Database Users

Bluetooth causing video stuttering.

For whatever reason, when I use my Bluetooth headset for audio while watching a video, it causes the video to stutter. It's watchable, but really annoying. The same videos have no issues on wired headphones or the external speakers. Anybody else having this problem? If not, any guesses on fixing it? I have a 3g Xoom on stock 3.1.

Finally, someone else acknowledging this problem. I started a similar thread a while back and it went nowhere - only solution suggested to me was to try overclocking - so I went ahead and installed Tiamat Kernel and overclocked - and no change - still got stuttering video when using bluetooth.
This problem really drove me crazy at first. Spent ages re-encoding my videos thinking it was a problem with the video itself. Then one day I forgot to charge my BT headphones, and was forced to use wired headphones and the video played perfectly. Thats when I realized what the problem was. Since then I have only been using wired headphones to watch movies and have been using my BT headphones only for video podcasts where I don't care about slowdown. Wish there was a solution. I really miss my wireless headphones for movies.
Anyway its nice to see someone else has made the same observation. I was really perplexed that no one else seemed to be bothered by this problem.

Bummer! I was hoping my problem was an isolated one that could be fixed with a reset or something. Guess I'll just start carrying ear buds around and save the headset for music.... Thanks for the reply!

I have a similar issue that I posted in the Q&A section but no real replies. For example when I turn on bluetooth to stream my music to a bluetooth receiver, I cannot surf the web at the same time because it's really slow to load pages. Once I turn off bluetooth, the wifi works at full speed.
It's pretty bad to the point where the page that I am trying to load actually times out. I thought it was my Xoom that was an issue but apparently not. It's impossible to use something like Audiogalaxy to stream music from my computer and transmit it using bluetooth. The constant fighting for wireless/bluetooth signal creates pauses and gaps. I'm thinking the same is happening to your video. Can any one confirm that this happens with another brand tablet? I have until June 13th to return this to Amazon. I already pre ordered the Galaxy 10.1 but would rather keep the Xoom with the expansion slots and usb port if I can.

CyberChulo said:
I have a similar issue that I posted in the Q&A section but no real replies. For example when I turn on bluetooth to stream my music to a bluetooth receiver, I cannot surf the web at the same time because it's really slow to load pages. Once I turn off bluetooth, the wifi works at full speed.
It's pretty bad to the point where the page that I am trying to load actually times out. I thought it was my Xoom that was an issue but apparently not. It's impossible to use something like Audiogalaxy to stream music from my computer and transmit it using bluetooth. The constant fighting for wireless/bluetooth signal creates pauses and gaps. I'm thinking the same is happening to your video. Can any one confirm that this happens with another brand tablet? I have until June 13th to return this to Amazon. I already pre ordered the Galaxy 10.1 but would rather keep the Xoom with the expansion slots and usb port if I can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that this BT - video slowdown doesn't happen with my Galaxy Tab 7 which is a single core running android 2.2. So it makes no sense that using BT should demand so many resources that it brings a dual-core HC tablet to a crawl.

Correct. Do you mind streaming music from your Xoom to your headphones and go to a sight like Engadget to see if it is able to load the entire page?

Digital Man said:
I can confirm that this BT - video slowdown doesn't happen with my Galaxy Tab 7 which is a single core running android 2.2. So it makes no sense that using BT should demand so many resources that it brings a dual-core HC tablet to a crawl.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't ever really watched a video with bt headphones, but I use them all every day when listening to music on my Galaxy S and I can say that I get really ****ty network performance for web browsing, and that my phone is noticeably slower while I'm using the bt headphones. This has been the case on two different 2.2 roms and on 2.3.3.
I haven't tried these headphones on the xoom so I can't say there, but at least it's not the only device with BT issues.

I'm still having this problem...anyone else?

I'm having the same problem. Get random pauses and freezing. Guess I'm switching back to wired headphones.

Hmmm...I haven't noticed this issue. I watched Thor in 720p using the HDMI output to my TV and my bluetooth headphones the other night...no freezing or stuttering.

The problem is that BT and WiFi both use the same frequency band, and as such the WiFi/BT chip has to switch control of the (same) antenna between both halves of the chip. Now, BT audio (A2DP) is a stream, so when the WiFi/BT chip has to snatch away the antenna for WiFi (even if you're not actively using it, there's periodic stuff like beacon frames and background data, etc.) the stream gets interrupted from time-to-time, and because the audio system- which gates the playback of video streams- gets "bunched up" with data that couldn't be sent while the antenna's switched to WiFi, sometimes you get these pauses.
It's not really a CPU or processing-power issue.
When I watch movies on the plane thru BT headphones (and WiFi is off), I never get any stutters. I suspect if you turn off WiFi it'll smooth it out.

roku-like audiocast to phone / headphones

Hey all.
I found a rather dirty hack that seems to work better than Bluetooth audio for listening to private audio from the firetv.
Installing bubbleupnp works good on my phone for audio casting to xbmc, so I tried the same on the firetv in reverse.
I had the xposed installer already on the firetv for llama support, so all I needed was to install the bubbleupnp app and bubbleupnp module in xposed.
Experimenting, I played from xbmc to my bubbleupnp app on my phone and it worked. There was a little delay, but it was more constant than the delay that BT headphones have with the firetv. Adjusting the delay on the xbmc app, and I had my private audio. I hadn't tried with any of the other video apps on the firetv, but I'm thinking the delay will be there. At least I can use it for xbmc.
Just wanted to put that out there. Hopefully a better option for sending and listening to audio will come out soon.

t3ch42 said:
Hey all.
I found a rather dirty hack that seems to work better than Bluetooth audio for listening to private audio from the firetv.
Installing bubbleupnp works good on my phone for audio casting to xbmc, so I tried the same on the firetv in reverse.
I had the xposed installer already on the firetv for llama support, so all I needed was to install the bubbleupnp app and bubbleupnp module in xposed.
Experimenting, I played from xbmc to my bubbleupnp app on my phone and it worked. There was a little delay, but it was more constant than the delay that BT headphones have with the firetv. Adjusting the delay on the xbmc app, and I had my private audio. I hadn't tried with any of the other video apps on the firetv, but I'm thinking the delay will be there. At least I can use it for xbmc.
Just wanted to put that out there. Hopefully a better option for sending and listening to audio will come out soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so with what you did is, you basically had the audio stream of a video playing on your phone? I have already installed bubbleupnp on both my note 3 and the fire tv (xposed module on both devices too)but im clueless as to how to make this work. all i have managed is to cast audio(but only music and not video) from my phone to the fire tv, or initiate a video from the fire tv to start playing on my phone, making the fire tv a large remote and my phone the video player lol.
thing is I've never used bubbleupnp before so this whole casting thing is new to me. Maybe you are able to give more details as to what you did? what you set the renderer and library to on both your phone and the tv? Would gladly appreciate it as this is the last piece of the puzzle for me as to configuring the fire tv. would really like xbmc to play the video while my phone plays the audio!! thx!!

Exactly as you said it.
Set bubbleupnp to audiocast to my phone.
Listen on my phone.
Get frustrated because bubbleupnp won't ever change their design to be able to sync. Apparently, the delay is inevitable. Not sure why, as allshare seems to have it figured out.
I'm going to give up on this, as I've had no luck from this method. Will wait to see if a BT ad2p(?) Receiver Profile can be used with phones.

t3ch42 said:
Exactly as you said it.
Set bubbleupnp to audiocast to my phone.
Listen on my phone.
Get frustrated because bubbleupnp won't ever change their design to be able to sync. Apparently, the delay is inevitable. Not sure why, as allshare seems to have it figured out.
I'm going to give up on this, as I've had no luck from this method. Will wait to see if a BT ad2p(?) Receiver Profile can be used with phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know what im doing now? I play the movie using xbmc, but also start the movie playback on my phone using mx player.But mx player has the capability to only play the audio with the screen off, so thats what im doing now. Its easy enough to get the audio synced, and the batt drain isnt too bad, 16% for 130 minutes movie (DTS downmixing). a 40 minutes itunes web dl would consume about 4% if its on AC3, but i presume it would be very similar even if it was just AAC.
Until a more seamless method comes out, this is what im gonna be doing, as its easy enough, and no extra purchase required

ars_92 said:
You know what im doing now? I play the movie using xbmc, but also start the movie playback on my phone using mx player.But mx player has the capability to only play the audio with the screen off, so thats what im doing now. Its easy enough to get the audio synced, and the batt drain isnt too bad, 16% for 130 minutes movie (DTS downmixing). a 40 minutes itunes web dl would consume about 4% if its on AC3, but i presume it would be very similar even if it was just AAC.
Until a more seamless method comes out, this is what im gonna be doing, as its easy enough, and no extra purchase required
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol...
I've played around like that in the past. It does put more load on your network and hard drives though. Tolerable but unfortunate.
I'm giving BT another try. Picked up a car mp3 3.5mm out unit from amazon for $8.50 or so that I'll be able to sync up easily enough. i can plug my own headphones up and plug it into the USB chargers at my bed. I'll see how that works. Hopefully this will be an option.

How nice would it have been if they just gave the headphone out thru remote capability like the roku 3....sigh
Do update on how well your new plan goes. Thanks!
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Any update or progress on development of using bluetooth headphones without sync issues?

When you guys described the worsening audio offset which cannot be corrected because it keeps getting worse over time, how long does it take to see it noticeably worsened?
The reason i am asking is I finally was able to install Settings.apk and paired my bluetooth headphones (Noontec Zoro wireless BT headphones).
When I played a movie in XBMC, I didn't think the audio offset was that bad. Better yet, I didn't notice that it worsened over time. I watched it for over 20 minutes and didn't notice any change. I did a manual offset of .4 sec to compensate and it seemed fine after 20 minutes or so. Will I notice it after more time?
The only thing on my config that might be different than others is that in XBMC 13.1 Gotham stable release, is that I have Hardware acceleration enabled but I unchecked both Mediacodec and libstagefright (it is the only way that I can watch xvid without stutter and doesn't seem to affect mp4 h264 movies). Maybe someone else can try this?
Also, movies I played on Plex shows the same...small lag but somewhat tolerable and it didn't seem to get worse over time, but I only did this for about 5 minutes.

superflysocal said:
Any update or progress on development of using bluetooth headphones without sync issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have had pretty good luck with xbmc 13.2 beta rc1.
Am using this BT adapter but only have a few issues now. This syncs up to the fire TV and the audio stays in sync with xbmc.
As I stated in my review, the channels are reversed. Not a real big deal as I can switch my headphones manually to the other ear. After checking my son's BT headphones too, I'm beginning to think all the Chinese imports have their audio connections backwards.
As I watch the show tonight, I can say that the BT alternative is working pretty good. I've had it set forward about 0.2sec ahead and it was quite tolerable. Seems to be getting better. Maybe next update will fix it.
Anybody else had any better luck?

t3ch42 said:
Have had pretty good luck with xbmc 13.2 beta rc1.
Am using this BT adapter but only have a few issues now. This syncs up to the fire TV and the audio stays in sync with xbmc.
As I stated in my review, the channels are reversed. Not a real big deal as I can switch my headphones manually to the other ear. After checking my son's BT headphones too, I'm beginning to think all the Chinese imports have their audio connections backwards.
As I watch the show tonight, I can say that the BT alternative is working pretty good. I've had it set forward about 0.2sec ahead and it was quite tolerable. Seems to be getting better. Maybe next update will fix it.
Anybody else had any better luck?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So where do you plug this into? The USB port of the AFTV? how do you pair it?

superflysocal said:
So where do you plug this into? The USB port of the AFTV? how do you pair it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a simple little BT receiver that allows a 1/8” headphone jack or jumper to plug into your car aux. It has a battery which lasts three or so hours with headphones plugged in.
To sync, turn on the switch and search with your phone, firetv or whatever you have with BT audio. It automatically connects. Simple. Cheap.

I actually use a pair cheapo 2.4ghz headphones I got as a gift. None audio sync issues I had using a bluetooth transmitter. I just plug it into either the headphone port on the bedroom tv or on the av receiver when I watch in the living room when I can't sleep.
these look nice
The JBL WR2.4 looks nice for under $50 at Amazon

goodhur said:
I actually use a pair cheapo 2.4ghz headphones I got as a gift. None audio sync issues I had using a bluetooth transmitter. I just plug it into either the headphone port on the bedroom tv or on the av receiver when I watch in the living room when I can't sleep.
these look nice
The JBL WR2.4 looks nice for under $50 at Amazon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most tv now a day doesn't have headphone jack.
Some of us don't have receiver in bedroom tv

superflysocal said:
Most tv now a day doesn't have headphone jack.
Some of us don't have receiver in bedroom tv
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bedroom TV has a headphone port the side and no av receiver. That tv is technically a computer monitor with hdmi and a tuner. So that may explain why it still has a headphone port. However, many larger TV's still have an audio out (line level, red and white RCA) that can be used with wireless headphones. There are also toslink to analog convertors or HDMI audio extractors that you can get for about $25. You could use one to achieve line level audio.
I have been researching TV's since the living room tv is old. My living room TV is ridiculous it is HD but it is a 50" plasma from 2004 and it was built before ASTC HD tuners were put in TV sets. The last owners left it because it was a pita to move, I can't imagine how much it would have cost in 2004.
The headphone I mentioned appears not to be a good choice in the line level audio output scenario.

t3ch42 said:
Its a simple little BT receiver that allows a 1/8” headphone jack or jumper to plug into your car aux. It has a battery which lasts three or so hours with headphones plugged in.
To sync, turn on the switch and search with your phone, firetv or whatever you have with BT audio. It automatically connects. Simple. Cheap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then I am not sure how this approach would be different than using bluetooth headphones other than you getting lucky with this particular unit compared to others. It is bascially a bluetooth headphone without the headphones.
It's great that it works for you though.

superflysocal said:
Then I am not sure how this approach would be different than using bluetooth headphones other than you getting lucky with this particular unit compared to others. It is bascially a bluetooth headphone without the headphones.
It's great that it works for you though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right. They are no different. What I did notice is the audio did not seem too out of sync if at all with the newer version of xbmc.
Of course, it could just be a coincidence with a movie that had it audio set out of sync already...I don't know. I may have been more tolerant of the prep work in order to get it to work, pause the video, adjust delay forward, unpause and verify.
The point for me was that it was easy. The BT receiver could have been a more expensive one or cheaper. I don't think it matters too much right now as the BT audio is just an unintended positive side effect.
Amazon may enable a better fix soon or someone may mod a custom image with support if the bootloader opens. Its possible. Either way, I'm happy with the amazon TV. There a bunch more options and capabilities available on this xbmc box than any of the others I've had.

[Q] Nexus Playera Sound Problem

Hello.
My Nexus player works almost perfectly, but, if I am playing anything, suddenly the sound stop for a second an comes back. It happens during the whole video or song. I reset the player and look for answers in Google but I haven't found a solution.
What can I do?

Check to see if the HDMI connection on your receiver has MHL, I had to switch ports BC the one I was using had MHL and it would default my sound output to analog.... When I changed to a different HDMI connection the issues went away.

I tried all 6 of the ports on my onkyo receiver and they all had the sound issue, also tried a hand full of different HDMI cables. Called up Asus and they apparently haven't heard of the problem but they're willing to RMA my unit.

ke5pcv said:
I tried all 6 of the ports on my onkyo receiver and they all had the sound issue, also tried a hand full of different HDMI cables. Called up Asus and they apparently haven't heard of the problem but they're willing to RMA my unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the same issue on my TV. Haven't found a solution yet. Super aggravating. The issue only occurs on my TV regardless of using the built in speakers, or passing through the digital audio. The issue doesn't occur on another tv. I believe the issue stems from the way my TV processes the audio.

ke5pcv said:
I tried all 6 of the ports on my onkyo receiver and they all had the sound issue, also tried a hand full of different HDMI cables. Called up Asus and they apparently haven't heard of the problem but they're willing to RMA my unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using a Onkyo 626 and had issues until I moved to different HDMI port. Onkyo is known for HDMI issues so maybe you have a BSD receiver. Might want to also check the receiver firmware... Probably a long shot but who knows....

I ran into this same issue a few months ago. The only way I could fix this was by bypassing my receiver. I had to use the HDMI directly into my TV, then forward the audio to my receiver via optical cable.

irwinfeliz said:
Hello.
My Nexus player works almost perfectly, but, if I am playing anything, suddenly the sound stop for a second an comes back. It happens during the whole video or song. I reset the player and look for answers in Google but I haven't found a solution.
What can I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
irwinfeliz - We're very sorry you're having sound issues with your Nexus Player. Have you tried resetting the device? Please email us at [email protected] providing details of the issue, the troubleshooting steps that you've performed and the serial number of your Nexus Player.
If you have any further questions, comments or concerns please do not hesitate to let us know. You may reference this case number (N150378674) on your next contact. We will be more than happy to assist you.
Thank you.
In Search of Incredible
Technical Support Department
http://www.asus.com :: http://service.asus.com/

Multiple people have reported this issue.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-player/help/nexus-player-audio-dropout-t2942196
I noticed mine happened when connected to my Pioneer receiver but not when I connected directly to my TV (also worked fine through NP ->XB1 HDMI in -> Recevier -> TV). NOt sure why the receiver was the issue. I RMAd it and the replacement works better. I no longer get audio drops while watching video but I do notice that some audio doesnt come through like menu clicks but no longer happens when watching video or listening to music.

Thanks for your reply
I do have an Onkyo Home theater connected with HDMI. Even if the sound drops stop by connecting directly to the TV, I will need the Onkyo system anyway.
Munkee915 said:
Multiple people have reported this issue.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-player/help/nexus-player-audio-dropout-t2942196
I noticed mine happened when connected to my Pioneer receiver but not when I connected directly to my TV (also worked fine through NP ->XB1 HDMI in -> Recevier -> TV). NOt sure why the receiver was the issue. I RMAd it and the replacement works better. I no longer get audio drops while watching video but I do notice that some audio doesnt come through like menu clicks but no longer happens when watching video or listening to music.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Supposably, they fixed the issue with my Nexus Player and it's on its way back. I will report back if it's fixed or not. The HDMI text always blinked on my onkyo reciever when the sound stuttered. My cable box, chromecast, and two other things have never had an issue.

ke5pcv said:
Supposably, they fixed the issue with my Nexus Player and it's on its way back. I will report back if it's fixed or not. The HDMI text always blinked on my onkyo reciever when the sound stuttered. My cable box, chromecast, and two other things have never had an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get it out to them so quick? Yeah, let me know. This has been a deal breaker for me.

I called them twice to address this issue and the guy at the call center elevated the issue and told me to bring it to the nearest FedEx place and they'll pay for it. So, I got it shipped this last Monday. Got an email saying it was fixed. No details on what was wrong. Will post details if and or when I get them.

OK guys, I know nothing of what they fixed.Seeing that they just sent me a whole new bare box unit. I now have a spare Nexus Player box... 0.o
I plugged in the new Player and updated to 5.1, so far zero sound problems... Basically, from what I've seen; I'd recommend those whom have the audio problem to get their player RMA'd. I'll report back and complain again to ASUS if it stutters anymore.

Was the RMA done through ASUS? Did you have to send back the device (pay shipping costs)? What was the turnaround time to get back your Nexus Player? Thanks for your help.

Marshmallow 6.0 bluetooth headphone problems

headphones: beats studio wireless
2.4ghz band stopped working when headphones are connected
-temporary solution: switched to 5ghz band. no issue
netflix would buffer to 99%, audio would start playing but screen was still buffering
-temporary solution: turn off headphones, let video play, turn headphones back on
kodi, hulu and youtube worked fine.
overall i was pretty happy with my experience. im most proud to say that the nexus player is not plagued with the audio lag that come with other devices.

I've had issues with BT headset quality too, since trying post Marshmallow update.
It would have of course been best, if there was a headphone jack in the remote, like Roku and Nvidia Shield have.
It seems the use of a BT headset, somehow puts a burden on the overall Wifi connection of the device, or something. Given you found 5Ghz works better. With Roku and Shield, the headphone jack works great no matter the connection, if you can get it to play on the TV, it will play with no issues via the wireless headphone jack of Roku and Shield.
I don't know why Nexus Player BT headset audio is so unstable. But it's disappointing. That the claimed benefits of Marshmallow for the Nexus Player, are found to be less than stellar once put to use.

Showtime_III said:
headphones: beats studio wireless
2.4ghz band stopped working when headphones are connected
-temporary solution: switched to 5ghz band. no issue
netflix would buffer to 99%, audio would start playing but screen was still buffering
-temporary solution: turn off headphones, let video play, turn headphones back on
kodi, hulu and youtube worked fine.
overall i was pretty happy with my experience. im most proud to say that the nexus player is not plagued with the audio lag that come with other devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I was looking for a fix or workaround for that issue with netfilx. My workaround was just to cast from my tablet or phone. A little annoying as sometimes I don't have my tablet or phone around.

Showtime_III said:
netflix would buffer to 99%, audio would start playing but screen was still buffering
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got the OTA update to 6.0 and yes, while I was thrilled to get bluetooth headphone capability this problem with Netflix takes the fun out of it. I'm not convinced it's really buffering, I think it's just refusing to switch to the video framebuffer output for some technical reason when the bluetooth audio sink is selected, so the buffering spinner never goes away.
-temporary solution: turn off headphones, let video play, turn headphones back on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's surprising how well this works in terms of being consistent and repeatable (usually these kinds of tricks result in hanging or crashing if you use them more than once), but unfortunately it only works until you have to use the UI to skip or even pause, then it's gone and you have to do it again.
Update: There is also a bluetooth audio problem with Kodi under 6.0: While UI sounds and at least some local files play back fine with bluetooth audio, in certain other streams, including all the YouTube videos and World News Live channels I tried, bluetooth audio is absent unless you do the above trick where you connect the bluetooth device after it starts playing.
The symptom is almost the exact opposite of what you get with Netflix in that, unless you do this trick the video streams but the audio doesn't, where in Netflix the audio streams but the video does not appear.

It's also pretty ridiculous that there is no way to disconnect a bluetooth device from the Nexus side, which means that once it's paired, the headset will connect to the player whenever you turn it on. Which is irritating if you have other devices you want to use it with, like phones and tablets -- all of which do let you disconnect a bluetooth device without unpairing or turning bluetooth off.

Shield Pro surround sound

Hi all,
Having recently purchased a Shield Pro, I'm trying to get the surround sound working.
I have a couple of 5.1 format FLACs which I'm using for testing. The left, right and centre channel play fine, but the sub and surround channels don't. This seems particularly weird to me, as I'd expect to either have a plain old stereo mixdown, or fully working surround - but I'm definitely getting the centre channel in addition to the L+R front speakers, just not the others.
I've tried playing them through both Kodi and VLC, with exactly the same results. The receiver (a Denon AVR-1912) shows a Dolby Pro-Logic connection from the Shield, and works fine on all channels with other sources. I've tried tweaking the obvious settings on both the shield and the media player apps, but to no avail.
Can anyone help me out with an idea of what might be going wrong here, or what I could try out to troubleshoot it? Thanks.