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Moogs2K1
08-01-2001, 03:11 PM
I just bought a DVD-ROM drive (Pioneer 16x Tray Loading) off of RunTime Computer Corporation (runtimecc.com) and got it installed just fine. The problem is, I DON'T HAVE A DECODER! Was I screwed by the company, and if I was (or wasn't) where can I get one and what can I do about it?
Moogs2K1
08-01-2001, 03:12 PM
Oh, and I'm running Win98 on a 700 P3 if that matters...
Apostle 83
08-01-2001, 03:31 PM
You weren't screwed. It's not their responsiblity to make sure the things you order are compatible with what you have. However, with a 700mhz PIII, you should be fine! If you have a decent vid card (preferably an ATI for DVD), you're ok.

On a side not, if you get a decoder, you will most likely see better video quality. If you have the cash, a Hollywood Decoder is a great investment.
Moogs2K1
08-01-2001, 03:31 PM
Oops, sorry for the double post, I didn't see my old one before...
DanU
08-01-2001, 04:52 PM
Rest assured that you weren't "screwed" if you bought an OEM drive. Most bare, OEM drives don't come with anything. That's why they're generally a few bucks cheaper.
RobRich
08-01-2001, 05:46 PM
If you have your video card's install CD, then you likely have a DVD software decoder on it. ATI, Matrox, and most nVidia cards ship with this type of application. Worth checking out.

Also, some DVD movie disks also have playback software (usually PC Friendly) on them.

For a quick solution, you can look towards MicroSoft. I'm not aware if Win98 offers this hidden option, but WinMe/2K does. The application your seeking is named "dvdplay.exe", and it should be housed in the Windows directory if available.

Last resort, you can try VideoLAN. It is a freeware DVD player effort for a variety of operating systems. Check it out:

http://www.videolan.org

If none of these work, looks like you'll have to stop by your favorite software store and buy a software player. I usually recommend PowerDVD for Win9x users.

BTW, you do not really need a hardware playback solution. A P3 700 is more than powerful for software playback, assuming you are not wanting to multitask while watching movies.

Good Luck,
Robert Richmond
Moogs2K1
08-01-2001, 06:39 PM
Thanks guys! I got it all working, and boy, does it look nice! That's even with just a cheap video card that CAME WITH THE COMPUTER! Thanks again!