• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

DVD: video card improves speed or quality? new software better than old ones?

R

Rigoletto

Banned
I have been searching through the forum of the last month but have not found a good answer to this question.
ATi has well reputed hardware assist. Now, does this mean it merely takes a load off the CPU (like I care!) or does it get rid of the compression artefacts?

I am considering a Geforce2 MX to replace my nuisance SIII on my other monitor. But I could consider an ATi lower end card for DVD and 2D decency.

I have Zoran SoftDVD and wonder if new software doesn't show the compression artefacts like it.
 
The geforce mx is fine, but I prefer any ATI solution. I have had the best luck with WinDVD 2.1 myself over a half dozen other players even ATI's. The newer version of WinDVD is even better I hear. If all you plan on doing is watching the dvd then your 600mhz will suffice on any unassisted vid card. If you like to surf and watch dvd's or do other tasks then hardware compensation (via ATI or the geforce2 mx) is the way to go. The artifacts are likely due to a crappy player, corrupt directx, or an old version of directX. A fast HD helps also. Defrag if necessary to assure smooth decompression.

I recommend using directX 7a and WinDVD (do a web search for the eval version). Try reinstalling if you already have it. I'd avoid DX 8 for now.
 
if you are referring to the ATI Radeon line, than the touted hardware assist on the Rage Theater chip simply takes of CPU load... and this is only w/ the included ATI software player (not w/ 3rd party software like PowerDVD or WinDVD). However, the card itself generally has better image quality than many other competing video cards which equates to better DVD quality. You wouldn't notice much of a difference however between a Geforce 2 (MX) and Radeon, but it IS there.
 
Good cheap DVD solutions are ATI's Rage 128, and Voodoo3, Both provide great DVD playback, with good picture clarity, (use winDVD with the ATI, and Cinimaster w/DVDgenie (using the V3 preset) with the Voodoo.
 
Que? ATI requires Cinemaster engine to take advantage of IDCT. S3 and Nvidia Geforce have Motion Compensation which all current decoders support. 3dfx and Matrox have neither so it matters less. I think the general consensus is that PowerDVD 3 is superior but WinDVD is also good and if you want to reduce CPU load even more with a ATI then use Cinemaster. Other decoders should not even be considered.

Dump the Zoran. Geforce is okay but not as good as Savage for DVD. I remember Radeon supposedly improved picture quality of DVD with some de-interlacing feature. Whether it is hype or an actual improvement I don't know.
 
Just about any recent cards will do DVD's just fine. I myself been using G400 and TV-output to my little 20" Wega looks superb.
 
Video and software do matter. The newer ati and nvidia cards can handle overlay mode at very high resolutions 🙂 Very good, also some acceleration. As for software, it does matter as there is a range of quality. The best at the momment is intervideo windvd 2000 2.2b. It has the best sound/video quality. Zoron is very old and buggy/low quality, i think it was bundled with my viper 330🙂 Ick!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top