QuickTime: Audio dropout in Microsoft Windows

When using QuickTime on a Windows computer you may experience audio breaking up. This document provides known solutions.

The default QuickTime sound settings work for most computers. However, if you experience sound drop-out problems on your computer, here are some things you can try.

If DirectSound is available for your computer, make sure you have the latest sound driver and the current version of Direct X. Check with your computer vendor for any available updates.

If you still experience sound issues, adjust the size of the sound buffer QuickTime uses. Larger buffers reduce the chance of drop-outs, but increase latency for interactive uses of sound.

If you have QuickTime 7 see iTunes and QuickTime for Windows: Songs and other audio don't play correctly.

Adjusting the size of the Sound Buffers

1. Open the Control Panels window.
   
2. Open QuickTime Settings.
   
3. Choose Sound Out from the pop-up menu.
   
4. Select the WaveOut or DirectSound device (Depends on your computer configuration).
5. Click the Options button.
   
6. Adjust the settings.

   DirectSound Settings

   The size of the sound buffer is set in milliseconds. Increase the buffer size until the drop-out is corrected.

   WaveOut Settings

   There are two numbers to adjust, the number of buffers and the size of each buffer in milliseconds. Adjust the number of buffers until any drop-outs are corrected. If you hear a stuttering, increase the individual buffer size until the stuttering is corrected.

7. Click OK and close the QuickTime Settings control panel.
8. Test the movie you were experiencing problems with.
   
9. If the issue continues, keep adjusting the settings until the audio is corrected.

One place to check for latest drivers and Direct X is at Download.com.