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Do newer computers need hardware DVD decoders?

W

WheelsCSM

Member
I have a friend looking to upgrade his old 400 MHz system. It has a DVD drive that currently doesn't work for movies cause he needs a hardware decoder to hook it up to (he has a TNT video card). I thought I saw somewhere that newer CPUs (over 500 MHz) don't need seperate hardware decoders. Is this true? If he were to buy a GeForce 2/3 would he be able to watch movies from his current DVD drive? Are there any special cables/connections required besides the IDE cable, and sound card connection? What about special software? Thanks.
 
All you need besides a DVDROM is a nice software decoder, such as Win DVD 3.0
 


<< I have tested powerDVD on a PII 450mhz machine & it was 'watchable'. I would say that anything comparable to a p3 500mhz should run it fine. >>



EDIT: that was tested using a Matrox g400.
 
I prefer a hardware card for output to a TV, but for watching on a monitor, WinDVD or Power DVD will work fine...
 
I used a DVD decoder with my old TNT2, but when I upgraded to a Geforce2GTS I had to removed it since the Geforce didn't have a hook up for it, so now I just use the software, and for what it's worth I think the picture quality is better then before.

Using a PIII500 btw.
 
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