What exactly is a decoder card for?

[jkac123]

is this something that I could use, or help me to watch DVD on my TV?

[muchmark]

Hi,
The one i have is similar to this (http://www.sigmadesigns.com/products/hollywood_plus.htm) if you have a slower CPU you will need one,however if you have a fast CPU go for a software decoder.
Regards...

[Imperion1]

What are your system specs?
If its faster than a 450mhz cpu, then you're fine using a software decoder.
A decoder card will allow you to watch your DVD on a TV. Also used for slower systems, the DVD will use the decoder card instead of using most of the cpu.

[VERT]

yes takes takes the strain off your cpu and allows to to play dvds in digital sound, but of course you will also need a digital/dts reciever/amp/speaker system

[jkac123]

Is this one of those things I can download from CNET?

[jkac123]

opps,

Forgot to tell ya sys. specs.

900 T-BIRD
384 RAM
Savage 2000 Vid card
Hi-VAL 12x DVD
4x4x12 HP-CDRW
WIN-ME

[jkac123]

This whole thing with PC'S is really frustrating at times. You see I kinda assumed that being a computer that everything would be digital,WWWWWWRONG!

It cant be that easy can it?

I need some more info about this decoder thing and go from there .

thanks

[VERT]

FYI a dvd decoder card is a piece of hardware that plugs into your computer Here (http://www.sigmadesigns.com/products/hollywood_plus.htm) is one
This (http://www.audioreview.com/reviews/AVReceiver/product_48280.shtml) is an example of a Digital/Dts receiver

Here (http://www.overclockers.com.au/techstuff/dvd1/index.shtml) is a review on the Hollywood decoder card

[This message has been edited by VERT (edited 08-08-2001).]

[jkac123]

Would it be nessesary to have a card with my system or just software?

900 mhz
384 ram
64mb Video Card

I am not to unpleased with the picture quality I get on my TV, however the 5.1 sound is another story?

[Imperion1]

Your system is strong enough to run DVD without a decoder card.
PowerDVD is one of the strongest software decoders and players out there. You do get a good picture with this one.
I've used different types of software and found Power DVD to be the best.

[jkac123]

Imperion1,

Power DVD is working fine. I am still very green at all this yet and in time I will get a grip on this, of coarse with your help http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Some of the decoding for sound I cant seem to figure out. Enabling digital playback is not cooperating!

I have the digital 2 prongs on the back of DVD, however I am not certain of what I should do with them, Should I jump'em or run a wire to sound card? Right now I do not have any wires.

[Imperion1]

I wouldn't worry too much about digital audio. Unless your using digital speakers.
Analog audio will be fine.

If you do have digital speakers, then you would run a 2 wire audio cable from the digital out on the DVDrom to the digital input of your soundcard.

You would also need to enable digital audio by, right click volume icon, left click Open Volume Controls, click options, click properties, then click on the CD Digital option.

What sound card do you have by the way?

And DO NOT jump the 2 digital pins on the DVD drive. It may cause ill effects with the drive. What kind, I do not know.


[This message has been edited by Imperion1 (edited 08-08-2001).]

[Warthog]

You definately do not need a hardware decoder card. Heck, you comp has about three times the minimum specs for software decoding, lol http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Warthog

[This message has been edited by Warthog (edited 08-08-2001).]