Which MPEG-2 Video Codec to use

[thenunz]

TV-Server Version: n/a
MediaPortal Version: 1.0.0.0 RC2
MediaPortal Skin: BlueTwo
Windows Version: XP Pro, SP3
CPU Type: Intel Pentium Dual Core 1.8GHz
HDD: Seagate 500GB, Maxtor 500GB
Memory: 2GB DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
Motherboard: Foxconn P35A
Video Card: VisonTek Radeon X1650PRO 256MB
Video Card Driver: 8.471.0.0
Sound Card: onboard
Sound Card AC3:
Sound Card Driver:
1. TV Card: Hauppauge HVR-1600
1. TV Card Type: hybrid ATSC/Clear QAM & analog
1. TV Card Driver: 1.62.26028.0
2. TV Card: Kworld MCE-TV200
2. TV Card Type: analog
2. TV Card Driver: 2.1.59.4
3. TV Card:
3. TV Card Type:
3. TV Card Driver:
4. TV Card:
4. TV Card Type:
4. TV Card Driver:
MPEG2 Video Codec: too many to list
MPEG2 Audio Codec: AC3Filter
h.264 Video Codec:
Satelite/CableTV Provider: RCN Cable
HTPC Case: Ultra Wizard mid-tower atx case
Cooling: 2 - silentx and 2 - harddrive
Power Supply: ultra v-series 500w
Remote: Generic
TV: Sanyo HT32744
TV - HTPC Connection: HDMI


I have the following MPEG-2 Video Codecs available:
1. Hauppaauge WinTV MPEG2 Muxer
2. HCW MPEG-2 Video Decoder
3. InterVideo Multiplexer
4. InterVideo Multiplexer
5. InterVideo NonCSS Video Decoder for Hauppauge
6. InterVideo Video Decoder
7. Nero DVD Decoder
8. Nero Video Decoder
9. Nero Video Decoder HD

Which one should I be using? Will choosing different codecs affect the quality of live or recorded tv?

Thanks!

[charli181]

the general response you will get is, trial each one and use you own results. (like the syaing "in the eye of the beholder"). What I have found through all forums, is that each PC config and TV/Monitor connected is different, so what works for one person/setup is pointless to another.

Some others worth a try are cyberlink 7 & 8 (also known as PowerDVD, just download & install trial player for codecs), CoreAVC (must pay for it), ffdshow(free) (NOTE: - ffdshow will not work without modified tsreader.ax file with RC2), elcard (must pay for). All these can be found with google. There is also Gooses Codec guide and few others here on the MP wiki. UserGuides/codecs_and_containers - MediaPortal Wiki Documentation

just some thoughts.

[Spragleknas]

Considering you got an ATi card, you can also try the AVIVO codecs -> See AMD GAME Drivers & Tools
This codec is free and DXVA capable (I recently had some issues with a HD series, though ... otherwise I think it is an excellent choice)

[thenunz]

Thanks for the help.