Which Ati card for 2D & DVD playback?

[exedanni]

Hi,

I currently have a TNT2 w/16 megs and it has worked fine for DVD playback up to now (TB 1GHz CPU). But in for example the animated menus in Star Wars: Ep1, the sound pauses a second each time I change the selection.

Is this because of my soundcard / speaker set-up (Acoustic Edge (1.57WDM drivers) connected to a DigiTheatre DTS thru S/PDIF) or my graphics card which is starting to show its age?

My only concern for a new graphics card is 2D image quality and DVD playback with good TV-out quality. Of course the Radeon 8500 would be the ideal choice seeing as it also has a component TV-out add-on coming soon, but it is a bit pricey.

So my question is, which Ati card will give me as good 2D and DVD-playback as the Radeon 8500, but without the cost ($150-$200)? As long as 3D-performance is better than my TNT2 I am happy Also, will these lesser Ati cards support the component TV-out (don't actually have anything that has component inputs, but it would be nice if I ever do)?

exedanni

 

[AkumaBao]

Try an All-In-Wonder card. Good for 2D & DVD Playback. Plus TV-in & out.

 

[exedanni]

Thanks for the input. However, I have no need for video-in or the other features of the AIW:s. I think that a Radeon 8500LE would be the best, even though it costs a bit. It has all the technology (DX8.1), so even though I am no longer an avid gamer, I will be able to play the new DOOM when it comes out.

exedanni

 

[rbV5]

The component-out AFAIK is only officially announced for the All in Wonder 8500dv, if it works for the 8500 also, perhaps it will work for any DVI card, which includes the Ve, AIW Radeon, 7500 ect. I'd like to know that myself.

A Radeon Le w/tv-out would be a good budget choice, or a 7500. Both have the same rage theater chip and run around $50 and $100 w/ good 3D performance.

Any Matrox card with tv-out would be a good for DVD and 2D, but mediocre 3D

The Kyro II also has good tv-out from what I hear, and good 3D as well.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I know I'll probably get flamed for this but I just picked up a ECS AG315T 64MB Video Card with TV-Out(for my 2nd rig) for 37$@newegg and the DVD,2D and TV out are very good. here's a review on it link even the gaming is O.K. for a budget card if you have a fast CPU. I was hating the 3D on a 700 Duron but was happy with it on a 1.1ghz Duron. Hey, I'm just throwing out alternatives over here EDIT: 1 more review