Hardware decoders for playing DVD

[Bazango]

I am running Windows XP Pro and am trying to figure out how to get my DVD drive to play DVD disks. I understand there are software decoders, but I think I would prefer a hardware decoder. What are some options in this area? I also have some interest in multimedia and 3D graphics and so might be interested in hardware for this that included DVD hardware decoding.

I am completely new to this technology and so any and all tips and clues would be appreciated -- including anything about software decoding.

[AllGamer]

yup, both of the Creative Drx 2 and Drx 3 are the best decoders for DVD

:t

BUT!!... if you have an ATI VIDEO CARD then that beats it all

ALL ATI video cards comes with full build in DVD decoders for Video :D

[Bazango]

I guess ATI will be a first place to look for an upgrade.

Anyone else?

[Bazango]

... actually, I have an ATI TV Wonder TV tuner card. would that have DVD decoding in it?

[tony_j15]

Most video cards have DVD decoding. Heck, TNT2's have it.

[KraZy_SkitZy]

Originally posted by tony_j15
Most video cards have DVD decoding. Heck, TNT2's have it.

No, No they don't, have you ever tried doing hardware settings, or just tried playin a DVD with a TNT2? It's horrible.....

[$1500-P4 gamer]

No, nvidia doesnt have FULL dvd hardware support even today but in software it will play fine. One feature if you really look into that ATI has nvidia doesnt. !DCT. Find that on a nvidia card.:eek:
All cards CAN do dvd that support interlaced vid. Thats the only real req. if your cpu and system can render it in software fast enuff.:t

[tony_j15]

No, No they don't, have you ever tried doing hardware settings, or just tried playin a DVD with a TNT2? It's horrible.....

That sounds like a contradiction. Notice I didn't say how well they worked.

[KraZy_SkitZy]

Originally posted by tony_j15


That sounds like a contradiction. Notice I didn't say how well they worked.
Fair enough..;)

[Giblet Plus!]

You don't need hardware dvd decoding unless you have a really slow computer. :p

[user0209]

OK, it's easy to get mixed up between hardware dvd decoding and software one. Most today vid board will say they have hardware dvd but the fact is the function is not exclusive and still require a third party software. Being the dvd function not exclusive, it'd require a fast graphic board and cpu and it WILL tax your cpu and graphic power.

On the other hand, take a REAL, dedicated dvd decoder board like Hollywood Plus (I have one). It doesn't do anything but hardware decode dvd and never tax your computing & graphic power. You could still have a perfect dvd playing and run another program parallel. Being a dedicated decoder, the picture is better than the fast board/dvd software. I have tested both back to back.

[$1500-P4 gamer]

The image is no better. Or my $400 sinlgle disc top end sony stand alone would beat my pc, wouldnt it. The cpu taxing part sure, but you surf and watch the dvd? I dont. I dont do anything but watch the dvd at 19" full screen. Why watch if not to watch it? Also as I said ATI DOES have !DCT which ALL the others dont have. The need for software still is ONLY cause you need the codecs my friend, they are patented, even your hollywood card HAS to have those codecs or dvd wouldnt play at all. They just install with your dvd player and you dont realise.;)