DVD Decoder/Soundcard Question

[jmaho]

I'm going to be putting together a new system with a dvd-rom. I'm unsure whether or not I need a hardware decoder or if i can get by with a software decoder. I haven't decided on which DVD drive I will get, so any suggestion greatly appreciated. I have decided to get the Philips Acoustic Edge sound card. I know that the card supports 5.1, but will a software decoder be able to utilize this?

These will be going into an Asus A7A266/1.4GHz AMD T-Bird/256Mb PC2100

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Someone in the Video forums asked the same question, here.

I guess it's up to you - what's your budget and all. I have both - I'm sure I can play whatever I want, whenever I feel like it...

Any decoder card can use the soundcard at its full capacity. Same goes for the TV-out cards.

 

[jmaho]

I guess I'm looking to spend not more than $150. I looked at Creative's Encore 12x dvd with decoder card...found that for $122. But I saw few posts with people having some problems with creative dvd's. So I don't know if thats the way I want to go.

Will a software decoder be able to use the sound cards 5.1 decoding?

 

[Noriaki]

You don't need a hardware decoder, you have a choice, hardware or software, but you might want a hardware decoder.
Read here.

Also this or this may interest you.



<< I have decided to get the Philips Acoustic Edge sound card. I know that the card supports 5.1, but will a software decoder be able to utilize this? >>

Yes PowerDVD 3.0 and WinDVD 2000 both fully support 5.1 analog output through your soundcard, WinDVD 3.0 can even decode DTS streams to 5.1 output.

 

[jmaho]

Ok

Thanks for your help!!!!

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Ah, Creative... let me put it this way: I have a Creative 2x DVD and a Creativr 5X DVD... both in service for over two years now.

Ditto for my two Creative decoder cards, CT-7160 both ($20 apiece, last time I saw them.)

Number of problems: zero (except that I need to use videocards with VIP 24-pin connectors on them, for the pass-through cable... not really a problem, since ASUS cards have the needed connectors)

I think that any DVD would work with a decoder card.

You don't need to fork a lot of cash for a kickass DVD/video output, you just need to put things together