Microsoft KB Archive/896030

= Video playback appears choppy when you view video by using a Media Center Extender device that is connected to a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based computer =

Article ID: 896030

Article Last Modified on 12/25/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005

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SYMPTOMS
When you view video by using a Windows Media Center Extender device that is connected to your Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based computer, the video playback appears choppy. Video playback performance is poor.



CAUSE
This issue may occur if the following conditions are true:
 * The Windows Media Center Extender device is connected to your Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based computer by using an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11g wireless network.
 * Slower IEEE 802.11b devices are connected to the same wireless network.

This issue occurs because the 802.11g wireless network detects the presence of the 802.11b devices on the same network and automatically uses a &quot;protected mode.&quot; This mode slows down the 802.11g traffic because a special clear-to-send header is appended to the 802.11b packets to detect and avoid the 802.11g traffic. This can cause additional overhead and a reduction of performance of the 802.11g wireless network.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, use one of the following options:
 * Remove the 802.11b devices from the wireless network.
 * Replace your older 802.11g-only router with a newer router that is Designed for Media Center Edition (DfMCE) certified and that supports either the 802.11a standard or the multiprotocol 802.11a/b/g standards. The Extender can connect to an 802.11g router or to an 802.11a router. For optimal performance, connect the Extender to an 802.11a router.



STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the &quot;Applies to&quot; section.



MORE INFORMATION
For more information about wireless local area network products that are based on IEEE 802.11 specification, visit the following Wi-Fi Alliance Web page: http://www.wi-fi.org Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

Media Center Technical Support
Because Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition was included with your hardware device or system, the hardware manufacturer provides technical support and assistance for this software. Your manufacturer may have customized the installation with unique components such as specific device drivers and optional settings to maximize the performance of that manufacturer's hardware. If you require technical help with Windows XP Media Center Edition, contact your manufacturer directly because the manufacturer is best qualified to support the software that the manufacturer has installed on the hardware.

You can also visit the Windows XP Media Center Edition product information Web site at the following Microsoft Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/

Keywords: kbtshoot KB896030

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