DVD Playback on a Voodoo3 2000

[LiLxJohnny]

Hey guys,

I'm considering buying a DVD-ROM for my system. I am curious about the DVD Playback on the Voodoo3 2000 video card I have. Is it good enough? Is it so bad that I may want to consider an upgrade ?

Let me know.

I checked the reviews on Anandtech about the Voodoo3 2000 but they never spoke about the DVD Playback. I just know that (from the recently posted article) that a video card with Hardware Motion Compensation and iDCT support is recommend if you don't to use a lot of the CPU.

BTW I already have a Dxr2 Decoder Card and all I need is a DVD Rom drive.

LMK what you guys think. Thanks

 

[Eug]

The Voodoo 3, despite 3dfx's claims, has no significant DVD assist. Consequently, going from an ATI Rage Pro cheapie card to a Voodoo 3 is quite noticeable, in that multitasking during DVD playback will be less smooth. Video quality is acceptable, but it depends a lot on the software, and how well you can set it up to match your video card.

However, for any good PIII/Celeron 400 and above, playback should be fine if you don't touch the machine. You'll need a faster CPU if you want to multitask without too many glitches. Just make sure you activate DMA for your drives.

I can't wait until my new laptop arrives. DVD-ROM with ATI Rage 128 and both VGA and S-VHS out.

 

[LiLxJohnny]

So you are saying that on a Amd Thunderbird 800 Mhz, it shouldn't matter ?

 

[Dark4ng3l]

it wont matter at all.

 

[Comp10]

I used to have a voodoo 3 2000 in my p3 450 and I got pretty good DVD playback by using a software decoder. And if you use the Dxr2 decoder card, then it really won't matter at all which video card you use because it does the decoding, and not your video card. But I would suggest that if you have a fast CPU that you try using a software decoder such as PowerDVD or WinDVD instead of your decoder card. Because software decoders do not use pass-through cables like hardware decoders, they will always give you better image quality (on machines with at least a 400mhz CPU).

 

[LiLxJohnny]

I see,

So I really don't need to a Dxr2 decorder card b/c I have a Thunderbird 800 Mhz. I should use the software decoder instead of the hardware decoder if I want to get a better picture from the DVD playback. The DVD decoder card would help lessen me on the CPU overhead/usage, but it really doesn't help on the picture-quality b/c of the pass-thru cable I'm using for the Dxr2.

Is that a correct assumption ?

Thanks for your input guys.

 

[Eug]

<< So I really don't need to a Dxr2 decorder card b/c I have a Thunderbird 800 Mhz. >>

Correct.

<< I should use the software decoder instead of the hardware decoder if I want to get a better picture from the DVD playback. >>

Correct.

<< The DVD decoder card would help lessen me on the CPU overhead/usage... >>

Correct.

<< ...but it really doesn't help on the picture-quality b/c of the pass-thru cable I'm using for the Dxr2. >>

Correct.

<< Is that a correct assumption ? >>

Correct.

By George I think he's got it!

 

[Bigdude]

I have a Voodoo 3 2000 and a Celeron 366 O'c to 550, it plays very well, just make sure DMA is checked.

 

[SmackDown]

I will chime in

I have a P3-700 and V3 3000 and DVD playback is quite nice using WinDVD... I've tried WinDVD and PowerDVD and to my eyes WinDVD has much nicer image quality and smoother playback on my system.