DVD-ROM decoders

[andreadebiase]

hello, I would like someone to explain me which is the difference between software and hardware DVD-ROM decoders? Is it true that hardware dvd-rom decoders are better? how do they work? do you still need to lunch an application from your desktop to watch a movie?

thanks

[mjc]

Hardware DVD decoders are like hardware anything else they use chips and circuits to perform the functions that software decoderes emulate with a program. Using hardware relieves the CPU from the burden of processing that data so it can do other things. If your video card has a TV out then with a hardware decoder you could put the movie on the TV and then play an online game (hardware modem) while watching the movie. Try it with a software decoder and most likely the system will be slow or even hang.

The player program doesn't really care if your using a hardware or software decoder (unless it is integrated with the software decoder) and you still have to launch it to watch a movie.

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mjc
To ME or NOT to ME....

[andreadebiase]

ok! but now i am wondering: is a hardware decoder an additional PCI board or is integrated in most video cards? do you know of any good brand for dvd decoders (not extremely expensive!).
thanks

[sea69]

hi

u can try here (http://www.dvdrom.com/dvdrom_mpg2.htm) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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"Remember u r 'unique'... just like everyone else!"

[mjc]

Yes and Hollywood (about $50) by Sigma Designs.

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mjc
To ME or NOT to ME....

[hiredgoonz]

If you have a relatively fast system (600mhz+) you should have NO problem with software decoding...dvd drives that come with a decoder board are more expensive...

The processor speed doesn't even have to be that high to be honest...I ran a P2 350 w/64mb ram and software decoding and never had any more problems with it than I've had with any other system playing dvds...

And just something to keep in mind...you may not be able to watch dvd movies on a tv from your computer vidcard...apparently, macrovision interferes with that in some cases...

[mjc]

There are also other features to the hardware decoders. Some provide thier own TV out so that Macrovision shouldn't be a problem and some also provide remote control capabilities. But most of this is just personal preferences, a modern processor can run software DVD decoding just fine but most hardware cards will add some new functions and free up a little CPU time in the process.

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mjc
To ME or NOT to ME....