Why does sound playback distort or skip in RealPlayer?

If you are experiencing problems with poor playback quality while streaming content:

• Try playing other files.
• Check your sound card for any conflicts with another device.
• Update your sound card drivers.
• Disable 16-bit sound.
• Disable custom sampling rates.

Further detail about each of these options is below:

Solution 1: Try playing other files.

To verify that the problem is not with the file you are trying to play, test your system with other files on the Internet. If other files play well, the problem may be with the specific file you were trying to play.

To open a test video in a new page, click here. Play the video.

If the problem persists with all content, changing some sound settings in RealPlayer or updating the computer's sound card drivers should help resolve the problem.

Solution 2: Check your sound card for any conflicts with another device.

Read the sound card documentation for driver descriptions to make sure that your configuration is correct.

To check the status of your sound card, and see how it is configured:

Windows:
1. ON YOUR KEYBOARD: Hold down the Windows key and press "R"
2. Type devmgmt.msc
3. Click OK.
4. Click the plus [+] sign or arrow next to Sound, video, and game controllers.
5. Right-click your sound card, and select Properties.
6. Compare the information in the dialog with your sound card driver descriptions in the sound card documentation.
7. On the General tab of the Systems Properties dialog, make sure that the Device status message is "This device is working properly."

If the Device Status message states that the device is not working properly, contact your sound card or computer manufacturer for further assistance.

Notes:
If the installed drivers do not match, we recommend that you reinstall the sound card drivers.
If you see a yellow ! or red X, there is a problem with the sound card. Contact the manufacturer of the sound card for assistance.

Solution 3: Update your sound card drivers.

Your computer uses driver software to send information to the sound card. RealPlayer may not be able to play sound if the driver software is out-of-date, corrupt, or has other problems.

To resolve these issues, we recommend that you update your sound card drivers on a regular basis. To verify that you are using the latest drivers, contact your sound card manufacturer or visit their web site.

Solution 4: Disable 16-bit sound.

1. Open RealPlayer.
2. Click the RealPlayer logo in the upper left, then click Preferences. The Preferences dialog opens.
3. Under Category, click Hardware.
4. In the Sound Card Compatibility section, click Settings.
5. Clear the Disable 16-bit sound check box.
6. Click OK, then OK again.
7. Try using RealPlayer again to see if it improves the quality of audio playback.

Solution 5: Disable custom sampling rates.

If disabling 16-bit sound does not improve audio playback:
1. Open RealPlayer.
2. Click the RealPlayer logo in the upper left, then click Preferences. The Preferences dialog opens.
3. Under Category, click Hardware.
4. In the Sound Card Compatibility section, click Settings.
5. Select the Disable custom sampling rates check box.
6. Click OK, then OK again.
7. Try using RealPlayer again to see if it improves the quality of audio playback.

This option is best if the audio clips play at the wrong speed, but it increases CPU usage.