I don't think computer specs are relevant in this issue.I have tried a variety of DVD movies in the DVD ROM of a DELL model WHL.The sound is perfect.All inserted DVDs play but show pixalated small blocks over the entire LCD monitor screen. They are all of the same size but the quantity of them varies as the video plays.There are sufficient numbers of them present to render watching the video very unsatisfactory. This computer when purchased (used) was packed with dust (looked like it had never been cleaned). Have obviously done a good cleaning.I also when i just tried for the 1ST time to play a DVD today and saw the problem did one liquid,brush cleaning disc operation.Disc played fine with accompanying audio instructions and disco type video animation (no distortion of sound and no pixalation of video).After cleaning tried a couple of DVDs with no improvement from original. Used both Windows media player and Power DVD with absolutely identical effects. My TENDENCY would be to SUSPECT a problem with the video laser reader of the drive--except for the fact that no pixalation or other distortion occurred while using the cleaning disc. Suggestions please,truenorthWhat kind of graphics card is on that computer? Have you tried updating the drivers/firmware? And have you updated all codecs? The latter is less likely to be an issue, but still worth a shot.FieldValue
Video AdapterRADEON 9800 SERIES - SECONDARY (128 MB)
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Video AdapterRADEON 9800 SERIES (128 MB)
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3D AcceleratorATI Radeon 9800 Pro (R350)
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Audio AdapterCreative EMU10K2 Audigy / Audigy 2 Audio Processor
CBMatt,Thanks for the reply.Above are the specs you requested. Updated=No (to all)
Just to clarify the appearance of my reference to pixalation= if you have seen "The Matrix" movie it is quite similiar to the streaming that is shown at the beginning of the movies of the cascading zeros and ones. Is it your suggestion to do an update on the Radeon drivers? truenorthSince having responded to CBMatt above more info is now available.From the ATI site i have installed the "Catalyst Software Suite V8.7 dated July 21/08 (and it's only July 15th)".No CHANGE from previous re the DVD performance. However my desktop and other visual things have changed substantially.It was also a requirement to use the video driver update that i needed to download and install".net framework 2.0" which i have done.truenorth
P.S. If a driver update for the Lite on ltd163 DVD rom is suggested i would really appreciate being directed to it as over 1 hour of searching has not found any.As far as I know, there aren't any drivers for your DVD-RW. You can check Dell for firmware (or you can also look here. There should be a section where you can enter your computer's model number and you will be presented with your various hardware and their accompanying downloads. Just be careful with firmware because if you flash a drive with the wrong one, the OS may not recognize it anymore.

I'm not sure how helpful it would be, but you could try installing a codec pack such as K-Lite. This may not be part of the problem, but it's worth trying.

You may also want to try uninstalling PowerDVD and reinstalling with the latest version (this should update your decoder file), and if necessary, update DirectX and Windows.CBMatt,Yes your right for all versions of XP no drivers are required--apparently they use windows xp software for that.I will try all of your other suggestions however in case it does make a difference.I am not terribly worried if nothing works as dvd -rw's are so cheap now i'll just replace it. I also have the option to change both units out to other computers to see if that resolves it. As well i can import another dvd-rom or rw into the DELL and see if they behave any differently. I will report back when i have completed the process one way or the other.thanks for the help. truenorthSounds like a great strategy to me. Be sure to let us know how it goes.