DVD player

[StonedWheat]

I have an old 2nd generation creative encore DVD player. I'm using:

Software DVD decoder (MaxiSoft)
Athlon Tbird 700
Abit Ka7
384 MB Mushkin pc133
Viper 2
Windows ME

My computer could be running literally for days, but when I try to play a DVD, it plays for a maximum of 20 minutes and then it locks up. I can't press the fast forward or reverse button because it will lock up also. Should I try using different software decoding? How do I utilize the DVD hardware decoding in the Viper 2? Should I stick with my Viper 770 TNT2 Ultra and use the decoding on that card? I also have a seperate DVD decoder card from creative but WinME dosen't seem to like it very much. I'm pretty confused and frustrated with this.

[Goutham]

Did you check for updated drivers for WinMe? Sometimes that is the problem. Did you have the same problem under Win98? If not blame WinMe for your troubles. You could try another software decoder, but I believe that most video cards come with it's own dvd software. My TNT2 card came with DVD software, but I chose to use a decoder card for my dvd's.

[sbp]

"Should I try using different software decoding?" I would try Cinemaster, WinDVD or Power DVD and see what happens StonedWheat.

"How do I utilize the DVD hardware decoding in the Viper 2?" Like a lot of cards this videocard assists the processor in decoding. And it should do so automatically or by checking off preferences of the dvd setup program your using.

If your Creative Labs DVD decoder card is the Dxr3 Decoder card then its really a Sigma Designs Hollywood plus card.
http://www.creativelabs.com/pc-dvd/dxr3-decoder/

http://www.sigmadesigns.com/products/hollywood_plus.htm

[StonedWheat]

Dammit sbp how do you know so much? I actually have a Dxr2 decoder which kinda sucks. The tv output from that card started coming out black and white in my old setup, and now WinME dosen't recognize it even with the drivers installed. I guess I'll just use the viper 2 and try different software. It locks up with the DVD player that comes with WinME though. Shoulda just bought a real DVD player

[StonedWheat]

Yeah! PowerDVD works perfectly. Thanks guys!

[wga22]

How do I enable the hardware acceleration in POwerDvd 3.0 for a Nvidia Geforce2 GTS? According to the NVIDIA web page I am supposed to get great DVD playback, but right now it it taking my processor to the ground. I actually miss my old ATI card, and its DVD player. I must be doing something wrong. Help please!

[enigame]

change your display to 16-bit

and/or view the dvd not as a full-screen but smaller..

if it works.. then it worked...

[yy3d]

PowerDVD works fine on my PC but what kind of set up can have Dolby Digital?

[unnamed]

wga22: ive heard ati cards have way better dvd playback then nvidia cards, or any other cards for that matter.
i wouldnt know though i dont really use my computer for dvd movies.