Why does my laptop freeze when I shake it while watching a movie?

In summary, laptops equipped with hard drive shock protection will freeze the image when subjected to shaking, but there will be no interruption in the sound. This is because the audio data buffers faster than video data due to the large disparity in data rates.
  • #1
Charles123
132
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My laptop is equipped with hard drive shock protection. If I am watching a movie and the accelerometer senses a perturbation (me shaking the computer) the image is immediately frozen, but there is no interruption in the sound. Why is this the case?
 
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  • #2
Charles123 said:
My laptop is equipped with hard drive shock protection. If I am watching a movie and the accelerometer senses a perturbation (me shaking the computer) the image is immediately frozen, but there is no interruption in the sound. Why is this the case?

Interesting! Afterwards is the video and audio out of sync? Maybe the audio is being buffered in a different cache or memory?
 
  • #3
"Afterwards is the video and audio out of sync?" Yes that is what happens, when it is subjected to some kind of shaking both freeze, but sound returns immediately wile image stays frozen.
 
  • #4
Video and sound are on different channels. Since there's so much more video data than audio (megabytes / second vs kilobytes / second) the program probably buffers (to RAM) more seconds of audio than video. When you hit a bump, the video buffer runs out before the audio does, and so the sound keeps on playing.
 
  • #5
That nakes sense! Thank you
 
  • #6
But why the sound returns first?
 
  • #7
I have a similar problem, My laptop is not equipped with hard drive shock protection
 
  • #8
For the same reason- audio data buffers faster than video data due to the large disparity in data rates.
 

1. What is hard drive shock protection?

Hard drive shock protection is a mechanism or technology designed to protect hard drives from physical shock or impact. It can prevent damage to the hard drive and the data stored on it.

2. How does hard drive shock protection work?

Hard drive shock protection can work in several ways, such as using shock-absorbing materials, suspending the hard drive in a cushioned frame, or using sensors to detect and adjust for sudden movements. These mechanisms help absorb the impact and prevent it from affecting the hard drive.

3. Do all hard drives have shock protection?

No, not all hard drives have built-in shock protection. Some hard drives may have basic shock resistance, but for more advanced protection, it is recommended to look for hard drives specifically designed for rugged environments or with shock protection features.

4. Is hard drive shock protection necessary?

It depends on the usage and environment the hard drive will be in. If a hard drive is used in a stationary and stable environment, shock protection may not be necessary. However, for portable devices or devices that may experience frequent movement or impact, it is highly recommended to have some form of shock protection to prevent damage to the hard drive.

5. Are there any disadvantages to hard drive shock protection?

Some potential disadvantages of hard drive shock protection include added weight or size to the hard drive, which may not be ideal for some devices. Additionally, it may add to the cost of the hard drive. However, the benefits of protecting important data and preventing potential damage may outweigh these drawbacks.

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