dvd drive....decoder?

[LiLRiceBoi]

do i need to buy a decoder card if i get a dvd drive? i dont really get this, someone care to explain.

thanks

[canit]

If you have a pentium 2 350Mhz or faster you can use a software decoder, but here's a good article;www.guidetohometheater.com/pcinema.shtml

[This message has been edited by canit (edited 11-14-2000).]

[Gomer]

If you would like to watch it on the TV you do. Also, software decoding taxes the system. Hardware decoding allows me to watch a DVD in a smaller window while doing other things on my computer like Word, Sysopt, Excel, etc..

[canit]

You DON'T need a dedicated decoder card to watch dvd's on a tv, just a video card with tv out.

[Gomer]

I stand corrected. How about some system info LiLRiceBoi. For a great deal on the best DVD drive on the market coupled with one of the best decoders, check this out.
http://www.goroyalpc.com/CD.asp?id=203

$149.99

Package Contents
REALMagic Hollywood Plus DVD/MPEG-2 PCI Playback Card
Pioneer 16X/40X Internal ATAPI DVD Drive
9-Pin VGA Loop-back Cable
S-Video/Composite TV Out Cable
S/P DIF Connector (Dolby Digital Surround Sound)
Installation Disks (2: Application and Driver)
User Manual & DVD Sampler Disc(s) (Movie: Telling Lies in America.... Kevin Bacon flic, nice movie)