Hardware requirements for HD playack on a client PC? (2 Viewers)

[eXDee]

I highly suggest the 8500GT or 9400GT. CPU Playback can't match GPU playback in terms of smoothness. Over here in NZ we have Freeview HD h264 DVB-T, which is broadcast in 720p and 1080i. Plays back smooth as with GPU acceleration on all my computers, that is 8500GT, HD4850 and 9600GT. I use the PowerDVD8 codecs.
If you asked in the NZ thread about playing back HD (MPEG4 h264, not MPEG2) with that system you'd be told to get a graphics card.

 

[alexeix]

Hey alexeix,

I'm also thinking of getting the dell studio hybrid - Did you purchase it? If so, did HDTV (h.264) work as hoped?

Ta,

Ian.

After reading conflicting advice about it, I decided not to buy. I think I'll wait and see if Dell improve the graphics on that machine. As I understand it, the Dell might be able to play back 1080p, but there will be dropped frames and stuttering in fast-paced scenes, as suggested above by eXDee.

I believe Asus are releasing an updated version of the Eee Box, with a GPU that can handle full HD, so that's another option; probably cheaper too.

See here: ASUS Eee Box B204 / B206 grows an HDMI port, handles high-def material - Engadget

 

[kellizer2]

I believe Asus are releasing an updated version of the Eee Box, with a GPU that can handle full HD, so that's another option; probably cheaper too.

Thats looks ace - i saw the eee at the weekend in PC World and it looks sweet as. Good call - hopefully it is released before too long (new year hopefully).

Ian.

 

[canarygsr]

the previous models seem to be priced well, and will make nice clients. they just need a option for a b-ray drive

 

[alexeix]

The existing Asus Eee Box will play 720p without any problems, according to several reviews I read.

They're very unlikely to get Blu-ray though, since they're designed to be cheap and small, adding BR would increase both of those significantly.

The Eee Box even has a standard vesa mount, so can be stuck on the back of any compatible TV/monitor. A nice extra, since it has no CD/DVD drive that you'll need to access.

I'm looking forward to the beefed up GPU.