Audio / Video advice (1 Viewer)

[Bobb25]

MediaPortal Version: Latest Feature Release (0.2.1.0)
MediaPortal Skin: Steel 2 Wide
Windows Version: Windows XP SP2
CPU Type: Intel P4 3.0gig HT
HDD: Seagate 80gig
Memory: 1024mb DDR 400
Motherboard: 865P
Motherboard Chipset: Intel
Motherboard Bios:
Video Card: 256mb BFG 7800 GS AGP
Video Card Driver: Latest Nvidia Driver
Sound Card: Creative Live! 24
Sound Card AC3:
Sound Card Driver:
1. TV Card:
1. TV Card Type:
1. TV Card Driver:
2. TV Card:
2. TV Card Type:
2. TV Card Driver:
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:
MPEG2 Audio Codec:
Satelite/CableTV Provider:
HTPC Case:
Cooling:
Power Supply:
Remote: Windows MCE Remote
TV: BenQ FP202w 20.1" widescreen (1680 x 1050)
TV - HTPC Connection: DVI

Okay. So not too sure if this is the correct place for this thread, but basically i want to ask you guys to give me some advice. I have the above machine which i setup as an HTPC and for the wife to use when i got my new machine recently. My dilemma, is i am unsure of what the best video / audio codec is to use and was wondering whether anyone had any suggestions? I have tried a few, and have had various levels of success. At present i am using a PowerDVD mpeg 2 video codec with direct audio. My audio is going via digital Co-AX into my reciever for full surround sound using AC3. The video card is pretty damn powerful and i would like to utilize it as much as possible IE: have it do as much of the work as it can as it is probably more powerful than my CPU! I have tried ffdshow and have periods during playback where the video and audio goes out of sync for a few seconds, then the video speeds up and catches up again. I have the machine connected to my TV ep server through a gigabit switch so i dont think it is having issues retrieving the information! My only issue at present is that in some eps the volume does not respond to my remote control commands, IE: The volume bar pops up on the screen, but the audio does not adjust at all even if i pull it all the way down or up.

I intend on formatting the machine and re-installing everything as it is a "dirty" install at present, and was hoping you guys could give me a killer combo for my audio and video codecs that will utilize my machine to its peak.

Thanks in advance for your assistance

Ps. i posted this in a different forum, but i think it is more appropriate here.

 

[Taipan]

Ps. i posted this in a different forum, but i think it is more appropriate here.

Please do not double-post. I have removed your other posting.

 

[Taipan]

i am unsure of what the best video / audio codec is to use and was wondering whether anyone had any suggestions?

I don't think that there is a video/audio codec combination that is the "best" for all users. Your results with a particular video/audio codec will depend upon your video card, display type, display connection, source material, etc...

My recommendation is that you try all the ones you have and select one that gives the best overall result. You may not see much difference in the displayed image, but you will see differences in the way they handle FF/RW and skipping.

I have settled on the Cyberlink video decoder (supplied with WinDVD6) and the MPA decoders. I get an excellent image and this combination handles all the DVDs, TV Recordings and other videos with excellent navigation performance (FF, RW, skip fwd, skip back, etc) - this is with an ATI 9550 video card. Your experience may be quite different.

The video card is pretty damn powerful and i would like to utilize it as much as possible IE: have it do as much of the work as it can as it is probably more powerful than my CPU!.

Then you should select a video decoder that uses "hardware acceleration" or DxVA.

My only issue at present is that in some eps the volume does not respond to my remote control commands, IE: The volume bar pops up on the screen, but the audio does not adjust at all even if i pull it all the way down or up..

That's because you are using the SP/DIF output - the volume contol in MediaPortal only affects the decoded analog outputs from the sound card. It has no effect on the direct digital output stream - that must be controlled by the decoder in your Receiver.

 

[Bobb25]

Please do not double-post. I have removed your other posting.

Thanks, sorry for that.

I don't think that there is a video/audio codec combination that is the "best" for all users. Your results with a particular video/audio codec will depend upon your video card, display type, display connection, source material, etc...

My recommendation is that you try all the ones you have and select one that gives the best overall result. You may not see much difference in the displayed image, but you will see differences in the way they handle FF/RW and skipping.

I have settled on the Cyberlink video decoder (supplied with WinDVD6) and the MPA decoders. I get an excellent image and this combination handles all the DVDs, TV Recordings and other videos with excellent navigation performance (FF, RW, skip fwd, skip back, etc) - this is with an ATI 9550 video card. Your experience may be quite different.


Then you should select a video decoder that uses "hardware acceleration" or DxVA.


That's because you are using the SP/DIF output - the volume contol in MediaPortal only affects the decoded analog outputs from the sound card. It has no effect on the direct digital output stream - that must be controlled by the decoder in your Receiver.

Thanks for your suggestion. I will play around! I thought the sound issue was something like that, and after fiddling a bit i finally got it working by using directsound out i think. I am also using a cyberlink decoder and it looks fine but i will try a few others.