PowerDVD and Nvidia Purevideo

[GeezerMan]

OK, I have a 8600GT, that can use Purevideo if you buy the driver. I have not purchased the driver. I also have PowerDvd 7.3 Ultra.

In the PowerDVD settings, I can select one of the following:

"Enable hardware acceleration (nvidia purevideo) "

or

"video enhancement , CLEV-2, Cyberlink Eagle Vision 2"

Question, since I don't have the Nvidia Purevideo driver, does selecting hardware acceleration in the PowerDvd do anything? I would think if it did nothing, then that option would not be available. If it does do nothing for me, then I guess I should use the CLEV-2



Thanks

 

[AzN]

Far as I know purevideo has been incorporated into drivers. You don't have to buy anything.

 

[ViRGE]

This is a common misconception. PureVideo as it applies here is the name of NVIDIA's video decoding/enhancement technology, you do not need any special software from NVIDIA for it as long as the decoder you're using knows how to use PureVideo. The latest WinDVD and PowerDVD are both capable of using it. So select the hardware acceleration option.

 

[GeezerMan]

Thanks guys. I did a little test of CPU usage when playing a HD DVD, and with hardware acceleration checked or unchecked, using powerdvd or media center, it did not make much difference. CPU usage was low. It's not going to be too bad for me with a Q6600 anyway, so it looks like my 8600GT is doing the labor no matter what the setting. I have not compared any video quality differences yet.

 

[PianoMan]

Same here - just got a new LiteOn BD-ROM and PureVideo was already selected when I bothered checking the settings after watching a few flicks.

Seems to work - slight rise in GPU temps (5-7deg C.) and a very minor load on the CPU (20-25% on an E6600 stock).

With today's nominal technology, seems like you can play Blu-Ray without much fuss. Still waiting for standalone players to drop below $250-$300. Makes you realize the play box manufacturers are milking this for as much as they can (understandable - who wouldn't focus on the bottom line selling things?).