hardware questions - HDTV support

[jvargas]

Hi all,
my system specs are as follow:
Dell precision 340 P4 2.6Ghz
512 Ram memory
40 Gb HD for windows XP pro
250 Gb HD for media and data
Audigy SE for SPDIF pass thru
FX5500EQ 256mb video card DVI conected
ATI HDTV wonder with digital tuner conected only
1080P capable Sceptre X37SV Naga HDTV

My poroblem is when using HDTV, I am getting my CPU to overload and the system keeps crashing, and when it actually runs fine, for a minute or so, the picture and audio are out of synch, the video jitters a lot and the PQ does not look as good as with my TV internal tuner.

Do you guys think my system is maybe not good enough for HDTV or it might even be some cofiguration issues???
The minimum requirements of my tuner for HDTV says my video card is more than enough.... any thoughts?
Thansk lot

[cleao]

I think your system need an upgrade of processor and grafic card to play HD media, try coreavc is the best and dont need much ressourses as other HD decoders...

I use: coreavc, coreaac and Haali Media Splitter.

Good luck :wink:

[Commodore 64]

CoreAVC won't help you at all. It doesn't decode Mpeg2.

You need a better graphics card. Period.

Get a 6600GT or better and your problems will go away.

[jvargas]

Well the ATI website list the requirements as follows:
System Requirements
Intel® Pentium® 4, Celeron™, AMD Athlon™ or compatible, operating at 1.3GHz or greater
256MB of system memory
Available PCI slot for HDTV WONDERâ„¢ card
Graphics card with 64MB or greater of frame buffer and Microsoft DirectX 9.0 support
Installation software requires CD-ROM drive
Interactive Program guide requires Internet connection for listing updates
Remote Control receiver requires available USB port
Sound card with speakers

In other words my system should be more than enough for this, but is not, so any other thoughs? Maybe ATI is not right, it wouldn't be strange though.
Thanks

[Tech Geek]

If you want to use the software ATi used to come up with 1.3Ghz feel free.
If you want to use MediaPortal you need an upgrade.

This is a work in progress but should answer a few questions:
http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/viewtopic.php?t=16561

[Commodore 64]

*sigh*

Those specs are minimum and for VMR7 (Overlay).

MP uses VMR9.

Your video card is not powerful enough. PERIOD.

[jvargas]

So how about just overclocking the video card and even maybe the CPU? will that help or is it worthless.
I just want to avoid having to go and spend another 200usd after all I have spent so far on this project. I know I will have to upgrade soon anyway, but want to try and see if i can get by with what I currently have.

[Tech Geek]

Originally Posted by jvargas

So how about just overclocking the video card and even maybe the CPU? will that help or is it worthless.
I just want to avoid having to go and spend another 200usd after all I have spent so far on this project. I know I will have to upgrade soon anyway, but want to try and see if i can get by with what I currently have.

The 5500 is already pretty much a 5200 with a higher clock speed and it will not work. My brother has one and it's ok for non-HD resolutions but that's it.
Your looking at a 6600GT or X1300 Pro (minimum). X1600s are under $100 so they are a pretty decent option.

Overclocking the CPU will work if you can get it to at least 3GHz.

[jvargas]

Thanks for the advice, I might try that then and let you know of my progress.