decoder software vs. card

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  • javaBowler
    Junior Member
    Junior Member
    • Jan 2002
    • 1
    #1

    decoder software vs. card

    DVD newbie here. Wondering what the factors are that I should be considering when deciding to use decoder software vs. a card. I have heard that the software requires at least a 300mhz pentium. Yes/no?

    Also, any takes on the Sony DDU1621 16X DVD-ROM drive? What would you consider to be a good price for that drive?

    TIA!
    Tags: None
    • squidgy
      bored during 4th period
      • Jan 2002
      • 44
      #2
      Not sure if it's my 'puter. I have a 500MHz processor, software decoding, and DVD playback is mostly perfectly watchable when screen is in 800x600 resolution, but can go a bit jerky if I try to use 1024x768.

      Before I got the DVD drive, I used to have ZoneAlarm running all the time when computer is on. Thing is, ZoneAlarm gobbles up some 10% of my CPU's processor time, and I find that shutting it down results in a noticeable improvement in DVD playback quality. Not a big problem since I use dial-up anyway, it just means I have to remember to start ZoneAlarm before connecting computer to internet.

      I think if you're really serious about a software decoder, you really want to be looking for a 1GHz processor. Anything short of that and a card will come in very handy, but that's just my subjective opinion.
      There's a difference between love and Stockholm Syndrome.
      technobabble and psychobabble

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        • epicasino
          Junior Member
          Junior Member
          • Dec 2001
          • 39
          #3
          If you use software decoders (don't know about hardware decoders), use a refresh rate higher than 60 Hz, I have a very old monitor and I can't use anything higher than that, so 29.970 fps DVDs don't play OK in my system, even though I have a 1.5 Ghz Pentium 4... I know this is my problem because I tried a friend's monitor (21" SGI) at 120 Hz and playback was perfect!

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            • jphoenix
              Junior Member
              Junior Member
              • Feb 2002
              • 17
              #4
              If you can afford a H/ware decode I would recommend it.

              a) Decoder Card does all the number crunching leaving you able to multi-task.
              b) Decode Cards come with multiple Outputs for Video Connections to TV's, Videos etc.

              I would have to say the hollywood+ decode card is hard to beat for performance. There's a program called DVD Genie that allows you change Regions easily. And this card can have Macrovision disabled.

              Bl**dy wish I'd bought one instead of Cinecraft!

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