First of all, I would update to 4.4 ASAP, but that's just a personal opinion.
As for
cdio(1) playback issues, it could be many things..
- Using the cdplay command instead of the play command..
- A scratched CD..
Most CD-ROM drives have a built-in firmware command that plays CD tracks, perhaps you noticed a small 3/4 wire cable between the drive and your soundcard/motherboard?
That command uses no resources,
cdplay digitally extracts tracks.. this does take time and resources.
As for DVD's, I also recommend Ogle.. unfortunately, it doesn't always work.. and it cannot deinterlace video.
Hope it helps.