decoder/vid card combo question

[Mirlyn]

I just bought the Asus V7700 32MB GeForce2 Deluxe w/TV Out. I have been eyeing the Creative 12x Dxr3 DVD player. This comes with a hardware decoder (separate PCI card). Now, can I use this decoder card with the vid card I bought? I'm looking for performace. Can I get just as good quality with a cheaper DVD drive with this setup?

MSI K7T Pro2-A/Duron 700
192meg | 30gb ATA/100 | Asus V7700

[canit]

Yes you can use the Creative package with your system, and yes you can get good quality without a dedicated decoder card. With the speed of your cpu you don't need hardware decoding, a software player will work perfectly. But doesn't your Geforce 2 have built in hardware decoding(if not, did it come with a software decoder?)? I have an MSI K7T PRO/D650 and I've used the hardware decoder built into my video card(ATI) and a couple of different software decoders with good results.

[Mirlyn]

oh ok, cool.

What do you reccommend for a dvd drive that is a little cheaper then? http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif (I've got my TV out on my card now, so I don't need the creative setup (which had S-video out)).

Thanks again

[canit]

My Toshiba 12x has both the 2 and 4-pin MPC-to-MPC outputs and works well. The Pioneer 16x is good(but get the slot load, the tray load doesn't come with the 2-pin ). Check your Geforce manual to see if it comes with a hardware or software decoder. For more DVD info and software decoders visit; www.digital-digest.com (http://www.digital-digest.com)

[Mirlyn]

I've seen those slot-load Pioneers you're talking about....I'll definately check out the manual as soon as the card gets here! http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

I was just wondering if I could get a drive ordered and on its way before the rest of the computer "guts" get here. But its probably best I wait out my Asus card's arrival....grrr http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks again