[mythtv-users] Strange audio stop on Ubuntu 9.10 and 22fixes

[mark]

Sound will stop several times a day, or can be made to do so when 
attempting to open a wmv file from videos.
The only way to get it to start again is to restart alsa-utils from 
init.d, then it is fine again.
Ubunty 9.10 with compiled fixes, sound and vid via HDMI.

I have this using XFCE, with the sound and volume in XFCE settings 
unchecked, compiled with pulse.
Maybe I am misunderstanding the audio setup.  Should I be setting things 
up differently?

What could be causing this audio stop behavior?  What does alsa-utils 
restart actually fix? 

Ideas?