Intel Vs AMD Help!!

[taltamir]

linux doesn't have blu-ray or hd-dvd playback software. Yet.

Yet another software issue.. and that is "never" not "yet". It is illigal to circumvent copy protection, and it is against the GPL to include proprietary closed source items. heck even some open source stuff is against the GPL.
What you could expect to eventually have the capability to play HOME MADE blu ray disks. but not purchased ones on linux.

 

[s44]

Originally posted by: heyheybooboo
I don't know (Zoltac makes this really difficult) but that motherboard may have a Realtek ALC662 six channel audio chip. See page 36 of the manual.

This significance is that ALC662 (in addition to being six channel) does not provide content protection as does the ALC889, and without a content 'protected audio pathway' Blu-ray sound may be down-sampled.

*No* ATI/Nvidia solution has a proper "protected audio pathway". Only S3's Chrome 530GT ($45 from their site) does that... But unfortunately no current software can take advantage of it either, and automatically downsamples (see below).

What that means is (1) you can't bitstream lossless surround codecs to your receiver, and (2) all surround PCM is downsampled to 16 bit/48K (which is CD quality+, but many Blu-Rays now are 24 bits and 96K). This is independent of whatever Realtek chip is on the mobo, because that is bypassed entirely for HDMI audio (the 8200 has its own audio circuitry on board for this).

You *can* get nondownsampled surround PCM on the 8200 by ripping the soundtrack and sending it as high-def FLAC, but this is pretty much the definition of "gigantic pain in the ass" (unless you are a stealing piece of shit). Basically, buy a standalone player for now -- HTPC tech is at least 6 months -- probably more like a year+ -- away from maturity for this stuff.

 

[RaptureMe]

Originally posted by: uo7
linux doesn't have blu-ray or hd-dvd playback software. Yet.

Not sure but I think VLC plays both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD's and if not no biggie as I am running the latest version of Wine and have Power DVD, HD-DVD and Blu-Ray versions which works just superb in ubuntu using wine..
As for needing a Video card I highly doubt that is the case since it clearly states on the Motherboard box that this motherboard is made for HDCP and playback of Blu-Ray and HD-DVD's so it should out put all the video and audio files I can throw at it.
This being the motherboard ZOTAC GF8200-C-E AM2+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813500021

I still have not bought this item yet due to waiting to here some feedback on what others this about it.
Its really between this one and the DFI Jr
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813136056

What would meet my needs better??

 

[taltamir]

Originally posted by: s44

Originally posted by: heyheybooboo
I don't know (Zoltac makes this really difficult) but that motherboard may have a Realtek ALC662 six channel audio chip. See page 36 of the manual.

This significance is that ALC662 (in addition to being six channel) does not provide content protection as does the ALC889, and without a content 'protected audio pathway' Blu-ray sound may be down-sampled.

*No* ATI/Nvidia solution has a proper "protected audio pathway". Only S3's Chrome 530GT ($45 from their site) does that... But unfortunately no current software can take advantage of it either, and automatically downsamples (see below).

What that means is (1) you can't bitstream lossless surround codecs to your receiver, and (2) all surround PCM is downsampled to 16 bit/48K (which is CD quality+, but many Blu-Rays now are 24 bits and 96K). This is independent of whatever Realtek chip is on the mobo, because that is bypassed entirely for HDMI audio (the 8200 has its own audio circuitry on board for this).

You *can* get nondownsampled surround PCM on the 8200 by ripping the soundtrack and sending it as high-def FLAC, but this is pretty much the definition of "gigantic pain in the ass" (unless you are a stealing piece of shit). Basically, buy a standalone player for now -- HTPC tech is at least 6 months -- probably more like a year+ -- away from maturity for this stuff.

acording to an anandtech article on the subject, the audio is downsampled, which is a major issue.

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3411

Anyways, if you are lucky enough to live in a country where the copyright laws are sane. What you should most likely do to use your non HDCP TV, and get high def audio, is rip your own blurays into files, or rip them unto writeable bluray media as "unprotected home made movies", or download movies you have legally purchased. and than play it, on the CPU...

if you do live in the states, either give HDCP the finger, or bend over.