DVD - What do I need?

[str8jakit]

Now that Christmas is over, I am finding that it is time to seriously think about finishing the upgrade on my computer. I started out with the basics (TFT monitor, Asus A7V, Duron 700@900, Full tower case, and 256MB Micron PC133 Cas2).

Now I need to upgrade my video and sound. I am going to get the Soundblaster XGamer 5.1 for sound. I would like to get a GeForce2 GTS with 64MB, but budget restrictions will likely reduce that to a MX with 32MB.

After sound and video, I would like to set myself up with DVD. I know I need a DVD drive, but what else will I need? Do I need a hardware DVD decoder or will the vid card take care of that? What is the best brand of GF2 to get (GTS and/or MX)?

I want to be able to watch a DVD movie with no skips, delays, hangs, etc...

Any help would be great.

Str8jakit

[Biff]

I got a 600e running@800 & 32mg video card and the DVD look good - not jerky or skipping. I use a Hollywood plus card to watch DVD's on my tv, you may not need this depending on your video card or if you only want to watch on pc.

[jpheg]

I believe the SB Live 5.1 needs the Creative Encore Dxr3 decoder card to deliver 5.1 audio. If you can afford it in your system budget, it is a very good solution for watching movies in 5.1 audio.

The best part is the load removed from your CPU/video card for more inportant stuff like Seti@home or the RC5-64 project...

GO SYSOPT!!!

[canit]

Str8jakit with your system you don't have to use a hardware decoder card, software will work fine, DVD info at this site; http://www.digital-digest.com/dvd/support/region.html Jpheg the regular SB Live can't decode DD5.1(needs an external decoder) but the new SBL5.1 can. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[storm2k]

i have a mp3 live! 5.1 card and it does the ac3 audio right on the card. i also got an ati xpert2000 card (a bit out of date i know) and it had hard-dvd support built right in. the point with the second part is to check with whatveer vidcard you're gonna get -- many of them now do hard-dvd as well.