Audio advice (DVD / speakers)

[Five40Kix]

I'm new to all this DVD stuff, so don't yell at me Couple O' questions

1)I'm getting a DVD-rom drive from pioneer. Do I need some separate card as a decoder or
some special software?

2)I just bought a "sound blaster live! value" card (I don't think it's 5.1). I'm looking into getting Midiland 7100 , Klipsch, or creative cambridge speakers. I want a some nice crisp sound for watching DVD's ,but booming effect when i play games. Any recommendations here? (reason I'm asking is cause i don't want to buy a speaker system which is too good for my sound card)


Thanx

 

[Sugadaddy]

1) you only need a software decoder if your CPU is faster than 300mhz. PowerDVD or WinDVD are the best.

2) Depends on what you do more. If it's DVD, then get a 5.1 system with a hardware decoder. If you're more into games, then 4.1 is enough since games don't use 5.1. For 5.1, the midiland are good, so are the Cambridge DTT2500 in the same price range. For 4.1, the Klipsch are hard to beat.

 

[Villareal]

I agree. You do not need Hardware decoding if your CPU is say above 450MHZ.
Regarding speakers, the Creative DTT2500 is a good match for the Sblive value. Also Boston acoustics BA4800 is an excellent value in the $150 price range. If $$ is no object, Klipsch is the absolute Best there is IMO.