DVD ROMS

[npolite]

I am a little confused as to which type of DVD player I should buy. The first thing is, do I need to have a decoder card, I have heard that you really don't need one if you don't want a crisp image. So this leads me to my second question, can I buy a DVD-ROM Player like the Hitachi and just plug it in and run DVD movies? If not how do companies like gateway do it without a decoder?

Thanks
Nick

[ANTONIO E GUERRA]

In my humble opinion, you need the decoder or you won't appreciate the goodies of the DVD. I guess without a decoder, the dvd is only an overpriced cd-rom. Check reviews about Hitachi, some of us had big time problems with it.

[jamis]

I have a creative labs 5X (32x cdrom) drive.. which came with a decoder card..

You dont have to have a decoder card if your computer is fast enough... but its recommended.

I usually dont watch movies on my monitor either... even with a 25 foot composite cable running from my computer to the tv, the image quality surpases a vcr easily! My audio cable goes from the sound card to my stereo. Eventually I will get a reciever with AC3 and just run an audi cable out from the decoder card to that for superior sound, also.

If you are thinking about a DVD player.. I suggest a DVD-ROM instead.. and use it as a player.. the only draw back is no remote... perhaps an IR keyboard? http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Bleeding Edge]

jamis,

Have you checked out the 'product reviews' and 'tech talk' section over here:
http://www.audioreview.com/

very cool.

[Jin Vitas]

My opinion since there are not a lot of applications on DVD's.. I would get a DVD player instead of a DVD-ROM ..

Good DVD player is made specifically for watching a movie...

BAD DVD-ROM, have to spend moola on a decoder and have to have a cable to the television (unless your *** likes to sit in a chair and watch movies on a small 17" monitor a few feet away also cant be a couch potatoe)..

BAD DVD-ROM, if computer crashes OOOPS cant watch movies..

in other words since there are few apps that do use DVD if you want to watch a movie get a DVD player.. cuz until other dvd software come out.. CD's will still be around for several more yrs.. (dont forget about DVD-RAM)...

[ANTONIO E GUERRA]

In my personal opinion, it requires more improvement to provide a below average performance. I have seen AMD 4oo and Pentium 2 400 crashing. It is really pityful and the technician does not know what to do. We had ca computer show and the computer crashed after loading Godzilla. The poor man was so frustrated and kept apologizing... I prefer to wait a couple of years. The only use I see is for video editing with Director 5 or 6.o but not for regular users. They can get a DVD player and plug into their tv for less than 250.00. Hope it helps!

[ENVY]

lets see,I have a creative labs dvd with a dxr2 decoder.the decoder has s-video out and dolby 5.1 out.I ran this through my wall using a 10 ft cable and plugged it to my t.v and my dolby surround sound system.I now sit on my couch and watch theater quality movies with theater quality sound and am as happy as a lark>(ever seen a lark?Boy are they happy)As far as a decoder versus software decoder you said it youself "you really don't need one if you don't want a crisp image"But, that kind of defeats the purpose of a dvd player ehh?You can get a dvd kit with decoder for under 200.00 now.creative just released the new dvd series(6x,dxr3)so keep an eye out for plummeting prices on the 5x dxr2.

[Bleeding Edge]

Yes.yes Yes. Envy. That may be so. But what the 10ft. cable is doing is degrading the video signal. The players these day all have component outs for carrying the video signals. It's better than composite or s-video out.

Why would we what to start the computer for an enjoyable night home at the movies. When one remote is all it takes. I think most of us don't keep our computers so close to the main (living/entertainment room) TV. And why suggest to use a longer cable -perhaps.
Doesn't make sense in the comfort convenience
arena. And another thing, why hook up a dvd-rom to a midrange/highend hometheater system. What is the advantage?

I'm certain we're all glad it works for you. But if you really think about it, is it a worthy suggestion to recommend this setup for someone who wishes to watch DVD movies?

I got to side with Antonio and Jin.

[Bleeding Edge]

Computers and DVDs.

I don't know.

Are they ready for each other, as far as watching DVD movies is concerned?

I'd rather watch DVD movies on the TV thru the sounds of a "real" Home Theater system enveloped in the comfort of the sofa instead of staring at a monitor on a desk.

It's just plainly more enjoyable!

[This message has been edited by Bleeding Edge (edited 04-07-99).]

[Stan]

Hi

I have bought a DVD ROM (Pioneer 6x). My setup is as described below:
- SB Live (with Digital card)
- Matrox Mystique G200 (TV output)
- MPEG decoder for G200
- my Philips TV as a monitor
- Cordless keyboard and Mouse (Logitech)

So, sitting comfortably in my sofa, without any worries about cables, I watch my DVD movies on my TV...

I would definitely go for a DVD decoder card. It really makes a difference.

Stan