Intermittent SPDIF output hiccup problem

[sunbird]

I have a very annoying problem playing a music DVD - random (infrequent), very short, but noticeable, intermittent "hiccups" in audio stream. My system consists of a dedicated 2.4GHz, P4 512MB with NEC3520A DVD drive (DMA mode), on-board Realtek AC'97 sound hardware used in SPDIF pass-through mode via optical output to AV receiver. I use either Media Player Classic or PowerDVD Deluxe - same problem. Video is perfect.

Anyone have any ideas as to how to troubleshoot?

[sunbird]

does anyone out there know if there is a utility (other than task manager - sampling frequency much too slow) to record all process activity?

[maximm]

I have the exact same problem, and it goes for everything. Mp3, video, DVD you name it... Its so annoying. Im using AC97 on a abit max3 p4 motherboard.

[Zoloco]

I beleive this is the same problem I got, 5.1 DD or DTS sent to my receiver has this behavior. Every couple of minutes I hear a small annoyng pause. It doesn't happen with 2ch sound though, only with 5.1

I know what is causing my problem, but don't know how to solve it :(

I have a Radeon X1650 PRO PCI-Express 16 and the audio problem is definitely caused by it, it doesn't happen when I use my onboars video (Intel MGA 950).

I hope you find a solution and let us know.