Audio skipping / stuttering when playing animations

Description:
This issue occurs when QuickTime or the machine is not configured correctly. There is no single solution so users will need to troubleshoot by following the steps laid out below.

Step 1:
Isolate if this is a QuickTime or Guru issue.

1. Close the Guru Application
2. Download a QuickTime movie from the internet -- Right click and save to Desktop: (http://www.esm.psu.edu/Faculty/Gray/graphics/movies/1984.mov)
3. Double click the movie to play in QuickTime.
4. If the audio stutters then the issue is with QuickTime and you should continue with the steps below using this same movie to test with. 

Step 2:
Set QuickTime Audio to Safe Mode (wavOut only)

1. Open the QuickTime Player
2. Go to Edit > Preferences > QuickTime Preferences Menu
3. Click the Audio tab.
4. Check the box next to "Safe mode (wavOut only)."
5. Click OK.
6. Verify if the movie continues to stutter

Step 3: (Windows XP Only)
Reduce Audio Hardware Acceleration

1. Open the Control Panel
2. Select Sounds (might also be called Sounds and Audio or Sounds and Multimedia)
3. Select the "Audio" tab
4. In the "Playback Device" box click the "Advanced" button
5. Select the "Performance" tab
6. Lower the "Hardware Acceleration" slider 1 notch.
7. Click 'Ok'
8. Verify if the movie continues to stutter

Step 4:
Upgrade the machines audio drivers. Many new machines (especially laptops) are shipped with out-dated audio drivers. You will need to contact your machines website/support for information on where to download the latest audio drivers and how to install them.

Step 5: (Laptops with on-board sound cards only)
Upgrade the machines BIOS. We have seen cases with new DELL Laptops having the audio stuttering issue caused by outdated BIOS used to control the on-board sound card. You will need to contact your machines website/support for information on where to download the latest BIOS update and how to install it.