE MANAGEMENT:
Buy a dollar pack of cable ties and go to work-----make sure ALL cables are away from the front of the intake fan for the CPU----you want a very clear path to the cooler. Less clutter---better airflow. Better airflow----lower temps.
CPU INSTALL:
Get rid of the MSI thermal grease with some Goof Off or acetone-----and get some good Arctic Silver 3, AS5 or AS Ceramique. Clean both the chip top and the bottom of the HS with denatured alcohol before applying the thermal grease. You might also want to lapp the bottom of the HS which is not very well done----but I found it not necessary. The HS/Fan unit is very easy to install----just rotate your screw down points as perscribed by the sticker on the cooler----don't tighten one screw all the way down----then go to the next.
DRIVERS:
I found the drivers on the install disk to be non-functional---- get the latest drivers from the MSI website (you can use Live Update for this) or go to http://www.nforcershq.com and get the latest Nforce2 Driver Remix from Morpheus1 or Mwarhead.
DO NOT use the Nvidia SW IDE driver (say "No" when it asks you in the driver install) Only use the ITB (In The Box) IDE driver----it's the default driver. Your Optical device will probably not function correctly (eject, etc) with the Nvidia SW IDE driver.
Nforce2 SoundStorm Drivers are a tricky topic----there are TONS of versions out there.... I've had the best luck so far with Drivers 4.31 (Off Microsoft Windows Updates---it was a Driver Update) and Audio Control Panel 4.31. Nvidia has a driver update package now JUST for audio-----posted Here
If you are having problems with Media Center III crashing----it seems to be a conflict between the SoundStorm Drivers and Media Center III, Uninstall your Nvidia audio devices in the device manager (Three of them----there is one hidden---so go to view and "show hidden devices") then reboot and let Windows rerecognize your devices and reload drivers. This will solve most problems until Media Center II has another bad crash----in which case---you may have to do this procedure over again. You can tell if it's really hosed up because the radio sound will come on automatically at boot----or you will have lost the SoundStorm Control Panel Icon in the SysTray. I'm working on different versions of SoundStorm to see which works best---will update if I find anything new. (Update)----4.31 seems to be the best but I still can'ttotally eliminate the crashing in Media Center III.
Once you get your Lan device up and running (or your modem) Go to Windows Update and make sure you are completly updated with all latest window updates---If using WinXP-----you need to be at WinXP ServPack 1a when you are done.
Use Windows Cleanup and Defrag when you are done----ESPECIALLY cleanup---to get rid of any left over temp files in the Mega----To get the BEST and most optimised defrag----run windows defrag at least three times in a row----maybe more----it will REALLY optimise the drive.
TV CARD:
The main TV Card designed for the Mega 180 is the MSI 8606-40 Mega TV Card----be careful to get it vice the other version of the MSI 8606 which is the MSI 8606-10 TV@anywhere Master.
The Mega TV Card does not include a Radio while the 8606-10 DOES include a radio. Since your Mega 180 already has a radio----you absolutely don't need or want the 8606-10 TV@anywhere Master.
Do NOT use any drivers or software you receive with the Mega TV Card MSI 8606-40----just set the disks aside. You will ONLY uses the drivers off the Mega 180 Install Disk.
The Mega TV Card MUST be installed before the menu item for "Install TV Tuner Drivers" becomes visible on the Mega 180 install disk.
Make sure your TV Card is hooked into the line called "Remote Control" within the Mega 180 itself----there is a small 3 inch connecting wire in the TV card box.
The TV and Radio function well with the remote----but you must have MSI Media Center III installed. I could not get the TV or the Radio to work without Media Center III.
Upon initial setup of the TV within Media Center III---you may have to switch the source between cable and antenna to get the initial channels to auto scan. Once done auto scanning---switch back to cable as source (assuming you have cable).
Using the remote to force the TV screen to full screen: When you use the up/down arrows on the remote----watch the menu items on the screen----the various menu item buttons will highlight as you hit the arrows.
Once you have highlighted the little arrow button on the lower right of the screen----just below the TV display (it will turn green)----hit the ENTER key
It goes to widescreen----hit the ENTER key again------it goes to fullscreen
BTW, the remote works fine-----the trick is you HAVE to have Media Center III installed and available to be called for it to control the TV Card----Radio Etc. It will start up normally when you push the TV button on the remote.
BIOS SETTINGS:
The defaults will mostly work. One thing----to get BEST performance out of the NForce 2 Onboard video----set AGP to 128 and Set Frame Buffer to 128----I had crashes with almost any other video setting. I'm still playing with PCI clock, voltages, and some other settings to get better stability-----will let you know.....
6 CHANNEL SOUND
Use all three ports in the back of the Mega 180 and then configure it using the SoundStorm Control Panel----Use the "Speaker Setup Wizard". Check and adjust using the "Test Tone" button. I'm using an inexpensive set of Analog Altec Lansing 5.1s----the sound is excellent.
That's all for now----tell me what else you've found and I'll post.
John

My MSI MEGA 180 has a strange display on the monitor.
I opened the boxed removed all items.
Installed the CPU (supported on the CPU compatability list for the MSI MEGA 180), installed the heatsink & fan.
Installed the HD drive.
Installed the MSI DVD+/-RW
Installed 1 DIMM module of DDR RAM PC2700 333MHZ 1GB
Pushed the Power button for the PC and the desplay is corrupted.
I tried the 4 possible configurations for Jumpers 7 and 8 to alter the FSB speed with no luck.
I also tried the 4 different J7 and J8 configurations without having the HDD and DVD-RW drives connected - same result.
I also tried the 4 different J7 and J8 configurations with the Secondary VGA output connected to my monitor.
I also tried the 4 different J7 and J8 configurations with the S-Video output connected to my TV and no signal at all.
Both my monitor and HDD work fine with my other PC.
I noticed the jumper pins are not numbered - made the configuration job a bit more tedious.
Please note the LCD screen works correctly, however the redio tuner in HiFi mode doesn't pick up any local stations.
As I am a Software Test Engineer, I am 100% confident I have checked all possible configurations including clearing the CMOS, but the system simply will not display to the VDU. The POST should at least be visible when Power is turned on for the PC mode.
NOTE: I will update the RAM Brand as soon as I find out the title from the supplier, but I believe it is OEM.
NOTE II: this is the URL to the CPU used: http://www.excaliberpc.com/product_info.php?products_id=1798
PLeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssss ssssssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eee help ease my pain!!

Mega 180 and Media Center III----looks perfect----is it??

I DON'T want to shell out $1000 for cheap HP/Compaq or whatever which includes Media Center Edition
But I DO like the look and features of Microsoft's Media Center Edition.
In the Manual for the MEGA 180-----Media Center III looks perfect for what I want.
Am thinking of a Mega 180 using onboard video, the MSI TV/Tuner Card, onboard SoundStorm---and a cheap Barton. I already have 2 x 512 of NVidia recommended PC2700 RAM for use with the onboard and almost all other parts----but by the time I'm done----I'd be shelling out around $400
The manual makes everything look good "on paper"----but I see from this forum their are "issues".
Did/does MSI support the 651 model well?? Bios updates----utility and driver updates??
This thing looks like a tremendous alternative to a Microsoft Media Center Edition overpriced machine. And I'm willing to do driver updates and Bios updates----heck, I love a challenge----I just don't like a product that lies about what it can really do.
Worth it----or should I pass.....
Thanks-----John

Quote
Originally posted by johnrr6
Did you try the settings button in MC III that says "Enable Fullscreen"
That may not be it----it may just be a TV setting----but it's the only thing I can think if.
Good Luck,
John
I believe that function is only for viewing the videos from the preview window to fullscreen. I don't think it enables/disables "stretch mode" but i'll try that tonight.
if it works i'll post it here. if not ... well .... same thing i guess

MEGA 180 as Media Center (experiences)

I am trying to use my MEGA 180 as a Media Center, i.e. to listen to radio and CD's, to watch TV and DVD's, and to use the HDD to record programs on temporarily to watch later. Plus the TV pause facility. I am using Windows XP home on it, and have all the latest Windows patches. I don't want to have a PC screen atached to it, so the listening needs to be done without turnig the TV on, and the rest without any tiny writing on the screen etc.
HiFi mode works fine for the listening to radio and CD's.
Once I start PC mode, windows boots to the login screen. I would like to boot straight into a Media Center application, missing out this login screen. Any ideas?
I have tried Media Centre Deluxe III, and ShowShifter. Although I much prefer ShowShifter, it has to be ruled out as it does not use the LCD display at all (as far as I know!). Media Center Deluxe III has a lot of functionality missing, and is a little unstable, but it generally does the job. Has anyone had experiences with other packages?
I have found how to give the radio channels proper names (editing a text file with the details called .freq). I can't do the same with the TV channels. Also I haven't found how to remove all the junk TV channels found during the auto-scan. Anyone with any ideas here.
What about a list of remote key functions. I have found quite a few, but I think we could all gain from a documented list of them. They certainly aren't in the manual that I downloaded.
I have noticed that the whole unit powers on sometines when I use the remote for my old video recorder. I have not yet identified the exact cause of this. I also have an infra-red wireless keyboard that may giving it the wakeup indication, but I'm not sure if it was in sleep or power down. The standby mode seems to lock up the box, i.e. it does not power up again properly.
What about getting EPGs and setting the unit up to record TV programs. Can it be set to a no-noise state whilst waiting for the show to start, and then power to that state again when the recording has finished. I have toyed with the boot-up clock in the BIOS, but have not had it working yet.
This could be such a great box given the right software.

Autologon with windows XP
I Use TweakUI to autologin windows xp
you can download it here
Set native resolution to 768x576
I also use TVtool to set the resolution to 768x576 which is the native PAL resolution. This prevents that stuff gets scaled
However, note that MediaCenter III Deluxe doesnt work nicely with it
Many stuff will b offscreen
Remote control
I use Girder for my remote control. It allows me to control all programs using a remote control (unfortunaly not msi's remote control).
TV Guide
Try to see if there's XMLTV support for your country. Many HTPC support XMLTV to show a TVguide

MEGA 180 remote control LINUX support

I'm trying to set the MEGA 180 up as a home entertainment system with Freevo on Debian (Linux).
The system now boots from network, and sound/video/tv-out works perfectly.
I've not managed to use the LCD, radio and remote control yet.
(Or the card reader, but that should not be a problem).
The radio and LCD I can live without, but the remote control was what got me to buy the system in the first place. Does anyone know how to make it work with linux?
If someone could supply me with specs for the hardware, I should be able to write a driver myself, but so far, I've had no luck finding the info I need.
(I didn't expect the onboard IR reciever to work, so I had build a serial IR reciever... but when I got the PC... no serial port )
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

These are the only links I have got that might be of interest.
http://www.siliconmotion.com.tw/bluebirdvl.htm
http://lirc.sourceforge.net/remotes/msi/
not a lot of help I know but I light a candle every so often

Mega 180/Media Player/Graphic Card/TV-Out

Hi,
after very long research I decided to use Mega 180 as a dedicated PC for media center purpose and to connect it directly to my TV (Siemens 100 Hz real flat 16:9) and to upgrade my second PC and to connect the two PCs wirelesly and to use Media Portal software.
And then I have started to read related posts and forums. But this time I learned that there are new issues I have to deal with.
1. TV-out: The TV-Out of Mega 180 is not good enough on a TV. My question is do I have to buy another powerful graphic card? I need recommendation. My TV has composite and scart inputs.
2. Media Portal: This software has lack of some features. If I use MCE 2005, will it be better?
3. If I use a video converter, will it help me to find better picture on my TV?
Yes bodies, unfortunately there is no way to find the best solution. And I am at the final stage. If this solution does not run, I will give up. I need your recommendations.

This is copied from another reply I made today. The Mega 180 can drive a TV just fine. But you need to spend alot of time making it work.
How you hook up to your TV depends on your available TV connections and your quality standard. The Mega 180 does have an SVideo output. I don't use this however. I have a VGA input port on my 42 inch plasma monitor. It accepts VGA 640 X 480, 800 x 600, or 1024 X 768 standard computer resolutions. It also accepts 480P or 1080i TV inputs using the VGA port. Many quality TV monitors have a DVI port or component video. These would require some sort of physical adapter to attach to a Mega PC.
So I actually run in 1080i mode most of the time. This makes DVD's and HDTV look really nice. When using the XP computer screen I keep it in 1080i mode but map this to 960 X 540 resolution using PowerStrip. This way I can read the text on the display without it being distorted. However this is pretty low resolution for most web browsers and email programs. So it is kind of cramped... When playing computer games I switch to 1024 X 768 computer mode. The good thing is the on board Nvidia MX440 graphics work just fine to generate all these modes. So I do not have a card in the AGP slot.

Tv-out stoped working (mega 180)

I have searched the forum for tv-out problem but did not find the same problem I have.
9600 pro fb
Mega 180
2600 barton
winxp xp2
The tv-out was working fine, but sudenly it was dead.
This happend at the same time the msi radio started after I turned on my pc, I managed to make it stop, but then the radio came on when I turned the tv mode on. But i fixed that problem to.
But the tv out wont work. But the tv does flimmer a bit when i try to connect, so there is contact. Acording to windows, a cable is not conected, but I have tried with to different cables and it worked before.
Also, the startup screen wont work on tv, not even with the monitor cable unpluged.
I use composite, no s-video on my tv.
I tried to change the gfx card in bios from agp to pci, as it was original.
This happend after I tried to make my other computer work, so I have changed the cpu and memory a bit, to see what is wrong.
But I gues there is no cable needed for tv-out that I could have taken out?
When I get home I wil try new drivers.
I gues I also could try to "turn back time" Dont know the english word for it.
In norwegian, "systemgjennomretting"
Does anyone have other sugestions?

The TV out has to be connected on startup. What to do in case you have disconnected is explained in the MEGA pdf manual you have on your CD-ROM. It comes down to setting NVidia Dualview settings again for your TV out, because it is set back to single monitor again after disconnecting it.

WMVHD on Mega 180

Hi,
I ask your help to understand if my Mega 180 with 1 gb ddr and integrated geforce4 (with 128 mb dedicated) can play smoothly wmvhd.
Is there any bios setting that can solve the problem?
Or I have to use the latest nvidia drivers?
Or simply I have to add an AGP video card?
Thanks in advance.

So far I tested the ATI 9200, the situation improves a little, but only on WMV 720p, not on 1080i.
Please help me to solve my problem. Should I:
-upgrade my bios
-change some config on present bios
-install a more powerful CPU (maximum allowed Athlon 3000+)
-install an additional GPU like GeForce 6600 even if is suggested only with a PSU of 300 Watts and my Mega 180 has a 200W(PFC 5V/12V SB) Full Range
the last solution is the most suggested but I'm scared about heating on my case.
Thanks in advance
Renato
Configuration:
Mega 180
CPU Athlon 2600+
1Gb (2x512) RAM DDR400 V-Data
HD Maxtor 160Gb IDE
DVD Burner Pioneed A109
Integrated audio
Integrated Geforce4
USB-Bluetooth Dongle
Bluetooth trackball keyboard DigitalRise (http://www.digitalrise.biz/products/input/keyboard_btb/)
Windows XP Pro SP2
Latest Nforce Sound drivers and Nvidia Video drivers
TV CRT Philips 32PW9308 32 inch. 16:9 100hz (via S-SHS)
Screen Resolution 720x480
Audio output by Creative GD580 5.1 Surround Speaker (Dolby & DTS)

Choppy Video on MEGA 180

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