Do I need DVD decoder card?

[stingbandel]

Hi can somebody let me know if I need DVD decoder card to play my DVD? I am using Pentium 200 with STB Velocity 8meg. Thanks in advance.

 

[jmorrell]

Yes, you need a decoder card. Generally you won't see smooth DVD playback using software only on any CPU less than the equivalent of a PII-350. For your system, suggest you get a Hollywood+ decoder card.If I remember correctly, it works on any sytem over 166mhz. Go to www.sigmadesigns.com to maake sure.

 

[AMB]

Yes, you defintly need one, I would say 500Mhz and above for software decoding. If you have a GeForce, you may get away with Hardware Assist. I would also recommend the HW+

 

[Arch!]

Get the Hollywood+. It's a great card at a great price. I would recommend it to everybody, even somebody who's system is capable of doing it in software. The result with a HW+ is always better.

Bye

 

[IsOs]

YES, get a Sigma Design Hollywood Plus decoder card - about $69

 

[Mday]

HELL YES.

hardware assist does jack, and you still need a 300 for it. i am sick and tired of people confusing hardware assist with something that can actually HELP a slow processor. I mean, it's stupid that video card manufacturers use this to promote their cards.

though a 500 MHz processor decodes DVDs just fine... nothing really beats a hardware decoder.