Looking to add blu ray to HTPC

[monkey333]

amd dual 4200, 2 gig of ram, Vista, x800xl(dvi to hdmi)

What are some min specs for blu ray playback? (real world that is)

 

[krotchy]

You are on the borderline where blu-ray playback might be tough, as a slower dual core doesn't quite cut it. Getting a new video card that can accelerate H.264/VC1 playback would be helpful in making sure that your processor is offloaded and should bring you up to snuff as cheap as possible.

 

[monkey333]

so what's my minimal choices for a vid card? it might be tough getting this past the wife..

 

[uo7]

Originally posted by: monkey333
so what's my minimal choices for a vid card? it might be tough getting this past the wife..

Download the trial of anydvd hd and see how your computer handles it.

If it skips etc. the cheapest route would be a new video card that decodes.

 

[BassBomb]

x800xl does not have HDCP
his cpu is fine

 

[stepone]

Remember you need a HDCP capable card & monitor/tv if you want to watch blu ray movies over dvi or hdmi.
Assuming you don't want to game at all with this PC then you're in luck as a cheapo ATI 3450 will be perfect for you.

SAPPHIRE 100233L Radeon HD 3450 256MB - $18.99 AR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814102724

However, if you want a card which will also be ok for light gaming & includes an hdmi port i'd consider this:
MSI R3650-MD512 OC Radeon HD 3650 512MB - $55 AR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814127335