Whats difference between drx2 and drx3 dvd decoder cards?

[Rhodent]

Anyone know a linkt oa site simply discussing the technology difference? Or any input is appreciated. thanks

 

[DeeK]

I don't know of any links, but I do know:

- The dxr2 is based on a chipset by C-Cube and doesn't have very good image quality
-The dxr3 is based on the same chip as the RealMagic Hollywood+ and has great picture quality.

 

[Rhodent]

Thanks that is definitly a help and a start.

 

[Noriaki]

The Dxr2 is a piece of crap The Dxr3 is a good decoder.

What happened was it that when DVD first came out most CPUs couldn't handle software playback (nor were there any good software players anyways). So there was a big rush for hardware decoders, and most of them ended up being rather bad. The Dxr2 was of this "rush" phase.

Since then most people have just turned to software decoding, and the only company that really makes hardware decoders now is Sigma Designs. They make both their own the Real Magic Hollywood Plus and the creative branded one the Dxr3. This is a well designed board that wasn't rushed to market becuase most systems can't play DVDs in software. It's a well designed alternative to software deocding. Personally I'm a hardware decoding kinda guy, evne with my 850Mhz TBird which is more than enough juice. There are advantages to hardware vs software but I won't go into that.

Long story short, don't get a Dxr2, creative doesn't even make them anymore, it was just a stop gap solution, the Dxr3 paired up with a DVDRom can match set tops that cost 2-3x as much.

 

[iluvdeal]

I have read the dxr2 provides better monitor playback while the dxr3/hollywood+ has superior tv out. However I'd first advise you to try a software decoder like PowerDVD or WinDVD, your system is more than enough to handle it. I'd only get a decoder for tv out but then again, if I only wanted tv out I'd get a standalone player which are pretty cheap nowadays.