1080p upgrade advice (1 Viewer)

[etheesdad]

TV-Server Version: rc3
MediaPortal Version: rc3
MediaPortal Skin: monochrome
Windows Version: xp sp3 MCE 2005
CPU Type: 2.4ghz
HDD: 80+160
Memory: 1gb
Motherboard: ga-8ig1000pro
Video Card: fx5500
Video Card Driver:
Sound Card: soundblaster pci
Sound Card AC3:
Sound Card Driver:
1. TV Card: hvr-1100
1. TV Card Type:
1. TV Card Driver:
2. TV Card: dtv2000h
MPEG2 Video Codec: k-lite
MPEG2 Audio Codec: k-lite
h.264 Video Codec: k-lite
HTPC Case: silverstone lc20
Cooling: standard
Power Supply: 250watt generic
Remote: imon
TV: Full HD 32"
TV - HTPC Connection: HDMI

Build my first HTPC with parts scrounged from here and there, basically 2.4ghz with 1gb and 128meg radeon 9200. We picked up a nice 32" HD-TV at the pre-christmas sales on the weekend, and I was looking forward to running some 1080 content on MP. I downloaded some movie traillers to see how they came up on the HTPC, but unfortunately, it wont play them

So, Im wondering if there's anything I can do that would make it capable. Obviously the GPU and the CPU are the culprits. Is it worth putting a higher-end agp card into it with a 2.4 ghz cpu? Or will I have to do both?

Im thinking the priority will be the gpu (as the first step) and if that doesnt yield results then looking at cpu.

Would be grateful to hear from anyone who's got a machine with similar specs to play 1080.

 

[Wadu]

Hi,

we neet mor detail from your codecs.
The k-lite codec packs incule mor than one codecs.

You can test your PC with the CoreAV Codec (trial Version)
CoreAVC.com: World's Fastest High Definition H.264 Video Software Decoder

Install them and config MP to use this one.

If your PC cant play HD movies with coreav than you have to upgrade your PC.
CoreAV codec have the lowest CPU usage.

ATI AGP HD3xxx graphic cards with HW-decoding is the cheepest way for upgrade.
But some HD movies cant play with HW-decoding.

Check at first the coreav and then let us know your results and we go further.

ciao
wadu

 

[frenzy]

Hey, if you want to play downloaded material no GPU will cover you 100% because the encoders out there don't always encode with DXVA directives. So you will find yourself still not being able to play some HD content. Better upgrade cpu and board with integrated graphics and buy a discrete card only if you need it (games etc.).

p.s. I'm sorry mythtv didn't work for you. Was it the imon that frustrated you? I had some fun for a year with that OS