Protected Process

I would like to change the CPU scheduling priority of a protected process.
To be specific: Windows Audio Service (the isolated process), to Real-time.

Is this possible and how? If necessary, I can program a custom service or
modify any registry setting if any available related to the CPU priority. Or
is it possible to completely disable the isolation - I don't care if this
will break any advanced audio functionality - If I can play MP3's, that
would be enough for me.

The reason for this is because my computer drops audio samples when I move
windows or start programs (especially Task Manager or any other programs
using high CPU priority).


Thank You for any help, web links and great ides!


George Valkov

On Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:05:51 +0300 George Valkov the Appalling
Gnome Advisory Testing Board member wrote in
news:#...

>I would like to change the CPU scheduling priority of a protected process.
> To be specific: Windows Audio Service (the isolated process), to
> Real-time.
>
> Is this possible and how? If necessary, I can program a custom service or
> modify any registry setting if any available related to the CPU priority.
> Or
> is it possible to completely disable the isolation - I don't care if this
> will break any advanced audio functionality - If I can play MP3's, that
> would be enough for me.
>
> The reason for this is because my computer drops audio samples when I move
> windows or start programs (especially Task Manager or any other programs
> using high CPU priority).
>
>
> Thank You for any help, web links and great ides!
>
>
> George Valkov
>
>

Buy or build a proper PC.

--
Lunch was nice; Beaten exploding boils and woodpecker heart topping
under roasted ears of corn and strawberry dressing, dished up in a
gurgling skillet with a slew of well-done monkey testicle, thin morsels
of shrimp, melted butter, a side of mackerel rectum and a bowl of
cockroach syrup.

"Gazwad" <> wrote in message
news: .cum-swallowing-fast-woman.com.slovenia...
> On Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:05:51 +0300 George Valkov the Appalling
> Gnome Advisory Testing Board member wrote in
> news:#...
>
>>I would like to change the CPU scheduling priority of a protected process.
>> To be specific: Windows Audio Service (the isolated process), to
>> Real-time.
>>
>> Is this possible and how? If necessary, I can program a custom service or
>> modify any registry setting if any available related to the CPU priority.
>> Or
>> is it possible to completely disable the isolation - I don't care if this
>> will break any advanced audio functionality - If I can play MP3's, that
>> would be enough for me.
>>
>> The reason for this is because my computer drops audio samples when I
>> move
>> windows or start programs (especially Task Manager or any other programs
>> using high CPU priority).
>>
>>
>> Thank You for any help, web links and great ides!
>>
>>
>> George Valkov
>>
>>
>
> Buy or build a proper PC.
>
> --
> Lunch was nice; Beaten exploding boils and woodpecker heart topping
> under roasted ears of corn and strawberry dressing, dished up in a
> gurgling skillet with a slew of well-done monkey testicle, thin morsels
> of shrimp, melted butter, a side of mackerel rectum and a bowl of
> cockroach syrup.
>
>
Maybe you need more Mackerel RECTUM.

"Gazwad" wrote
| On Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:05:51 +0300 George Valkov the Appalling
| Gnome Advisory Testing Board member wrote in
| news:#...
|
| >I would like to change the CPU scheduling priority of a protected
process.
| > To be specific: Windows Audio Service (the isolated process), to
| > Real-time.
| >
| > Is this possible and how? If necessary, I can program a custom service
or
| > modify any registry setting if any available related to the CPU
priority.
| > Or
| > is it possible to completely disable the isolation - I don't care if
this
| > will break any advanced audio functionality - If I can play MP3's, that
| > would be enough for me.
| >
| > The reason for this is because my computer drops audio samples when I
move
| > windows or start programs (especially Task Manager or any other programs
| > using high CPU priority).
| >
| >
| > Thank You for any help, web links and great ides!
| >
| >
| > George Valkov
| >
| >
|
| Buy or build a proper PC.
| --

Yes, my computer is rather old, 32 bit AMD Athlon XP 1.93 GHz, except for
the sound card: Creative X-fi xtreme Music.
In the good all days a 66 MHz computer with SoundBlaster was considered
enough, so my mind was simply refusing to accept the fact that playing MP3s
on Vista would require something more (perhaps some 64 bit dual-core will do
the job, I guess ;-)

Vista it is not my primary environment, I only use it for testing, and it is
not important enough for me to move to new hardware yet. On the other hand
knowing that a better hardware would solve my problem is a good starting
point, so Thank You for the advice, Gazwad!

George Valkov

I'll be happy to discuss the security part of my topic with someone who has
the experience!

Bill Yanaire and Nigger, my advice to both of you would be to either post
something meaningful or to not post at all.

George Valkov


"Bill Yanaire" wrote
| "Gazwad" wrote in message
| > On Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:05:51 +0300 George Valkov wrote in
| > news:#...
| >
| >>I would like to change the CPU scheduling priority of a protected
process.
| >> To be specific: Windows Audio Service (the isolated process), to
| >> Real-time.
| >>
| >> Is this possible and how? If necessary, I can program a custom service
or
| >> modify any registry setting if any available related to the CPU
priority.
| >> Or
| >> is it possible to completely disable the isolation - I don't care if
this
| >> will break any advanced audio functionality - If I can play MP3's, that
| >> would be enough for me.
| >>
| >> The reason for this is because my computer drops audio samples when I
| >> move
| >> windows or start programs (especially Task Manager or any other
programs
| >> using high CPU priority).
| >>
| >>
| >> Thank You for any help, web links and great ides!
| >>
| >>
| >> George Valkov
| >>
| >>
| >
| > Buy or build a proper PC.
| >
| > --
| > Lunch was nice; Beaten exploding boils and woodpecker heart topping
| > under roasted ears of corn and strawberry dressing, dished up in a
| > gurgling skillet with a slew of well-done monkey testicle, thin morsels
| > of shrimp, melted butter, a side of mackerel rectum and a bowl of
| > cockroach syrup.
| >
| >
| Maybe you need more Mackerel RECTUM.
|
|

"George Valkov" <> wrote in message
news:%...
> I'll be happy to discuss the security part of my topic with someone who
> has
> the experience!
>
> Bill Yanaire and Nigger, my advice to both of you would be to either post
> something meaningful or to not post at all.
>
> George Valkov
>
>
So I guess you liked the response by Gazwad?

On Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:26:27 +0300, "George Valkov" <> wrote:

>I'll be happy to discuss the security part of my topic with someone who has
>the experience!
>
>Bill Yanaire and Nigger, my advice to both of you would be to either post
>something meaningful or to not post at all.
>

"Nigger" and "Gazwad" are one and the same.

I would first check any IRQ conflicts for the sound card... maybe move it
into another slot.
Then, I would look for proper drivers... try whatever MS has to offer vs
Sound Blaster's.
Third, I'd check Sound settings and set to the minimal options - stereo,
16000HZ, 8bit, disabled audio "enhancements," etc.
Fourth, I'd skin Vista to the bone - eye candy wise - to free some CPU time.
Michael

"George Valkov" <> wrote in message
news:%...
>I would like to change the CPU scheduling priority of a protected process.
> To be specific: Windows Audio Service (the isolated process), to
> Real-time.
>
> Is this possible and how? If necessary, I can program a custom service or
> modify any registry setting if any available related to the CPU priority.
> Or
> is it possible to completely disable the isolation - I don't care if this
> will break any advanced audio functionality - If I can play MP3's, that
> would be enough for me.
>
> The reason for this is because my computer drops audio samples when I move
> windows or start programs (especially Task Manager or any other programs
> using high CPU priority).
>
>
> Thank You for any help, web links and great ides!
>
>
> George Valkov
>
>

Thank You for the replay, Philips!

I mentioned about CPU scheduling, because there is an important flaw in the
design of the Windows Audio sub-system. The entire audio traffic is forced
through an isolated process that is using Normal CPU priority. This means
that if a Higher priority process (for example the Task Manager or the
display window manager) is using the CPU for a long time, the Audio playback
will drop samples. Yes, reducing the priority of Task Manager solves the
issue, but it starts with High priority every time. Newer computers usually
have dual-core processors, so the audio related tasks can run on one core,
while the graphic tasks are running on the other, hence there should be no
problems playing audio on such hardware.

Changing the priority of the Audio player even to Real-time does not solve
the issue, because the audio path still goes through a process using Normal
CPU priority, which is waiting for the CPU to become available. It is not
possible to change the priority of a protected process, unless I figure out
a way to unprotect it. ;-)

The only way around (that I know of), is to go around the isolated process.
This means to program a new MP3 from scratch. Luckily the test application,
which I just wrote is successful. Compared to all other players, my
application uses a few times less CPU cycles for the Audio playback and does
not drop samples.

I still want to unprotect this process, I hate when there's something that
am not in control of!



"Phillips" wrote
|I would first check any IRQ conflicts for the sound card... maybe move it
| into another slot.
Moving to another PCI slot has no effect. Before I purchased the x-fi card,
I had an Audigy 4 card, and the same problem.

[BIOS]
IRQ:5 is shared between the Creative X-fi xtreme music
sound card (PCI-slot) and the USB controller.

Func No:0, Class:401, Device Class:Multimedia device, IRQ:5
Func No:3, Class:???, Device Class:USB 2.0 EHCI Cntrlr, IRQ:5

[Windows.Vista]
IRQ:0x13 (19) is dedicated to the sound card and is NOT used
for any other devices. Conflicting device list: No conflicts.
I/O Range B800 - B81F
Memory Range EC00 0000 - EC1F FFFF
Memory Range E800 0000 - EBFF FFFF
IRQ 0x00 0013 (19)



| Then, I would look for proper drivers... try whatever MS has to offer vs
| Sound Blaster's.

I use the latest from Creative. There are no built-in vista drivers (at
leaast not in the trial version of Windows 2008 datacenter ;-)

| Third, I'd check Sound settings and set to the minimal options - stereo,
| 16000HZ, 8bit, disabled audio "enhancements," etc.

I use 24 bit, 96000 Hz studio quality. As You recommended, I switched to 16
bit, 44100 Hz CD quality, but it still drops samples.



| Fourth, I'd skin Vista to the bone - eye candy wise - to free some CPU
time.
| Michael

Switched to Windows Classic colout scheme, still drops
samples, and performance when moving windows is even worse.
^ Vista seams to have better window performance with Aero enabled.
I use the latest ATI drivers from AIW9600XT.


|
| "George Valkov" <> wrote in message
| news:%...
| >I would like to change the CPU scheduling priority of a protected
process.
| > To be specific: Windows Audio Service (the isolated process), to
| > Real-time.
| >
| > Is this possible and how? If necessary, I can program a custom service
or
| > modify any registry setting if any available related to the CPU
priority.
| > Or
| > is it possible to completely disable the isolation - I don't care if
this
| > will break any advanced audio functionality - If I can play MP3's, that
| > would be enough for me.
| >
| > The reason for this is because my computer drops audio samples when I
move
| > windows or start programs (especially Task Manager or any other programs
| > using high CPU priority).
| >
| >
| > Thank You for any help, web links and great ides!
| >
| >
| > George Valkov
| >
| >
|

Try your luck here:
http://blogs.msdn.com/larryosterman/...o/default.aspx
Michael

"George Valkov" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Thank You for the replay, Philips!
>
> I mentioned about CPU scheduling, because there is an important flaw in
> the
> design of the Windows Audio sub-system. The entire audio traffic is forced
> through an isolated process that is using Normal CPU priority. This means
> that if a Higher priority process (for example the Task Manager or the
> display window manager) is using the CPU for a long time, the Audio
> playback
> will drop samples. Yes, reducing the priority of Task Manager solves the
> issue, but it starts with High priority every time. Newer computers
> usually
> have dual-core processors, so the audio related tasks can run on one core,
> while the graphic tasks are running on the other, hence there should be no
> problems playing audio on such hardware.
>
> Changing the priority of the Audio player even to Real-time does not solve
> the issue, because the audio path still goes through a process using
> Normal
> CPU priority, which is waiting for the CPU to become available. It is not
> possible to change the priority of a protected process, unless I figure
> out
> a way to unprotect it. ;-)
>
> The only way around (that I know of), is to go around the isolated
> process.
> This means to program a new MP3 from scratch. Luckily the test
> application,
> which I just wrote is successful. Compared to all other players, my
> application uses a few times less CPU cycles for the Audio playback and
> does
> not drop samples.
>
> I still want to unprotect this process, I hate when there's something that
> am not in control of!
>
>
>
> "Phillips" wrote
> |I would first check any IRQ conflicts for the sound card... maybe move it
> | into another slot.
> Moving to another PCI slot has no effect. Before I purchased the x-fi
> card,
> I had an Audigy 4 card, and the same problem.
>
> [BIOS]
> IRQ:5 is shared between the Creative X-fi xtreme music
> sound card (PCI-slot) and the USB controller.
>
> Func No:0, Class:401, Device Class:Multimedia device, IRQ:5
> Func No:3, Class:???, Device Class:USB 2.0 EHCI Cntrlr, IRQ:5
>
> [Windows.Vista]
> IRQ:0x13 (19) is dedicated to the sound card and is NOT used
> for any other devices. Conflicting device list: No conflicts.
> I/O Range B800 - B81F
> Memory Range EC00 0000 - EC1F FFFF
> Memory Range E800 0000 - EBFF FFFF
> IRQ 0x00 0013 (19)
>
>
>
> | Then, I would look for proper drivers... try whatever MS has to offer vs
> | Sound Blaster's.
>
> I use the latest from Creative. There are no built-in vista drivers (at
> leaast not in the trial version of Windows 2008 datacenter ;-)
>
> | Third, I'd check Sound settings and set to the minimal options - stereo,
> | 16000HZ, 8bit, disabled audio "enhancements," etc.
>
> I use 24 bit, 96000 Hz studio quality. As You recommended, I switched to
> 16
> bit, 44100 Hz CD quality, but it still drops samples.
>
>
>
> | Fourth, I'd skin Vista to the bone - eye candy wise - to free some CPU
> time.
> | Michael
>
> Switched to Windows Classic colout scheme, still drops
> samples, and performance when moving windows is even worse.
> ^ Vista seams to have better window performance with Aero enabled.
> I use the latest ATI drivers from AIW9600XT.
>
>
> |
> | "George Valkov" <> wrote in message
> | news:%...
> | >I would like to change the CPU scheduling priority of a protected
> process.
> | > To be specific: Windows Audio Service (the isolated process), to
> | > Real-time.
> | >
> | > Is this possible and how? If necessary, I can program a custom service
> or
> | > modify any registry setting if any available related to the CPU
> priority.
> | > Or
> | > is it possible to completely disable the isolation - I don't care if
> this
> | > will break any advanced audio functionality - If I can play MP3's,
> that
> | > would be enough for me.
> | >
> | > The reason for this is because my computer drops audio samples when I
> move
> | > windows or start programs (especially Task Manager or any other
> programs
> | > using high CPU priority).
> | >
> | >
> | > Thank You for any help, web links and great ides!
> | >
> | >
> | > George Valkov
> | >
> | >
> |
>
>