TV-Server or not?

[Skymak]

Hi,

I have built myself a HTPC using MediaPortal and TV Server.
First thing I noticed was a rather big drop in quality compared to my receiver. (using DVB-S)
I tried all different codecs (MPV, DScaler, Nero Codecs, ffdshow, Cyberlink PowerDVD Codecs) but there was only marginal differences between all of them.
After some searching I found out, that this was normal, even if good components was used (I have a HD 2600 XT, so this should do the job).

My question would be: Is quality in MediaPortal without TV Server better? Has anyone tested the quality difference between Mediaportal with and without TV Server?

[Paranoid Delusion]

Are you talking about video picture quality, as a lot has to do with the output from your graphics card connection to TV.

Sometimes a VGA connection will give a better picture than a DVI - HDMI one, or could be a cable problem.

Can honestly say i saw no picture quality difference, between using TVE2 or 3 with a DVB-T card (should be same anyway with digital).

[Skymak]

I am using DVI->HDMI on a 46" full HD LCD TV.
I downloaded a few 1080p cinema trailers, and they all look awesome.
DVD playback isn't that great (probably due to the upscaling), but it still is ok.
TV playback is really bad though.

Anyway, I just read an article in the German magazine c't about ffdshow and post processing, gonna try this out now

[Mew]

Hi Skymak

I use MediaPortal with TVE3.

I have used DVB-S through my HVR-4000s and I would have to say that I can't notice much (if any) difference in picture quality between MediaPortal and the Virgin Media digital cable set top box I currently have.

Since moving house I now use DVB-T through the HVR-4000s and I do have issues with picture quality but I know that this is because I need a new aerial as I think Freeview is weak where I am and the aerials are old. Channels such as the BBC ones do give a very good picture (again compariable with the Virgin STB). I have problems with ITV but this can be weather dependant and I know it struggles to pick these up when scanning. I will have to arrange for the aerial to be replaced.

I would have to say I am using a 28" CRT so the picture may not be as good when viewed on an LCD or Plasma but I am not in a position to comment on that.

Mew

[urbZZ]

Originally Posted by Skymak

I am using DVI->HDMI on a 46" full HD LCD TV.
I downloaded a few 1080p cinema trailers, and they all look awesome.
DVD playback isn't that great (probably due to the upscaling), but it still is ok.
TV playback is really bad though.

Anyway, I just read an article in the German magazine c't about ffdshow and post processing, gonna try this out now

Hi Skymak,

I have exactly the same problem. Video-Playback looks great, but TV looks like s*it compared to the €99 receiver i had before (and it was connected via scart ). Btw., I am *not* using TV-Server ... Did you find any solution to this ?

Cheers,
urbZZ