PowerDVD Ultra (HD-DVD and Blu-Ray) [Text View]

umdivx

12-22-06, 01:36 PM

From what i've gathered in terms of video cards and what will and won't work.

- First off you need (for Nvidia side mind you) a PCI Express based video card with atleast 256megs of ram.

- 7600GT is the lowest end you can go for the nvidia side.

- HDCP supported video card is NOT needed if you are using VGA or component dongle out from your video card.

- HDCP supported video card IS NEEDED if you are using DVI or HDMI into your tv. also a little side note is that if you are using DVI or HDMI your display device needs to support HDCP as well

thats pretty much it in terms of video card support, now when you get into hardware like mobo, anything dual channel memory, such as Socket 939 or AM2 on the AMD side ( socket 754 won't work) then of course any of the core duo's or core 2 duo's will work on the intel side. I personally have mannaged to get a socket 478 Intel Prescott P4 3.2ghz OC'd to 3.8ghz to playback HD DVD smoothly. 512megs of ram is the min. 1gig the preferred.

Other than that if you want more info on what Nvidia says about the matter (system recommendations) check it out here: http://www.nzone.com/object/nzone_pvhd_build.html

here is also an Nvidia HD DVD and Blu-ray DVD hardware check list: http://download.nvidia.com/downloads/pvzone/Checklist_for_Building_a_HDPC.pdf

enjoy,

- Josh

stanger89

12-22-06, 01:36 PM

If your card can play the WMV-HD stuff at 1080p then you hsould be fine, shouldn't you?

Not necessarilly, WMV-HD stuff was make quite a long time ago (in HD terms) using a different/older codec than is used on HD DVD. WMV-HDs are generally using "normal" WMV9, where as HD DVD/Blu-ray use VC-1 which is WMV9 Advanced Profile, and has only been available on the PC for a couple months.

Further, WMV-HD stuff was encode primarilly for lower bitrates and easier decoding, where as VC-1 and especially H.264 on HD DVD/Blu-ray are quality focused, decoding requirements and bitrate are secondary. WMV-HD stuff (as well as most of the H.264 Quicktime stuff on the web) is usually under 10Mbps for 1080p clips, contrast that with VC-1 and H.264 which are often in the 15-20Mbps range, using more advanced (read more demanding) features.

(Barring any HDCP issues).

That's going to be the big one, WMV-HD doesn't require HDCP.

I have a 7600GS and have no trouble playing any HD content.

Hopefully that should be OK (being a 7 series). But just a word of warning. I've got a 6600GT and have no trouble playing any HD that can be found on broadcast or on the net. Yet it's not capable of playing HD DVD (VC-1) currently.

dennlv

12-22-06, 01:39 PM

Cool!

Anyone have xbox 360 hddvd on their htpc and using this already? seems like u cant download to try it out first.

wat about Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD? toslink out to xr55 can get these stuffs out from the speakers?

......is downloadable as of this morning:

Reportedly supports both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray playback in the PC.

Awaiting user reports.

Gary

sotti

12-22-06, 01:44 PM

Cool!

Anyone have xbox 360 hddvd on their htpc and using this already? seems like u cant download to try it out first.

wat about Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD? toslink out to xr55 can get these stuffs out from the speakers?

No you cannot, currently the only way to get these advanced codecs off a PC is analog out.

umdivx

12-22-06, 01:45 PM

......Yet it's not capable of playing HD DVD (VC-1) currently.

You do realize that WMV-HD is infact VC-1 right? its not the problem of the codec but the bit rate.

Its the bit rate that is what is holding the older cards back from playing back smoothly, they aren't powerful enough.

WMV-HD uses a lower bit rate so that they can fit a whole movie onto a dual lay DVD. But because HD DVD's and Blu-ray DVD's are larger they are now able to run higher bit rates drastically improving the video quality, hence the HD.

This bit rate is really what is holding back a 6600GT or AGP based cards from playing back the video smoothly.

- Josh

capitano

12-22-06, 01:58 PM

stanger89

12-22-06, 02:09 PM

You do realize that WMV-HD is infact VC-1 right? its not the problem of the codec but the bit rate.

OK, let me rephrase that. Most WMV-HD (that released before WMP11 and the new "VC-1" WMV decoder) is WMV9 Simple Profile, or WMV9 Main Profile. These are what we've known as WMV9 since WMV9 first appeared. This is what most WMV-HD (maybe all) are.

What's new, what HD DVD and Blu-ray use, and what is generally meant when the term VC-1 is used, is WMV9 Advanced Profile.

Advanced Profile is much more computationally demanding and may not be (perhaps isn't) supported by all cards that support accellerating WMV SP/MP.

Its the bit rate that is what is holding the older cards back from playing back smoothly, they aren't powerful enough.

I'd say it's the profile that's doing it. VC-1 Main Profile supports up to 1080p30 @ 20Mbps, much higher than what's normally used for WMV-HD clips.

BobSalita

12-22-06, 02:27 PM

Anyone have any luck on notebook computers? Which mobile graphics chips can playback HD-DVD (via USB XBox HD-DVD drive)?

umdivx

12-22-06, 02:38 PM

OK, let me rephrase that. Most WMV-HD (that released before WMP11 and the new "VC-1" WMV decoder) is WMV9 Simple Profile, or WMV9 Main Profile. These are what we've known as WMV9 since WMV9 first appeared. This is what most WMV-HD (maybe all) are.

What's new, what HD DVD and Blu-ray use, and what is generally meant when the term VC-1 is used, is WMV9 Advanced Profile.

Advanced Profile is much more computationally demanding and may not be (perhaps isn't) supported by all cards that support accellerating WMV SP/MP.

I'd say it's the profile that's doing it. VC-1 Main Profile supports up to 1080p30 @ 20Mbps, much higher than what's normally used for WMV-HD clips.

you basically are arguing about the same thing I just said. go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VC-1#Bit_rates_.26_resolutions

it shows the bit rates between VC-1 simple profile, main profile and advanced profile. The all are still based off of the same codec structure but advanced profile (which is what is being used with HD DVD and BD DVD) is using higher bit rates, which is what I said. and that higher bit rate is the reason AGP based cards and lower end PCI express cards like a 6600GT PCIe card can't perform the duties of the higher end newer cards, ie 7600GT and higher.

WMV-HD uses VC-1 Main Profile @ high level which is around 20Mbits/s

right now HD DVD/BD DVD uses VC-1 Advanced profile @ Level 3 which is around 45 Mbits/s

which is 2.25 times higher bit rate. you do the math on that.

Like I said before the real main difference is the Bit rates, granted there still is a compression difference between each profile but the main difference that I see is the bit rates.

Also the Main profile is what WMVHD uses, so not sure what you meant by the more demanding part. I've got several WMVHD movies that are 1080p/30 20Mbit/s so and I know my AGP 6600GT handles them just fine.

But on the other hand it can't handle the 1080p/24 at 45 MBits/s.

- Josh

ShagMan

12-22-06, 02:48 PM

I bought it.
In my HTPC I have 1 BD drive and the X-box add-on.
After installed Powerdvd Ultra the program shows itself as BD version 7.2.
Only Blu-ray.... :mad:
They stated Ultra plays BOTH BD and HD-DVD... :mad:

So you can't playback HD-DVD at all?

I'm expecing this software to play Blu-Ray, HD-DVD *AND* all my satellite backups PERFECTLY, for $100.

Sherbona

12-22-06, 02:52 PM

I wonder if Cyberlink is going to offer an upgrade path/price for current PowerDVD7 Deluxe owners? So far I see upgrades to get to the Deluxe version, but no way to get to Ultra version short of purchasing at full price. Or maybe I'm missing something?

stanger89

12-22-06, 03:05 PM

you basically are arguing about the same thing I just said. go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VC-1#Bit_rates_.26_resolutions

To a degree, or strait from the horse's mouth:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/events/NAB2005/VC-1.aspx#VC1_Profiles_and_Levels

it shows the bit rates between VC-1 simple profile, main profile and advanced profile. The all are still based off of the same codec structure but advanced profile (which is what is being used with HD DVD and BD DVD) is using higher bit rates, which is what I said.

The same could be said of MPEG-4, you could say the AVC is the same codec as ASP, but the bit rates are different.

However that wouldn't come close to telling the whole story. Same is true of VC-1 SP/MP vs AP.

and that higher bit rate is the reason AGP based cards and lower end PCI express cards like a 6600GT PCIe card can't perform the duties of the higher end newer cards, ie 7600GT and higher.

AP is more than just support for higher bitrates, a lot more. Just look at the discussions about VC1 AP when MS finally publicly released the AP codec. You can get the same quality at significantly lower bitrates with VC-1 AP, than with SP or MP.

While the VC-1 spec may encompass all three levels, there's a lot more than bitrate that distinguishes them.

WMV-HD uses VC-1 Main Profile @ high level which is around 20Mbits/s

But most WMV-HD is <= 10Mbps.

right now HD DVD/BD DVD uses VC-1 Advanced profile @ Level 3 which is around 45 Mbits/s

And most HD DVDs are well under 20Mbps.

which is 2.25 times higher bit rate. you do the math on that.

More like a 50% maximum (probably less) real difference in bitrate. Besides insiders have reported recent VC-1 titles have been in the 12Mbps range.

Like I said before the real main difference is the Bit rates, granted there still is a compression difference between each profile but the main difference that I see is the bit rates.

The real difference is not the bitrates, it's the profile. Just like MPEG-4 AVC is much different than MPEG-4 ASP, VC-1 AP is much different than VC-1 MP.

Also the Main profile is what WMVHD uses, so not sure what you meant by the more demanding part.

VC-1 AP is much more computationally intensive (and also more efficient and higher quality) than VC-1 MP.

I've got several WMVHD movies that are 1080p/30 20Mbit/s so and I know my AGP 6600GT handles them just fine.

And yet an PCIe 6600GT can't accellerate <20Mbps VC-1 AP.

But on the other hand it can't handle the 1080p/24 at 45 MBits/s.

Where are you getting 45Mbps VC-1 AP clips? HD DVD is nominally <20 if not <15Mbps. Just because the profile allows 45Mbps does not mean it's utilized.

Smonkey

12-22-06, 03:10 PM

I bought it.
In my HTPC I have 1 BD drive and the X-box add-on.
After installed Powerdvd Ultra the program shows itself as BD version 7.2.
Only Blu-ray.... :mad:
They stated Ultra plays BOTH BD and HD-DVD... :mad:

Did you uninstall any old version of powerdvd before installing the new one?
You might have to install it twice, once with the hddvd drive only hooked up and once with the BD drive.

stanger89

12-22-06, 03:13 PM

Can anybody confirm if PDVD Ultra will do vertical stretch of an HD DVD?

umdivx

12-22-06, 03:21 PM

Where are you getting 45Mbps VC-1 AP clips? HD DVD is nominally <20 if not <15Mbps. Just because the profile allows 45Mbps does not mean it's utilized.

There are a couple test patter/ test videos out there that some folks have put together, my system (AMD 64 X2 4400+, 2gigs of ram, 7900GT PCIexpress) chugs on those.

- Josh

mmace

12-22-06, 05:21 PM

anyone have anymore info about whether you can play both HD-DVD AND Blu-Ray as the site says you can?

capitano

12-22-06, 05:35 PM

So you can't playback HD-DVD at all?

I'm expecing this software to play Blu-Ray, HD-DVD *AND* all my satellite backups PERFECTLY, for $100.

Yes, me too...especially if they say, as they say, that it plays BOTH Blu-ray and HD-DVD and not Blu-ray OR HD-DVD :mad:
Please soomeone else with the software can confirm it shows BD edition or HD-DVD edition without the option to change from BD to HD-DVD or vice-versa?
I suppose during installation software scan the system and set BD or HD-DVD according to drive found.
But that it is NOT what Ciberlink claims in their site....am I wrong? :mad:

mmace

12-22-06, 05:38 PM

I'm all ready to buy it, but on here and AVForums no one seems to have both going at the same time (bear in mind that HD-DVD can be written on a normal DVD so can be accessed by a DVD drive and no HD-DVD drive installed!)

YONEXSP

12-22-06, 06:55 PM

Would a 6800GTS with 512Mb RAM (AGP Bus) be able to handle HD DVD?

ShagMan

12-22-06, 07:13 PM

OK, now that I've been the guinea pig for playback software AGAIN (WinDVD 8 JP), here's my report.

Overall, it's in a beta-like shape, and I'm not that impressed.

What's improved:
1) menus are a little faster.

2) Most titles play OK, with the subtitles not running.

3) King Kong does play out of the box, with U-Control off, and no 'black screen' at the start. That's a good sign! (still some probs for this title, check below)

Here's the bugs I have found to this point.
1) The Hulk, when inserted/started, causes PowerDVD to go into the file mode, and plays a black screen. I was unable to pick different EVO's, and you can't select title/chapter because it's not in disc mode.

2) One Six Right, the title menu on this disc malfunctions... it doesn't come up initially, and if you select another title/chapter, the menu then comes up and doesn't go away, even though you're playing the movie or special feature. UPDATE: I got this title's menu to work right by hitting 'next' or 'N' on the keyboard while it was playing a special feature... it went back to the main menu and spawned the menu correctly, and the meny went away as soon as I selected 'play' to start the feature.

3) Batman Begins (and others I suspect): the video playback is jittery a little... it's not much, but it's there... it's easy to see on this title because of the numerous long shot pans across a cityscape or a snowfield, etc. Definitely not acceptable. I have a dual core 2.5GHz box, 2GB RAM, and a 7950gx2, so performance is there. Perfmon reports 40% usage split across the two cores. UPDATE I watched Fearless, and the same thing is happening here too, the slow pans really show it... looks like the software's not keeping up with the framerate or something.

4) HDCP doesn't work. In the latest Cyberlink advisor, I have ALL green lights when connected via DVI -> HDMI to my projector, and it indicates the HDCP chain is there. When I actually playback an AACS-restricted title, it plays for a few seconds, then stops. Then it prompts me to run the Advisor to find my problem! The nerve!

5) Menus are faster, but the audio is still slow and echoey, for example on Batman Begins, the audio "effect" as each menu is opened, is choppy/slow still.

6) King Kong: subtitles on by default, menu doesn't work with arrow keys (have to call menu up from the controls at the bottom, by using the mouse).

I'll update my list as I find more.

crbaldwin

12-22-06, 07:25 PM

Would a 6800GTS with 512Mb RAM (AGP Bus) be able to handle HD DVD?

I am curious about whether AGP would work as well since I have no desire to totally upgrade my system. I will be outputting at 720P over HDMI. If the card has acceleration for these advanced video codecs will it be sufficient? How about the AGP version of the Sapphire X1600 Pro: http://www.sapphiretech.com/us/products/products_overview.php?gpid=145&grp=3?

MidnightWatcher

12-22-06, 07:58 PM

I'll update my list as I find more.

Though not perfect, it seems like a step in the right direction.

ShagMan

12-23-06, 12:39 AM

Welp, I've done more testing, and it comes down to two things that are really killing me, from using this full-time.

1) jerkyness: Batman Begins and Fearless both exhibited this feature... you can really see it on slow pans... sometimes it's ok, but sometimes it's REALLY bad. It made Fearless a little painful to watch at times.

2) The Hulk simply won't play. I need some help from another AVS member on this one. PowerDVD keeps wanting to go to file mode on this disc, instead of playing it as a HD-DVD. Come on, if I spent $100 to test this out, somebody else here must have as well, and can figure out The Hulk.

If those two things were resolved, I'd toss my HD-A1 up into the for sale area here and go ahead with my HTPC.

MidnightWatcher

12-23-06, 01:04 AM

1) jerkyness: Batman Begins and Fearless both exhibited this feature... you can really see it on slow pans... sometimes it's ok, but sometimes it's REALLY bad. It made Fearless a little painful to watch at times.

What refresh rate is your display? Did you try reclock?

dennlv

12-23-06, 01:12 AM

ShagMan, Thanks! hope they come out with patches for their software soon. they should allow 30 days trial or something. They are making money from those who trusted them! :mad:

OK, now that I've been the guinea pig for playback software AGAIN (WinDVD 8 JP), here's my report.

Overall, it's in a beta-like shape, and I'm not that impressed.

What's improved:
1) menus are a little faster.

2) Most titles play OK, with the subtitles not running.

3) King Kong does play out of the box, with U-Control off, and no 'black screen' at the start. That's a good sign! (still some probs for this title, check below)

Here's the bugs I have found to this point.
1) The Hulk, when inserted/started, causes PowerDVD to go into the file mode, and plays a black screen. I was unable to pick different EVO's, and you can't select title/chapter because it's not in disc mode.

2) One Six Right, the title menu on this disc malfunctions... it doesn't come up initially, and if you select another title/chapter, the menu then comes up and doesn't go away, even though you're playing the movie or special feature. UPDATE: I got this title's menu to work right by hitting 'next' or 'N' on the keyboard while it was playing a special feature... it went back to the main menu and spawned the menu correctly, and the meny went away as soon as I selected 'play' to start the feature.

3) Batman Begins (and others I suspect): the video playback is jittery a little... it's not much, but it's there... it's easy to see on this title because of the numerous long shot pans across a cityscape or a snowfield, etc. Definitely not acceptable. I have a dual core 2.5GHz box, 2GB RAM, and a 7950gx2, so performance is there. Perfmon reports 40% usage split across the two cores. UPDATE I watched Fearless, and the same thing is happening here too, the slow pans really show it... looks like the software's not keeping up with the framerate or something.

4) HDCP doesn't work. In the latest Cyberlink advisor, I have ALL green lights when connected via DVI -> HDMI to my projector, and it indicates the HDCP chain is there. When I actually playback an AACS-restricted title, it plays for a few seconds, then stops. Then it prompts me to run the Advisor to find my problem! The nerve!

5) Menus are faster, but the audio is still slow and echoey, for example on Batman Begins, the audio "effect" as each menu is opened, is choppy/slow still.

6) King Kong: subtitles on by default, menu doesn't work with arrow keys (have to call menu up from the controls at the bottom, by using the mouse).

I'll update my list as I find more.

crbaldwin

12-23-06, 01:12 AM

ejasons

12-23-06, 02:09 AM

So, based on what I was reading here, I sprung for the "Ultra" ($99) version. However, what I got seems just to be the BluRay version -- there is no mention of HD-DVD anywhere in the software, and Cyberlink's own "BD Adviser" software says that I don't have the right version of PowerDVD in order to play HD-DVD. The "Activation" page also says that I have the "Deluxe" version (not "Ultra').

When I bought it, I just clicked on the "Buy It Now" link in the main description page, where it clearly says that HD-DVD is supported.

Anyway, those of you whose copies do play HD-DVD, could you tell me the version of your PowerDVD. The one that I was shipped says "PowerDVD Version 7.2(Ultra)" SR Number "DVD061206-05" (don't know whether that number is private to me, but don't think that it is).

Jason

sotti

12-23-06, 02:16 AM

Are the CPU requirements really accurate? Minimum of dual core processors? It can't offload any of the processing to the video card? Or is this only if you want to output 1080P? I can easily watch HDTV OTA with my 6600GT and Sempron 3400+ (720P output).

Since the discs themselves may only contain 1080p content, yes those dual cores are very much required.

Granted if you've got a P4 at 4.5ghz or an AMD single core at 3.2ghz, maybe not so much, but since many discs only have 1080p content and very few graphics card have a drastic impact, processing power is at premium.

Now of course this is for H.264 titles, anything Mpeg2 encoded or VC-1 is going to be signifgantly easier to decode.

dennlv

12-23-06, 02:17 AM

Thanks Sotti! Do you have any links for me to read how to? I guess for htpc, they r doing 1 features at a time, 1080p first and audio later...i hope...

No you cannot, currently the only way to get these advanced codecs off a PC is analog out.

Rathbone

12-23-06, 07:20 AM

I am curious about whether AGP would work as well since I have no desire to totally upgrade my system. I will be outputting at 720P over HDMI. If the card has acceleration for these advanced video codecs will it be sufficient? How about the AGP version of the Sapphire X1600 Pro: http://www.sapphiretech.com/us/products/products_overview.php?gpid=145&grp=3?

This Card definitely works, but I had a lot of trouble getting the HDCP-chain to work with PowerDVD 6.5. Sop no guarantee that it will work on your machine.

crbaldwin

12-23-06, 10:44 AM

This Card definitely works, but I had a lot of trouble getting the HDCP-chain to work with PowerDVD 6.5. Sop no guarantee that it will work on your machine.

Interesting. So the AGP performance was good enough to watch HD-DVD or Blu-ray? What kind of drain on your CPU? Thanks.

Rathbone

12-23-06, 11:27 AM

Interesting. So the AGP performance was good enough to watch HD-DVD or Blu-ray? What kind of drain on your CPU? Thanks.

Yes it was. Have a X2 4200+.

explorer41

12-23-06, 11:31 AM

Jeff J

12-23-06, 12:35 PM

Can anybody confirm if PDVD Ultra will do vertical stretch of an HD DVD?
big bump to this question.

Li On

12-23-06, 12:39 PM

Anyone remember YXY? Will it work with the new PowerDVD to stretch the image to whatever size?

regards,

Li On

MidnightWatcher

12-23-06, 12:39 PM

As far as I know and have read, you have to have the XBox 360 drive connected to the PC during the installation process for the software to find it and then install the software with HD-DVD support.
I'm assuming that if you also have a Blu-Ray drive on your comp, you must have to disable it during the installation to avoid a hardware conflict. I guess you have to do vice versa for the Blu-Ray drive. I'm uncertain as to whether or not you can have both drives supported simultaneously.

Gae

Maybe login to XP with a "Blu-Ray" profile, and install PowerDVD Ultra with only the Blu-Ray drive in a custom directory. Login to XP with your standard profile and install PowerDVD Ultra with only the HD DVD drive connected in the default directory. Would this work?

t_tringle

12-23-06, 12:45 PM

big bump to this question.

I only have the X360 Add on for HD-DVD at the moment, so I'm curious, why would you want to stretch vertically the image? wouldn't that ruin the original AR?

TimT

Huey

12-23-06, 02:14 PM

Some people use anamorphic lens to squeeze the image back to the original image. This stretching via HTPC allows them to utilize the ENTIRE panel of their projector for better brightness, less screendoor, less/no blackbars, etc. For example. 4:3 panel projector displaying 16:9 material can be stretched via software to fill the entire 4:3 panel of the projector. The anamorphinc lens will then squeeze the image back down to 16:9 with 33% more brightness, less screendoor, smoother picture, less/no blackbars, etc. The same concept can be applied to 16:9 projector and 2.35:1 movies.

Some anamorphic lenses do the vertical squeeze while others do the horizontal stretch which makes the image bigger at a given throw distance. Google Panamorph, Isco, Prismasonic, and DIY anamorpic lens for more details.

talon95

12-23-06, 02:14 PM

Maybe login to XP with a "Blu-Ray" profile, and install PowerDVD Ultra with only the Blu-Ray drive in a custom directory. Login to XP with your standard profile and install PowerDVD Ultra with only the HD DVD drive connected in the default directory. Would this work?

I'm not saying that won't work (no way to test it yet since I can't see paying $100 for Ultra), but I guess I'd be a little surprised since Madpoet went to all this trouble before.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8880202&&#post8880202

Tinker

12-23-06, 02:25 PM

Just told a couple of clients that the player would be $122cdn from Cyberlink's website, and that its still not fool proof and still have bugs, after they stop laughing, they said no way....they will wait.

capitano

12-23-06, 02:33 PM

I tried the Altiris solution but it does not work for me.
BD edition seems to works correcltly in layer, HD-DVD does not.

qz3fwd

12-23-06, 03:13 PM

Will this new version of PowerDVD playback hombrew created HD DVD's off the hard drive like we have been doing for years with DVD? Play from Folder?

trailergod

12-23-06, 07:16 PM

finally... it works !!!!! tested it with 23 HD DVD titles i have and all work great.... PowerDVD Ultra works !!!!

my system..

Asus 7600GT HDCP HDMI with 93.81_forceware
Xbox360 HD DVD drive
WinXp SP2
AMD X2 5000+
2GB RAM
Panasonic ax100 720p LCD projector (HDCP) connected via HDMI
SB X-Fi sound card

if u are using the digital route.. make sure u have HDCP all the way...

ejasons

12-23-06, 07:22 PM

Thank you all for your help -- uninstalling, then reinstalling with the XBOX drive attached caused the correct version to be installed. Interesting that they default to the "BD" version if there is no compatible drive found.

So, it plays fine in 540p mode. Any idea of how to keep it from stretching 2x vertically in 1080i (interlaced via PowerStrip) mode?

Jason

originalbadboy

12-23-06, 08:01 PM

Well ive been mucking around with this software for the last 24 hours and have come to the conclusion that Cyberlink are a bunch of w~nke*s tbh.

Cyberlink has hardcoded into the software a hardware check, which basicically means that unless you have the exact and i mean exact hardware mentioned on their page powerdvd will point blank refuse to play HD-DVD's

Now I have the following rig, Athlon XP 3200 & ATI X1600 PRO, on this box the advisor is green for the driver and the graphics card, and powerdvd plays HD-DVD discs. (very poorly mind!)

With the previous version of the software I tested it on my stock Mac Mini, and although it wasnt perfect it played a hell of a lot better. You cant even play the discs on the Mac Mini now because it doesnt have the right hardware, even though its perfectly capable of playing HD (with the right CPU).

Now im sorry but as far as im concerned Cyberlink has just lost a customer and im half in my mind to ask for a refund. Why they have done this is beyond me, HD-DVD playback isnt GPU dependant, its CPU dependant, so why does it matter if the hardware im using isnt the recommended spec? Thats my business. To put a check into the software which basically disables it for any other hardware than the ones listed is just plain silly.

So to all those out there who were hoping to run this software on their X800's or their GMA950's etc dont bother save your money, cos PowerDVD wont work with them, period.

stanger89

12-23-06, 08:11 PM

Anyone remember YXY? Will it work with the new PowerDVD to stretch the image to whatever size?

I can't get it to work, maybe I don't know how, maybe it just doesn't, but none of the settings do anything.

Thursd4y

12-24-06, 03:26 AM

trailergod

12-24-06, 03:38 AM

My computer matches all the specs on Cyberlink's homepage, and I'm outputting through DVI to a HDCP-compatible projector. So, will I get full resolution, or will the resolution be compromised in any way?

you will get full resolution, as long as you have HDCP video card/drivers/display when using the DIGITAL route.....

MidnightWatcher

12-24-06, 03:52 AM

Can anyone with a supported ATI-based card confirm hardware acceleration is working?

whitesanjuro

12-24-06, 07:00 AM

i've lurked avsforum for years, but finally have a reason to post.

i picked up an xbox 360 hd-dvd yesterday after reading about the release of pdvd ultra. after installing the drive and buying pdvd ultra, things seem to be working great except for 2 problems:

1) i cannot turn off subtitles on King Kong - if i set them off in the menu, they always return to english sdh.
2) is it possible to get LPCM output for titles w/ True HD or DTS-HD? (i am using a chaintech av710 w/ spdif.)

i have had no decoding issues on my pc: E6600, 7950 GX2 (93.71 drivers), 2GB RAM, but I need to get an HDCP-compliant video card to do any useful testing (currently I am using VGA on an HP L2335 display - 1920x1200).

trailergod

12-24-06, 07:17 AM

2) is it possible to get LPCM output for titles w/ True HD or DTS-HD? (i am using a chaintech av710 w/ spdif.)

yes, but not through spdif... powerdvd will decode it if u choose 5.1 channel speaker setting and then have your sound card send the 6 channel thru analog out... just like DVD Audio or SACD

talon95

12-24-06, 07:43 AM

1) i cannot turn off subtitles on King Kong - if i set them off in the menu, they always return to english sdh.

Try pressing "u" on the keyboard until they turn off. That works in PDVD6.5 at least. If it isn't "u", there probably is another hotkey assigned. There's also a button on the control pad.

the Rainmaker

12-24-06, 08:22 AM

anyone knows where I can get a forceware driver for the Go Series(7900 GTX)? I tried 92.91, 93.71, 93.81 - I couldn't install either of them, it looks like they don't support the Go Series. I even checked the dell website, still the 80s realese there.

Tulli

12-24-06, 08:40 AM

the Rainmaker

12-24-06, 09:37 AM

You must use their supplied modded INF.

thx for the link, no modded INF so far for Dell M1710 (7900 GTX), guess I have to wait or it there an alternative?

edit:

the new dell model has a BD Drive, so there must be a driver or dell will release one soon...

mhiatt

12-24-06, 11:35 AM

I typically don't post, but here's my results in case it helps anyone. I'll try to answer any questions if I can, but if you have something negative to post, please don’t bother.

It appears that PowerDVD Ultra edition is two packages in one. It will only install either the BluRay Edition or the HDDVD Edition. My bet is that big brother Sony or Toshiba or whoever does not want systems capable of playing both Bluray and HDDVD. Nevertheless, Cyberlink’s website is quite misleading when they say that the software can play both. Yes, it can, but not on the same OS.

My work around is to simply have two versions of Windows XP. One for BluRay and one for HDDVD. I use BootItNG to choose which OS I need depending on what I want to watch. To get PowerDVD to install the correct version, use the Device Manager to disable one of the drives. The drive that is still enabled will be detected by PowerDVD installer. Once installed, PowerDVD calls itself either PowerDVD HDDVD Deluxe or PowerDVD BD Deluxe depending on which drive is enabled. Then boot to the alternate Windows XP, disable the other drive, and repeat the installation. Viola, a HTPC with both BluRay and HDDVD playback.

My HTPC consists of:

Silverstone Case w/Integrated 7" Touchscreen
Core2 Duo E6600 on 975X Motherboard
BFG NVidia 7950GS with HDCP Support
Sony BluRay Drive
Microsoft XBox 360 HDDVD Drive

I choose this case as it is a nice match for HT equipment, doesn't require mouse/monitor, and has dual 5.25" drive bays. I gutted the Toshiba HDDVD drive out of the Microsoft case and mounted it internally. Note that the drive is not a standard PC drive and requires modifications to make it go internal. The width is different than a standard drive and the rear I/O is not PC friendly. I got it integrated with no problems, but I would recommend that you leave it external unless you are handy at these types of modifications. There should be standard PC HDDVD drives out very soon anyway. I bought this drive since I had the $40.00 off Circuit City coupon and didn’t mind getting the free King Kong HDDVD.

I have tried 3 HDDVD's and have no performance issues like mentioned in another post. My samples are King Kong, The Last Samurai, and The Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift. PowerDVD has issues when it comes to always wanting to display subtitles. King Kong is particularly annoying. It took me 10 minute of messing, but I finally got the subtitle’s off. I’m not sure exactly what finally turned them off – ha. The other two turned off easily. Strange.

I am able to display the output on either the integrated VGA display or the DVI output connected to a HDCP compliant display. Having a graphics card that has HDCP compliance is required to use the DVI output. There is a list somewhere on the Internet that names the graphics cards that support this – Google for it. If you don’t have one of these newer graphics cards, then you will only be able to use the VGA connector at a reduced resolution.

Not sure what else to add. My goal was to have one box that would play both formats as well as do other things like Music, etc. That is finally possible now that the software has been released. The software isn’t perfect, but definitely usable.

Cheers,

nikkieneuken

12-24-06, 12:37 PM

@mhiatt: thanx!

Jimwesternguy

12-24-06, 12:49 PM

mhiatt - Great post and thanks...clears up a lot of questions.
The site with the list of HDCP enabled graphics cards is here:

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1071342

MidnightWatcher

12-24-06, 01:17 PM

I am able to display the output on either the integrated VGA display or the DVI output connected to a HDCP compliant display. Having a graphics card that has HDCP compliance is required to use the DVI output. There is a list somewhere on the Internet that names the graphics cards that support this – Google for it. If you don’t have one of these newer graphics cards, then you will only be able to use the VGA connector at a reduced resolution.

Hi mhiatt, you should be able to get the full 1920x1080 resolution using VGA, according to others who have tried.

DJ79

12-24-06, 07:59 PM

I've noticed that some of you have installed, unistalled, and reinstalled the software. What is the activation process like? I'm asking because I'm tempted to try the software on my current single core AMD rig, but if it doesn't work well, I'll switch over to Core 2. Any issues with reinstalling on a different system?
Thanks.

isamu

12-24-06, 08:56 PM

wow, so is this capable of working with single core cpus?

DJ79

12-25-06, 01:21 AM

wow, so is this capable of working with single core cpus?

It might with some less demanding encodes, but I don't really expect it will with this generation of drivers and players. Perhaps later when more processing is offloaded to the GPU.

skibum5000

12-25-06, 02:40 AM

wow, so is this capable of working with single core cpus?

only sort of. batman begins isn't too bad, a few minutesof serenity didn'tlook too bad (which is not to say that there are still not a few CPU underpower related glitches, if you need silky perfection all the time, even for those it doesn't do it), mummy is also watchable but does certainly get some annoying due to underpowered CPU, sleepy hollow getting pretty bad, KK simply not good on single core, way too choppy to try to sit there and actually watch it even if you are trying to not be picky at all.

you really do need dual core, but i am still getting some enoyment from some discs in the meantime while overlooking glitches (again appear to be CPU underpower and not any issue with pwerdvd itself, since the glitches happen near peak CPU utilization time mostly).

i must say though HD DVD is truly amazing. simply blows away my DVDs. wow.
it's a shame there are a numebr of blu-ray only titles since those drives are still a fortune. i imagine it will be months before i ever decide to get one of those, maybe even a year at the way those prices are up there (assuming one of the other format is not dead by then, hopefully not both). ultimately blu-ray should be capable of slightly better image quality once they use both layers and do proper mastering with the latest codecs and not like the crappy first few releases. but must say HD DVD looks so good i now think i could've maybe just lived with it and without the format battle, especially if they are willing to use 2 discs when they should (of course that is not always a given), the drives have arrived a great price point so much sooner i think blu-ray ever will. although one one that has trueHD does seem to have slightly less sharp video, so hopefully it doesn't mean trueHD doesn'tfit well on HD DVD, prob not the case and hope not. i get the impression many more blu-ray discs have trueHD on them. anyway, the HD DVD drives are so much cheaper and do look great.

whitesanjuro

12-25-06, 05:46 AM

thanks to trailergod for the info on the audio.

i didn't realize that all 7950 GX2 cards had HDCP-compliant outputs, but after following the link to the [H] forums I was eager to test out my card, and i was amazed when it works. finally, 1080p HD-DVD! i have my card hooked up w/ a DVI-HDMI cable to my Sony KDS-50A2000 and it looks great. after the holiday i plan to pick up some titles to A/B (full metal jacket, syriana) and will report back when i have some notes.

also, thanks to mhiatt i now know the subtitles in king kong are definitely a problem that isn't just my own (i've tried to the "u" key thing but it only toggles between english sdh, spanish, and french).

Vern Dias

12-25-06, 08:40 AM

LiOn (or anyone else interested) I can confirm that PowerDVD Ultra WORKS WITH YXY for full AR control of HD DVD playback.

I just got done setting it up. I used YXY 1.6 for my setup.

Before Zoom player and Theatertek were available, I had used YXY for AR control with both WinDVD and PowerDVD on my 2.40:1 AR screen. I dug up an old copy, installed it, and it works with PowerDVD Ultra as well!

Running on 3.4 Gig single core prescott CPU. Leadtek WinFast PX8800 GTS TDH Video card, connected via HDMI to my Sony Qualia. Running 1080 24PSF. No stuttering, at least on 24FPS sources. I suspect 30 FPS sources would be more than this combination could handle.

I had to reinstall my video drivers to get HW video acceleration working. I also had to select "Stretch to fit Screen" in PDVD's AR control menu to enable YXY to compensate for the anamorphic lens.

Vern.

Gary McCoy

12-25-06, 09:15 AM

HD-DVD, Sony Qualia, and full AR control. It sounds like a Merry Christmas for you, Vern.

The family is stirring and it's time to open presents. Everybody have a wonderfull holiday.

Gary

rdewey

12-25-06, 09:25 AM

whitesanjuro: The secret to turning off subtitles in King Kong is to turn them off AFTER you start playing the movie, not before you enter the movie as would be the normal intuitive method. What I did was start playing the movie, then move the mouse which displays the PowerDVD action buttons along the bottom of the screen. Find the icon relating to menu, then select TITLE menu, NOT ROOT MENU, and in this mode, turn off subtitles. You will note that the menu structure superimposed over the running movie, a feature new to HD DVD and not present on DVDs. When you turn off titles in this fashion, they really go off and stay off.

trailergod

12-25-06, 09:47 AM

fixed my KING KONG playback problems .. simply had to remove the AMD DUAL CORE optimizer software/driver.....

using DIGITAL route..

Asus 7600GT HDCP HDMI with 93.81_forceware
Xbox360 HD DVD drive
WinXp SP2
AMD X2 5000+
2GB RAM
Panasonic ax100 720p LCD projector (HDCP) connected via HDMI
SB X-Fi sound card

now i discovered another problem... HULK HD DVD wont play properly... PowerDVD Ultra seems to play in file mode....

Don_S

12-25-06, 01:17 PM

Is anyone running PowerDVD Ultra successfully with Vista? I am holding off on pulling the trigger on this until I know for sure that it will work with Vista. I currently have my HTPC running Win XP SP2 but will upgrade when Vista becomes available.

Tinker

12-25-06, 01:20 PM

The Hulk will not work with ULTRA. Anybody get it to work?

Stupid software...defaults to BD version install if no drives are attached :rolleyes: .

EDIT: Eagles has probms when trying to use the DTS-HD soundtrack. Stutters/drops/skips like crazy. Could be that my X mystique or Yami reciever can not decode the DTS-HD.

trailergod

12-25-06, 04:56 PM

Tinker ... i got the same problem with HULK ...

Tinker

12-25-06, 05:02 PM

Tinker ... i got the same problem with HULK ...
I notice that there is an extra text file on the Hulk discs. Never seen one on other discs so far. Seems to be bunch of setup commands, no idea what they do if anything since its just a text file. Maybe the AACS reads it ?????

capitano

12-25-06, 05:03 PM

Just saw the BD movie "RV".
E6600 dual core OC at 3.2 CPU about 20% XFX 7950GT output 1920x1080@24Hz.
Unfortunately I saw some stutters from time to time.
The bad thing is that I discovered using Reclock I cannot use the pause option or Reclock goes in error.
I begin to suspect I cannot reach the smooth vision I get with SD DVD using TT2 and Reclock (Zero Stutters)

multiblitz

12-25-06, 07:27 PM

Xylon

12-25-06, 07:30 PM

Can you get screenshots working on PowerDVD ULRTA? If you can I will purchase this right away and post here in the forums.

spakins

12-25-06, 09:19 PM

Hi, can anyone confirm that hardware acceleration remains checked during playback with Ultra? Mine appears checked prior to playing a HD DVD, but during play, it show un-checked making me believe ATI hardware acceleration isnt working. My 7800GT system show the box remaining checked during HD DVD play. Seems odd to me.

jojoxl

12-25-06, 09:28 PM

Yes, me too...especially if they say, as they say, that it plays BOTH Blu-ray and HD-DVD and not Blu-ray OR HD-DVD :mad:
Please soomeone else with the software can confirm it shows BD edition or HD-DVD edition without the option to change from BD to HD-DVD or vice-versa?
I suppose during installation software scan the system and set BD or HD-DVD according to drive found.
But that it is NOT what Ciberlink claims in their site....am I wrong? :mad:

FWIW, I submitted a support request to them asking about using PDVD Ultra on a PC with both a blu-ray and HD-DVD drive. We'll see what they say.

Vern Dias

12-25-06, 10:24 PM

Frank, I assume you are using the 97.44 drivers, correct? Cause I don't see any sign of bob deinterlacing on my system. Of course, I am outputting 1080I and 1080 24PsF.

Spakins, mine stays checked, (but greyed out so it can't be changed) on my system. Nvidia 97.44 drivers, Leadtek PX8800 GTS.

Vern

12-25-06, 10:55 PM

Stereodude

12-25-06, 10:59 PM

When I first tried powerdvdultra, I was not impressed with the pq at all. I found why:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9271585&&#post9271585

Is anyone here (VErn?) who knows how to swich off de-interlacing in the purevideo HD-functions ?

Best Regards

Frank
The deinterlacing should recognize the "video" as film and put the progressive frames back together again, and not do Bob deinterlacing? Are you using VMR-9?

rdewey

12-25-06, 11:31 PM

Xylon:

Unfortunately, screen shots are disabled while playing an HD DVD. Sorry...

Tinker

12-25-06, 11:36 PM

I bit the bullet and ordered the xbox drive and downloaded the powerdvd ultra software.

I went ahead and installed the ultra software before my HD-DVD arrived.Is it normal for it to say "BD version" and nothing about HD-DVD? Will I have to reinstall the software once I install the drive?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

EJ
Yes, you will have to deinstall and attach the add on before installing ULTRA so it can install the HD version. It defaults to BD when no drive is attached...dumb.... :rolleyes:

Tinker

12-25-06, 11:39 PM

When I first tried powerdvdultra, I was not impressed with the pq at all. I found why:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9271585&&#post9271585

Is anyone here (VErn?) who knows how to swich off de-interlacing in the purevideo HD-functions ?

Best Regards

Frank
I notice the slight softness with ULTRA compo to 6.5 also. I tried to turn off/on certain stuff in Purevideo from with in Zoomplayer, not sure if it will carry over to ULTRA tho.

Darin

12-25-06, 11:40 PM

you will have to deinstall and attach the add on before installing ULTRA so it can install the HD version. It defaults to BD when no drive is attached...dumb.... :rolleyes:
So it installs in EITHER BD mode OR HD-DVD mode? What if you want to support both formats? :confused:

Xylon

12-25-06, 11:42 PM

Xylon:

Unfortunately, screen shots are disabled while playing an HD DVD. Sorry...

Thanks. You saved me $100.00.

Tinker

12-25-06, 11:44 PM

So it installs in EITHER BD mode OR HD-DVD mode? What if you want to support both formats? :confused:
As some one rec'd DUAL boot...why not, since you have to use a dual core CPU.... :D :D :D . Some one has sent a e-mail to cyberlink about this already. Waiting on cyberlink's reply. Like I said dumb software that wont even let you select the version but does a default install instead when no drives are attached.

12-26-06, 02:13 AM

Thanks for the info Tinker!

EJ

trailergod

12-26-06, 03:54 AM

I notice that there is an extra text file on the Hulk discs. Never seen one on other discs so far. Seems to be bunch of setup commands, no idea what they do if anything since its just a text file. Maybe the AACS reads it ?????

yes there is a txt file, maybe that the reason PDVD Ultra is confused and is playing that disc in file mode....

multiblitz

12-26-06, 04:12 AM

Frank, I assume you are using the 97.44 drivers, correct? Cause I don't see any sign of bob deinterlacing on my system. Of course, I am outputting 1080I and 1080 24PsF.

Vern

Well, the Ruby accepts only 1080p50 over DVI/HDMI...that is what I am running or do you advise me to change to analog ?

Are you aware of any way to control the de-interlacing of the Nvidia-PurevideoHD ?

vairulez

12-26-06, 06:17 AM

you'll never get stutter free playback with 1080P 50 with hd-dvd or brd, you need to use 1080p 48 or 1080p 24PsF and I'm pretty sure the ruby accepts one of these if not both ...

mmace

12-26-06, 07:26 AM

got a reply (finally a real one!!!) from cyberlink about using both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray, it's not good and it should tell you this on their site before you buy it, and I believe they should put "Blu-Ray OR HD-DVD", not "AND" (for now, they do say a solution is being worked on though)

Dear Matthew,

Thank you for contacting CyberLink Online Support.

We understand your concern related with PowerDVD Ultra.

We apologize for the inconvenience caused to you.

Please note that CyberLink PowerDVD Ultra supports both HD DVDs and Blu-ray Discs.

PowerDVD Ultra use Blu ray edition as default, if you installed HD-DVD and Blu Ray device at the same machine and if you want to play HD-DVD title with HD-DVD device, user has to be disconnect the Blu ray device and reinstall PowerDVD Ultra.

We will soon release a solution to this issue on our Cyberlink website. Please keep visit www.cyberlink.com for latest updates.

multiblitz

12-26-06, 08:32 AM

you'll never get stutter free playback with 1080P 50 with hd-dvd or brd, you need to use 1080p 48 or 1080p 24PsF and I'm pretty sure the ruby accepts one of these if not both ...

Unfortunately you are wrong. The Ruby offer 1080i48 only with analog input, not through a digital connection, digital you have only the coice between 1080p50 or 1080p60...

EDIT: this what the manual says, just searched more here in avs and some members report that 48hz should work at DVI, even though it is not in the manual...if you create a custom timing with the nvidia drivers and set the ruby to input signal computer and use DVI instead of HDMI: it works !!!hurray !

vairulez

12-26-06, 08:47 AM

then you should use 1080P 60 or use VGA

taz291819

12-26-06, 09:23 AM

bton

12-26-06, 11:00 AM

Their solution may be to let you choose which version to install not to support both format at the same time

Tinker

12-26-06, 11:16 AM

Is there somewhere in the setup in ULTRA that deselect SUB's by default. Some movies the sub's are off (Constantine) and others the sub's are on. There's got to be fix else this product will never be mainstream. I dont have a personal probm with having to turn off the sub's after movies starts but some of my clients want a plug and play solution.

talon95

12-26-06, 03:03 PM

I've been sitting here testing PDVD Ultra for the last hour or 2.

One thing I noted that I don't recall being said before is that CPU usage is much lower compared to PDVD 6.5 HD. I went from 40-50% in King Kong to 20-30%. (E6300 @2.8)

Otherwise, Ultra seems to work on the 2 titles I have here right now (KK and Pitch Black). Subtitles default to on though. Still need to go in to the menu and turn them off while playing. I noted that they even broke my shortcut "u" key as someone else said previously. "u" still cycles between subtitles, but never seems to turn them off.

12-26-06, 05:33 PM

12-26-06, 05:50 PM

I seem to have fixed the problem. Thanks anyway!

tahustvedt

12-26-06, 05:53 PM

What was wrong?

slick316

12-26-06, 06:00 PM

I'm gonna sound dumb asking this, but where is the free trial download for this? Or are all of you guys buying it?
I want to try it out on my HTPC, but dont want to drop the cash on it just yet.

talon95

12-26-06, 06:07 PM

I'm gonna sound dumb asking this, but where is the free trial download for this? Or are all of you guys buying it?
I want to try it out on my HTPC, but dont want to drop the cash on it just yet.

Not a dumb question, but no, there's no trial.

rdewey

12-26-06, 06:07 PM

slick316

12-26-06, 06:15 PM

MidnightWatcher

12-26-06, 06:21 PM

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it.

I just wanted to see if it would work in my current HTPC, but after doing some research, it doesn't seem my eVGA 6600GT PCIe 128MB is HDCP compliant. My 7900GT might be, but I don't know if I want to spend the $100 right now to find out.

I'll keep a close eye on this thread, waiting to see what might be in store for Vista Premium and HD DVD support.

If you're willing to connect via analog VGA or component, then your 7900GT should work just fine. You only need an HDCP video card if you're connecting digitally via DVI or HDMI.

slick316

12-26-06, 06:24 PM

Hmmmm....Didn't know that.

I have a VGA input on my TV, so I have the HTPC connected from DVI to DVI-to-VGA adapter to VGA in on TV. I am to assume that this qualifies as an analog signal?

Currently, my TV is 720p, 1080p will come in the near future.

darkjedi664

12-26-06, 07:56 PM

One thing I observed with the h264 decoder; when using it with MPC, I open an h264 video that (for some reason) the decoder doesn't like, it closes the window. The old version of the decoder, would just play the audio and no video; and now this doesn't do it at all. CoreAVC plays them just fine. I just wish I could get Nero's decoder to work in MPC.

Gump28

12-26-06, 08:51 PM

I installed ultra without connecting my hd dvd drive.it has not arrived. so it installed the BD version by default./ Now wheneverI try and play a movie with the regular dvd drive, the computer reboots. Is this because I have no blu-ray drive connected, or ismy problm somewhere else?

Thanks,

EJ

How did you fix this? HD DVDs are playing fine with PD Ultra, but a SD DVD will reboot my machine with PD Ultra. SD DVDs will play with WMP.

12-26-06, 11:19 PM

Gump28, I simply reinstalled the program and the problem seemed to resolve itself. Sorry I don't have a better answer.

EJ

mortifer

12-27-06, 12:23 AM

Few questions:

1. Is there a way to tell what the output resolution is, or if your desktop on your HTPC is set at 1920 x 1080 it will be output at 1080p?

2. I noticed the first time I installed I didnt have my 360 HD DVD drive turned on and it installed the BD edition.. I uninstalled and reinstalled with it on and it installed the HDDVD edition. I thought deluxe was supposed to play both?

So far all is working well... now if BlockBuster would get my my HDDVD rentals!

moshmothma

12-27-06, 12:58 AM

This software is mainly useless to me. I have my htpc calibrated but powerdvd uses its own color controls and does not conform to what has already been configured in Windows. Non-calibrated Powerdvd looks terrible and isn't really useable for HDDVD. How is everyone else coping with this?

MidnightWatcher

12-27-06, 01:06 AM

yang88she

12-27-06, 01:12 AM

Tinker

12-27-06, 01:17 AM

MidnightWatcher

12-27-06, 01:31 AM

I'm having issues w/ power dvd ultra (sorry I'm a complete newbie to this and I've been doing my best to read as much as I can)

I have the xbox 360 hd dvd add-on and king kong will play for literally 2 sec. (i'll see the lil "sun rise")

and then get the message ( ) I've ran the utility and it says my video drivers are not up to date and that my display is not hdcp compliant (which they both are)

thanks for any help

First, make sure that you have the latest video card drivers installed. If you know for certain that both the display and video card are HDCP compliant, try connecting only one display (enable monitor 1 and disable monitor 2) and give it a shot, then try it the other way around (disable monitor 1 and enable monitor 2). Let me know if this helps. If it fails, try to connect analog only, either VGA or component.

yang88she

12-27-06, 01:51 AM

hi thanks for the help, the video drivers are all up to date

all "dots" are green

and I don't think I can disable the "laptop lcd" but I'll try using powerdvd ultra on my external lcd and my laptop lcd shut...

also I only have a dvi connection on my laptop, so I won't be able to test it using a vga cable =(

yang88she

12-27-06, 01:57 AM

ok now i have red dots again for the video driver and the monitor...

which I just re-installed the latest video drivers and the gateway 24" lcd is a HD display =(, this is rather frustrating...

thanks again for the help

MidnightWatcher

12-27-06, 02:01 AM

yang88she

12-27-06, 02:06 AM

i don't have one @ the moment and will have to maybe pick one up tommorrow...here's a ss of my "diagnosis" from their beta software

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/8645/powerdvdultrahr9.png

Gump28

12-27-06, 02:10 AM

Gump28, I simply reinstalled the program and the problem seemed to resolve itself. Sorry I don't have a better answer.

EJ

Thank you for your response. I will try the same.

yang88she

12-27-06, 02:11 AM

Gump28

12-27-06, 02:24 AM

this is the error message i get

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/2659/errormessagezy5.png

error 0103

apparently xbox360 owners have gotten that same error and it is an "unknown" error

anyone else ran into any similar errors etc?

I really want to enjoy some HD DVD goodness =D especially tommorrow (getting a root canal after work)

I get the same error unless I make the display the primary and disable the secondary or the clone in my video properties before I start the movie

yang88she

12-27-06, 02:27 AM

yang88she

12-27-06, 02:33 AM

hdmi4ever

12-27-06, 02:37 AM

skibum5000

12-27-06, 02:43 AM

ok, this is wierd

I disabled my external lcd and it works on my laptop, but as soon as I "clone" it to my external lcd...it immediately hits that error...

which makes me very =(, b/c the external is a 24" vs a 17" and is much much brighter...

any suggestions?

sounds like maybe your laptop does not do HDCP out to external displays

MidnightWatcher

12-27-06, 02:47 AM

ok, this is wierd

I disabled my external lcd and it works on my laptop, but as soon as I "clone" it to my external lcd...it immediately hits that error...

which makes me very =(, b/c the external is a 24" vs a 17" and is much much brighter...

any suggestions?

Is there any way to disable the laptop LCD and only display on the external 24"? If not, I would try a DVD -> VGA adaptor and donnect to the 24" via analog VGA.

yang88she

12-27-06, 02:50 AM

sounds like maybe your laptop does not do HDCP out to external displays

not sure how that would work, but I found this info from the fujitsu site

http://www.fujitsu-siemens.com/Resources/151/948767187.pdf

and this is my lcd

http://accessories.gateway.com/AccessoryStore/PC+Accessories_316441/Monitors_316684/LCD+_Q1_Flat+Panel_Q1_+Monitors_316694/22_PL1_+inch+LCD_381956/1540522R_ProdDetail?seg=hm

which is hd compliant too...

could it be the cable? does it need to be dvi-d? (not sure which ones, but I know there are more than 1 type of dvi cable =D)

yang88she

12-27-06, 02:52 AM

unfortunately i don' t think there is a way to disable the laptop lcd (only way I've been able to simulate that was to shut the lid) and it didn't fix the error =(

i'll try getting a dvi to vga adapter and see if it works...

btw won't the "eye candy" be sacrificed since it's going from digital to analog?

MidnightWatcher

12-27-06, 02:59 AM

Going to analog should be virtually the same, little to no discernible difference.

calikarim

12-27-06, 05:36 AM

I just spent $359 to get nvideo 7600 gt graphics card which is hdcp compliant. I have it connected to my wesginthoue 22w 1650 by 1050 monitor which has dvi, component, vga input. I can use either. My htcp computer hp media centre has dvi out and compontent,i currently am watching all my 1080p files via dvi on my display

Will ultra's hd dvd player work with my display via dvi, display has dvi input not hdcp, but my graphics card is hdcp compliant and is one of the recommended cards for the hd dvd ultra from cyberlink

a million thanks to anyone that can answer this. i would prefer to use dvi, i could use component, but want 1080p badly Using xbox 360 external drive to connect to htcp

My other display is giant Mitsubishi 65 htcp compliant rptv, which is perfect. i want the computer display to also work.

calikarim

12-27-06, 06:07 AM

What is the maximum resolution via component , or vga for ultra with the 7600 gt nvidea card.

talon95

12-27-06, 06:16 AM

Will ultra's hd dvd player work with my display via dvi, display has dvi input not hdcp, but my graphics card is hdcp compliant and is one of the recommended cards for the hd dvd ultra from cyberlink

Sorry, no. You have to have a full hdcp path (vid card + display) to use a digital connection (DVI or HDMI).

Rathbone

12-27-06, 06:17 AM

Going to analog should be virtually the same, little to no discernible difference.

Wrong. When I compare my Windows Desktop on native resolution with digital and analog connection on my LCD, there is a clearly visible loss of detail over analog.

Rathbone

12-27-06, 06:20 AM

I disabled my external lcd and it works on my laptop, but as soon as I "clone" it to my external lcd...it immediately hits that error...

You mustn't clone the image! HDCP does not work in clone mode, at least on my machine. HDMI is really brighter, but you can adjust it easily.

Tinker

12-27-06, 08:15 AM

i don't have one @ the moment and will have to maybe pick one up tommorrow...here's a ss of my "diagnosis" from their beta software

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/8645/powerdvdultrahr9.png
It looks like your laptop internally is HDCP but the port for external digital video is not. This not uncommon since even some vid cards are not HDCP on all their ports. For example the ASUS 7600GT HDMI vid card for one is only HDCP over the HDMI and not over the DVI connection.

Tinker

12-27-06, 08:23 AM

Going to analog should be virtually the same, little to no discernible difference.
I tested the anolog out from both my 7900GTX (non HDCP) with component and 8800GTX (HDCP) with VGA and both was not as good as the digital connections with the 7600GT (HDMI) and 8800GTX (DVI) HDCP connections.

rdjam

12-27-06, 08:36 AM

Hi Folks - Because of the issues I had when getting PowerDVD Ultra working, I've started a thread called "How to get the HD DVD add-on working on your PC in five minutes flat" where I've laid out the key things that I found you have to watch out for.

You can also discuss installation problems there and share.

I've done Nvidia and laptops first - and I'll be getting to ATI installs later this week, as well as how to get the multichannel lossless audio over things like Fireware (ie from Laptops).

The thread is here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=775177

Enjoy!

Rathbone

12-27-06, 11:19 AM

I got PDVD Ultra now too. Miami Vice and King Kong (EU) work fine now, but the M:i III PiP problem is still there.

Also navigation control is still somewhat buggy. Miami Vice and M:i III menus do not work. I can deactivate PiP in MV over U-control in the movie, but no chance in M:i III.

Somebody tried to manipulate the registry settings yet? Would be interested in activating ATI hardware acceleration.

scoombs

12-27-06, 12:02 PM

Believe it or not, we suckers are buying it outright! I must say, it's worth it though to be able to play HD DVDs for only $300 (the cost of the XBOX 360 HD DVD drive plus PowerDVD ultra). Try to find a stand-alone HD DVD player for that anywhere....

I dunno, if all you want to do is view HD-DVD, this stand-alone player seems to be near that price point and is a lot simpler than going the route discussed in this thread.
http://www.dealznet.com/item.aspx?eid=1&pid=98798

The real value in this software solution is if you want multiple formats, or other PC or media services to your TV. In that case (and assuming you already have a high-end PC), add-in drives and the $100 software are potentially a great solution at a relatively low cost.

MidnightWatcher

12-27-06, 12:19 PM

I dunno, if all you want to do is view HD-DVD, this stand-alone player seems to be near that price point and is a lot simpler than going the route discussed in this thread.
http://www.dealznet.com/item.aspx?eid=1&pid=98798

The real value in this software solution is if you want multiple formats, or other PC or media services to your TV. In that case (and assuming you already have a high-end PC), add-in drives and the $100 software are potentially a great solution at a relatively low cost.

HD DVD on an HTPC is the best and most inexpensive solution to get 1080p/24 for those who want it. It also offers much more flexibility when it comes to tweaking the picture and audio. I love being able to get TrueHD analog output this way.

yang88she

12-27-06, 01:31 PM

Well, I have a dvi-vga adapter that I will trying tonight after my root canal (yay), and hopefully it will work w/ my external lcd w/ out sacrificing too much of the "eye candy"

hdmi4ever

12-27-06, 01:38 PM

I dunno, if all you want to do is view HD-DVD, this stand-alone player seems to be near that price point and is a lot simpler than going the route discussed in this thread.
http://www.dealznet.com/item.aspx?eid=1&pid=98798Yes, that can be bought for less than $300, but the reports of skipping and stuttering convinced me not to buy that thing.

Thursd4y

12-27-06, 01:59 PM

Well, this is weird. I just bought PDVD Ultra, and installed it. My Xbox 360 HD-DVD addon was installed earlier. When I try to play Mission: Impossible 3, I get this error message:

Cannot initialize player, please make sure that your system meets the minimum system requirement criteria.

This happens after the movie has started to play, I can see the Paramount logo and everything. In the Advisor Tool, everything is green, so does anyone have any ideas?

scoombs

12-27-06, 02:08 PM

Yes, that can be bought for less than $300, but the reports of skipping and stuttering convinced me not to buy that thing.

I have had one since release, and it is a much better experience overall (inluding lovely TrueHD sound) than my HTPC with PowerDVD BD version. The BD playback is more than serviceable, but very picky about playback environment. And don't sacrifice a chicken or anything near by, as it might result in an error as well.

lymzy

12-27-06, 02:18 PM

and I don't think I can disable the "laptop lcd" but I'll try using powerdvd ultra on my external lcd and my laptop lcd shut...

also I only have a dvi connection on my laptop, so I won't be able to test it using a vga cable =(

I believe there is no HDCP in your laptop/video card. The green means the digital path is secured only because it is internal instead of HDCP capable. Of course, it won't work on the DVI output.

hdmi4ever

12-27-06, 02:24 PM

I have had one since release, and it is a much better experience overall (inluding lovely TrueHD sound) than my HTPC with PowerDVD BD version. The BD playback is more than serviceable, but very picky about playback environment. And don't sacrifice a chicken or anything near by, as it might result in an error as well.True, the early PC solutions will probably have problems too, but at least those can be corrected with software updates, unlike the skipping/stuttering of Toshiba players.

scoombs

12-27-06, 02:35 PM

True, the early PC solutions will probably have problems too, but at least those can be corrected with software updates, unlike the skipping/stuttering of Toshiba players.

I cannot speak for the entire production of Toshiba players, but I have not experienced any skipping/stuttering that cleaning the media did not solve. I have also been impressed with the frequency of firmware (aka software) updates that Toshiba has provided since release. To each their own however, and the more options available to choose from the better imo, but I trust personal experience more than anonymous message board assertions as to quality and suitability.

hdmi4ever

12-27-06, 02:45 PM

To each their own however, and the more options available to choose from the better imo, but I trust personal experience more than anonymous message board assertions as to quality and suitability.So do I, but at this point getting personal experience would require spending hundreds of dollars. I know that not all the A1s have that problem, but the indications are that it happens to enough of them that it is too much of a risk for me to spend money on.

thecodeman

12-27-06, 02:52 PM

I tried searching this thread, but didn't find anything I was looking for.

Can anyone see if this would work in theory?

HTPC with Lite-On Blu-Ray drive in the office, xbox360 in the living room. Could I play a BR movie in the computer and stream it to the living room over my gigabit network with the xbox?

*edit* Hmm, guess not. http://www.cnet.com.au/software/operatingsystems/0,239029541,240092160,00.htm

Looks like if I want to do that I'd need to run a dvi cable to my xbr960 with a hdmi adapter and then figure something out for the sound :(

Rathbone

12-28-06, 08:53 AM

Is there still a possibility to capture screenshots in PowerDVD Ultra? Hypersnap only gives me black screens.

I want to write an XBOX360 HD-DVD drive Quick installation guide for HTPCs with screenshots.

Xylon

12-28-06, 08:58 AM

stevetoney

12-28-06, 01:08 PM

Any HDCP APG video cards -- not quite ready to build a new computer with new slots yet -- will wait 6-12 months for vista and other hardware to settle out before a new build

would buy the Xbox 360 HD DVD and a new video card + plus POWERDVD for the existing existing MCE box I have connected to a projector

any AGP video that would cmplete the HDCP chain??

thanks

jji666

12-28-06, 01:17 PM

Has anyone gotten PowerDVD Ultra running with a Sapphire x1600 Pro HDMI card through the DVI or HDMI output? I know Rathbone has gotten his AGP version with the DVI and HDMI connector (and no VGA output) working at 720p, but I want to know if anyone has gotten what appeared to be the logical choice of cards specifically for the purpose of watching HD DVD, being the PCIe version that has an HDMI->DVI output, running out of the digital outputs at 1080p?

I've gotten it working over VGA, but my opinion of the overall image quality with my 47" 1080p Westinghouse LCD display is that it looks best going into the DVI port of that LCD.

I've updated drivers (you have to use the Sapphire HDMI drivers or it won't even work with DVI) and get full greens on HD BD Advisor, but still the same result everyone has with the movie stopping 2 seconds in and the blinking display. I am pretty sure everything is supposed to be HDCP compliant and thus I think it may be a driver issue.

Also, could it possibly be the cables? Are there DVI cables that don't pass HDCP? I am using the HDMI cable that came with the Sapphire and the HDMI-DVI adapter that came with the Sapphire.

Let's get this running and avoid paying big bucks for a stand-alone HD DVD player!

Stereodude

12-28-06, 01:21 PM

any AGP video that would cmplete the HDCP chain??
There are a few ATI AGP cards with HDCP. None from nVidia.

- GeCube Radeon X1950 Pro 256MB GDDR3 HDCP Edition
- VisionTek Radeon X1950 Pro XGE 256MB GDDR3 AGP
- Sapphire X1600 Pro HDMI 256MB AGP

mmace

12-28-06, 02:53 PM

works perfectly on my setup:

Pentium D 3.4Ghz
GeForce 7950GT 256Mb
2Gb RAM
DVI -> HDMI adapter & HDMI cable
Toshiba 37WLT56 HDTV (HDCP enabled)
DVI -> VGA adapter to analogue monitor
PowerDVD Ultra

uses around 20% CPU and very little RAM (watching Blu-Ray films)

stoked

12-28-06, 03:27 PM

I think I installed 10 different screen capture programs and every one of them gives me black screens.

Somebody PM me for a program that works (with trial version). I will reward you with a HD DVD movie if you like.

I think the only way to get screen captures is the printscreen button, then open up paint or similar program and paste. Not sure if it works on Ultra though.

Arcanum

12-28-06, 03:34 PM

mmace

12-28-06, 03:39 PM

I think the only way to get screen captures is the printscreen button, then open up paint or similar program and paste. Not sure if it works on Ultra though.can't get print screen to work on mine

Aitor Ibarra

12-28-06, 04:37 PM

jji666:
I was in contact with ATI/AMD support recently as I wanted them to confirm that the x1600 series could output at 1080p @ 48hz (for judder free playback of 24fpd movies) with HDCP. They replied back saying that none of the current cards support HDCP at 1080p, and that this was coming in a future generation of cards. The fact that you get 2 seconds of playback and then nothing seems to confirm that (HDCP checks compliance at source and display every 2 secs, AFAIK). Maybe it will work at 1080i? This would halve the data rate (which might be the problem with ATI's HDCP implementation) but shouldn't give you a loss of quality, with movies anyway.

stoked, mmace
I think PowerDVD disabled PrintSrn after reports that in theory you could use that to make a perfect copy of an HD-DVD / Blu-Ray frame-by-frame. Alternatively, if you are using hardware to do the VC-1/MPEG2/H264 decode, this is done as an overlay by the graphics card and isn't available to windows via PrtScrn. if you can disable hardware acceleration in you gfx driver you may be able to get a grab (this technique works for SD dvds at least).

PacoFromDelTaco

12-28-06, 05:03 PM

Anyone know what part of PDVD Ultra is causing XVid files not to play in any video program?

After installing Ultra, xvid files crash no matter what program I use to play them. If I uninstall Ultra, they work great again in every other program. Any idea what is causing this? I can't be without my tv shows.

Heres what ya do.

Open up the xvid video file in media player classic while PDVD ultra is UNinstalled. While its playing, right click in the video, go to Filters and see what video filter is being used for it. Then, install Zoom Player. And then set XVid to default to that filter that works properly and confirm its 100% fine. Then install PDVD ultra again, then try playing a Xvid file in Zoom Player. Should be perfect. If you need more specific instructions let me know, as im just giving you a general way of doing this in case you are pretty proficient.

PacoFromDelTaco

12-28-06, 05:05 PM

jji666

12-28-06, 05:31 PM

Thanks for the responses guys!

I can successfully use PowerDVD Ultra through the Sapphire X1600 HDMI pro over the VGA connection at 1080p (meaning 1920 by 1080 at a refresh rate of 60). It doesn't work over the HDMI port either to the TV's HDMI input or with the adapter to the DVI input. The problem is that in my near-sighted opinion the picture quality (of the windows desktop, etc.) is not as crisp over the analog connection as it was with DVI, which was just beautiful, although I could not watch any HD DVDs on that connection. That's what my compulsive HTPC desire is -- to watch everything on this nice clean DVI connection. The VGA connection has these slightly perceptible ghosts of each image about a millimeter to the right of the image. Just not as crisp.

Aitor Ibarra, that is interesting. It really sucks if that is the case -- how could ATI advertise 1080p support and HDCP compliance but not have those both work together? What is the point? HDCP protected material is going to be largely 1080p so what is the point of having each be mutually exclusive? The point is not to have 1080p content be required to be scaled to anything less! I smell class action!

Also, I actually tried watching over the same HDMI->DVI configuration with PowerDVD while setting the resolution down to 720p, and it didn't work -- same symptoms -- anyway. So even if you are right, it doesn't appear that the story is exactly as you describe.

So has anyone successfully used PowerDVD at 1080p over a digital output with an ATI card? Can anyone recommend a ball-park $200 or less Nvidia card that WILL support HDCP over a digital connection that does not sound like a vacuum cleaner?

Aitor Ibarra

12-28-06, 05:31 PM

Is this through a Digital connection such as DVI or HDMI? If so, have you tried using VGA out instead? Should work fine that way.

I don't actually have an x1600 yet; was considering upgrading from my existing card (also ATI based). It has to be via HDMI or DVI with a converter as the display I'll be using it with only does 1080p via HDMI.

Rathbone

12-28-06, 05:51 PM

Aitor Ibarra

12-28-06, 06:55 PM

Aitor Ibarra, that is interesting. It really sucks if that is the case -- how could ATI advertise 1080p support and HDCP compliance but not have those both work together? What is the point? HDCP protected material is going to be largely 1080p so what is the point of having each be mutually exclusive? The point is not to have 1080p content be required to be scaled to anything less! I smell class action!

I agree... I was really surprised that they said this, yet ignored the main part of my question, which was about supported refresh rates. I would take anything support say with a pinch of salt, as about a year ago, when I specifically asked them if "HDCP ready" really meant that ATI based cards could play back protected content, they said yes. Turned out to be wrong; the ATI reference design may well have been HDCP ready but not a single manufacturer was actually implementing it at the time. Funny you should mention class action, as someone apparently did launch one against ATI (for this reason). Haven't heard anything about the case since the initial reports though.

I've kind of given up on the idea of building an HTPC that supports HD DVD / Blu Ray for now. The software is immature, there are big question marks over graphics cards, there doesn't seem to be full support for getting the new hi-def audio formats out of a PC, and there are no universal drives yet. I expect that will all change over the next year or so.

Davinleeds

12-28-06, 07:08 PM

jji666

12-28-06, 08:47 PM

Even if the system isn't perfect, at least I can pick up HD DVDs and watch them rather than to continue to collect DVDs. Gotta get the output to DVI, but the 1080p VGA display still looks pretty good.

yang88she

12-28-06, 10:06 PM

i have to agree, although I'm disapointed that I can't connect my display through dvi, the vga picture does look incredibly good

crabnebula

12-28-06, 10:38 PM

Anybody got the Ultra working with an NVidia 6600GT? The system requirements listed on the web site include the 6600GT but does it actually work without stutter or other performance problems? I'd rather save some money and get a 6600GT and use VGA than pay the $200 for an HDCP-compliant 7600 or higher and have to deal with the various HDCP hiccups.

I've been trying to, but it gives me an "incompatible driver" message.

I'm using ForceWare 93.81 and a 6600 GT AGP connected with VGA.

Did anyone else try out PDVD Ultra with this graphics card?

Thanks

Tinker

12-28-06, 11:06 PM

Thanks for the responses guys!
Can anyone recommend a ball-park $200 or less Nvidia card that WILL support HDCP over a digital connection that does not sound like a vacuum cleaner?
Here you go

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127223

I been using these cards for the last 2 months and they all work with HDMI and DVI with HDCP. Cooler is not loud when using for vid playback. Will speed up for gaming 3d stuff but will go quiet after cooling down.

Gump28

12-28-06, 11:58 PM

12-29-06, 12:52 AM

I ran the powerdvd readiness program and although the video card passed, the driver showed red. It's an ATI card GECUBE GC-H1900 Radeon X1900 Express x16 HDCP.

I simply go to the ATI site and select the Windows MCE driver for my card. I am not expecting the xbox HD DVD drive until tomorrow. Can someone point me to the right driver? Thanks in advance, and happy new year!

EJ

yang88she

12-29-06, 01:08 AM

12-29-06, 01:24 AM

Thank you, I will give them a try.

Gump28

12-29-06, 01:31 AM

I am using Catalyst 6.12 and all is good.

Gary McCoy

12-29-06, 03:53 AM

Went on new egg today and virtually built a pc just to use with the Xbox drive. Over 1k and that's without monitor, or Xdrive. So, console it is, we'll see this summer how hardware prices change to meet the HD challenge.

The new standalone 2nd generation HD-A2 Toshiba HD-DVD player is $499.

HTPC will NOT be the cheap way to play HD disks, it appears.

Gary

Gump28

12-29-06, 04:07 AM

The new standalone 2nd generation HD-A2 Toshiba HD-DVD player is $499.

HTPC will NOT be the cheap way to play HD disks, it appears.

Gary

I just added a video card to my current pc and I get 1080p. The HD-A2 only outputs 1080i.

benjaidafufukil

12-29-06, 04:19 AM

Hi everyone,

I need help, I m going crazy....
I wrote on several forums and no one can give me a strai answer.
I wrote this morning an email to Cyberlink, here is a copy if anyone can help me out:

Hi,
Prior to purchasing the latest version of Power Dvd 7.1 Ultra I downloaded it to test it out with my HTPC connected with an XBox 360 HD DVD player.

I have:
- AMD Opteron 146 running @ 2.8Ghz
- 2Gigs of Gskill GBHZ Ram running tight timings
- Leadtek 7950 GX2 Gfx card
- 2 * Pioneer 111d DVDR
- Creative Emu 1820M Soundcard
- Dfi Lanparty Ultra NF4 Mobo
- Mitsubishi HC3000 projector

I install PDVD. I put a HDDVD in, and everything seems to work for 5 seconds. I then have a popup which says that I don t respect the hddvd chain.

The Cyberlink advisor pops up and says my gfx driver isn t recent enough. Pretty weird I m running the latest nvidia forceware 93.71 and you guys recomment 92.91 or better.

I decide to format the pc with a fresh copy of XP Pro with SP2. I then install:
- Nvidia Nforce 6.86 mobo drivers
- Nvidia Forceware 92.91 gfx drivers
- Creative Emu 1820m sound drivers
- PDVD Ultra 7.1

I pop in an hddvd and get the same problem. (I screened the popup from the advisor)

I reformat and do the same as above except I install Forceware drivers 93.71. and I get the same message (Screened again)

Do you people have any idea why this is happening, can you help me out??

Thx,

Ben

benjaidafufukil

12-29-06, 04:20 AM

BTW, I cannot post the images or a url link because AVS Forum restricts this to users having posted 5 or more messages. Feel free to ask me the link, I ll Q them to u

Thx,

Ben

Rathbone

12-29-06, 07:20 AM

Does anybody know what "SPDIF-Mixing" in the audio tab does? It is greyed out in my version. Does this downmix TrueHD? How can I activate this feature? See the attachment for a pic of what I mean.

ShagMan

12-29-06, 08:44 AM

benjaidafufukil my 7950gx2 also doesn't work over DVI -> HDMI. I'm not sure what the problem is yet... I'm glad it's not just me tho!

I fell back to using VGA.

Bill Gaw2

12-29-06, 09:05 AM

jji666

12-29-06, 09:37 AM

Here you go

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127223

I been using these cards for the last 2 months and they all work with HDMI and DVI with HDCP. Cooler is not loud when using for vid playback. Will speed up for gaming 3d stuff but will go quiet after cooling down.
Thanks Tinker! Can you please confirm that this works over HDMI/DVI digitally with PowerDVD Ultra? I am DONE with restocking fees or trading components to get this working. Thus, it's gotta be SOLID with the XBox/PowerDVD combo.

Vern Dias

12-29-06, 09:52 AM

Does anybody know what "SPDIF-Mixing" in the audio tab does? It is greyed out in my version.This option is resulting in much confusion for me as well.

I have an Asus P5B Deluxe that has a sound chip that supports encoding DTS from analog.

I have two partitions on my system, one set up for HD DVD using the Xbox add on, and the other set up for BD using the LiteOn LH-2B1S 187C.

On the HD DVD partition the option is greyed out.

On the BD partition, the option can be selected, and results in any and all types of Audio tracks including PCM being encoded into DTS and sent out over the SPDIF cable.

So I am confused as well.

BTW, both partitions are identical, with identical versions of OS, drivers, and PDVD Deluxe.

Vern

mmace

12-29-06, 09:52 AM

Have read through all seven pages and so far not one individual has discussed the audio side. Will this program do decoding for Dolby True HD and DTS HD? Anybody bother to listen?
If not, Do the present BluRay and DVDHD drives have 1.1 or 1.3 HDMI outputs?

Sorry for the sarcasm, but the audio side is at least 50% of the experience and it never gets discussed, and none of the present self-contained palyers can do these functions properly..

Bill
it's 50% of the experience for you, but not for me, the picture quality is 90% of it for me

PowerDVD Ultra on mine has the Dolby TrueHD logo but not DTS HD if that helps (there's the normal DTS logo and another I can't read properly)

rdjam

12-29-06, 09:59 AM

hey gump can you kinda explain to me how you go about making the screen the primary?

b/c i have it cloned and I still get the same error (clone and extended)

both screens are native 1920 x 1200

I even tried setting both screens to 1920 x 1080
Hi Yang,

because of the problems I had getting PDVD Ultra to work on my Laptop, I started a quick thread here called "How to get the HD DVD add-on working on your PC in five minutes flat" where I've laid out the key things that I found you have to watch out for.

I'll be discussing some of the issues others have found too and how to get around them.

I've done Nvidia and laptops first - and I'll be getting to ATI installs later this week, as well as how to get the multichannel lossless audio over things like Fireware (ie from Laptops).

The thread is here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=775177

Enjoy!

Tinker

12-29-06, 10:54 AM

Thanks Tinker! Can you please confirm that this works over HDMI/DVI digitally with PowerDVD Ultra? I am DONE with restocking fees or trading components to get this working. Thus, it's gotta be SOLID with the XBox/PowerDVD combo.
Yes the ones I have used works with ULTRA over HDMI and DVI to HDCP displays. Note that these cards dont have VGA port without the use of an adapter (DVI-VGA included). Didnt test VGA since my main TV's dont have VGA. Too lazy to test on my gaming systems.... :rolleyes:

EDIT: note that PDVD Ultra still has some bugs.

Jeff J

12-29-06, 10:59 AM

Vern,
Thanks a lot for the confirmation on getting yxy to work. How would you rate PowerDVD PQ to the Tosh HD DVD player? Do you see a PQ benefit with using the HDPC vs. the tosh/scaler combo?

Also, I found this comment on the audio side...

2) is it possible to get LPCM output for titles w/ True HD or DTS-HD? (i am using a chaintech av710 w/ spdif.)
yes, but not through spdif... powerdvd will decode it if u choose 5.1 channel speaker setting and then have your sound card send the 6 channel thru analog out... just like DVD Audio or SACD

However, I'm wondering if there is an output screen that shows the True-HD track selected or if this is a subjective comparison to the standard tracks...

Now I just need to decide on new mb/ram and get this new build going....

Rathbone

12-29-06, 11:16 AM

This option is resulting in much confusion for me as well.

I have an Asus P5B Deluxe that has a sound chip that supports encoding DTS from analog.

I have two partitions on my system, one set up for HD DVD using the Xbox add on, and the other set up for BD using the LiteOn LH-2B1S 187C.

On the HD DVD partition the option is greyed out.

On the BD partition, the option can be selected, and results in any and all types of Audio tracks including PCM being encoded into DTS and sent out over the SPDIF cable.

So I am confused as well.

BTW, both partitions are identical, with identical versions of OS, drivers, and PDVD Deluxe.

Vern

Can you compare the registry settings of BD and HD-DVD version? Maybe you can find the entry and enable it in the HD-DVD version. Would be great!

BozQ

12-29-06, 12:46 PM

Hi guys

I just found a way to install this the HD DVD version without any drives installed.

But a WARNING: DO A BACKUP before you install anything, just in case anything goes wrong. Also, do it at your own risk. Don't murder me if I screw your comp up in any way.

Look into the PowerDVD folder. You will see two folders named "PDVDHD" and "PDVDBD".
Copy all the contents from "PDVDHD" and overwrite into "PDVDBD" folder.
(Optional: Delete the "PDVDHD" folder.)
Start the installation as normal. Installshield *should* install the HD DVD version.

And very interestingly, the HD DVD version is labeled as "PowerDVD v7.1"

Tinker

12-29-06, 02:08 PM

DJ79

12-29-06, 02:25 PM

jji666

12-29-06, 02:30 PM

DJ79, it is hard for me to tell for sure, but the PowerDVD Ultra install was a pretty standard one -- they put up a web page with the serial number installation key and email a confirmation with the number in it, and then the installation process includes a request page for this key andyou type it in. It did not appear to do anything "web related" (and indeed I had to install it twice due to the BD edition being the default) -- i.e. nothing like validating Win XP.

Tinker

12-29-06, 02:37 PM

I asked this question earlier, but it appeared unnoticed:

As luck would have it, my HDCP compliant video board arrives today, but the Mobo/CPU upgrade, ordered at the same time, won't arrive for at least four more days. I'm impatient to try HD-DVD, as you can imagine.

If I buy the software today and install it on my current AM2 single core system (wondering how much it will overclock -- here's a project for the afternoon), will I have difficulties reinstalling on the new Core 2 Duo system later? Is there any online activation or phone home scheme that may think that I want to run it on more than one system?

Or should I just wait until Tuesday by which time WinDVD add on software might be released (not very likely in my opinion)?
You install it but just dont reg it until you are satisfied with your final setup. Just activate it with the key they send via e-mail with link to download SW after purchase. If you dont reg it the SW will nag you about reg'ing but just tell it to remind you later. Just dont do any of the online reg stuff and you'll be OK.

BozQ

12-29-06, 02:47 PM

I don't have a either drives installed. I'm only getting the Xbox 360 drive sometime next year (which technically is, next week)
But can someone please confirm this decodes DTS-HD? I don't see the DTS-HD logo on the main screen.

Heck! I just realised Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD is gone when I installed the HD-DVD version.

JohnHWman

12-29-06, 03:21 PM

overclkr

12-29-06, 03:38 PM

Gump28

12-29-06, 03:55 PM

Could somebody confirm that current PDVD Ultra (HD-DVD version so 7.1) do not use ATI Avivo hardware video acceleration even the "hardware acceleration is checked inside the video tab ?

If yes, do we have a cyberlink advise why the H/W acceleration is active with Nvidia and not on ATI cards ?

This could explain why I've got 83-100% CPU and system loading during 1080P HD-DVD playback on a Single core Dothan Pentium M-2GHz overclocked at 2.4GHz ...

John

My CPU usage does not change when I have H/W acceleration enabled or not on my ATI, when playing HD DVDs with PD Ultra. I am using Cat 6.12.

12-29-06, 04:03 PM

Yang88she,

Thanks for the driver tip. That seemed to do the trick!

EJ

Rathbone

12-29-06, 05:37 PM

I still have a sound problem, which I have not been able to solve for a couple of days now. Maybe one of you can help me:

When I play a HD-DVD and use SPDIF output there is a synchronous frame and sound jump approx. once a minute, but not regular. If I use analog output, it works fine. Have a similar problem with Theatertek and DirectSound. In TT I have to choose Waveout device in the Audio tab then the jumps disappear, but in PowerDVD Ultra there is no such option.

I have a Soundblaster Live 5.1.

Stereodude

12-29-06, 05:48 PM

benjaidafufukil my 7950gx2 also doesn't work over DVI -> HDMI. I'm not sure what the problem is yet... I'm glad it's not just me tho!

I fell back to using VGA.
Did you try using the other DVI port? Maybe only 1 of them has HDCP?

overclkr

12-29-06, 06:17 PM

DAMN SUBTITLES!!!! GRRRRRRR!!!! :mad:

Anybody know how to turn this off by DEFAULT for good??

Cliff

Thursd4y

12-29-06, 07:11 PM

12-29-06, 07:14 PM

brightsons

12-29-06, 11:41 PM

I've been trying to, but it gives me an "incompatible driver" message.

I'm using ForceWare 93.81 and a 6600 GT AGP connected with VGA.

Did anyone else try out PDVD Ultra with this graphics card?

Thanks

I actually was able to get my eVGA 6600 GT AGP working with the 92.91 drivers conneceted via component out. (I haven't tried to VGA or DVI) However the movies that I tested (tokyo drift & serenity) were pretty choppy with my setup. I was also able to get the xbox 360 add on drive working on my laptop but it was also pretty choppy as well. I plan on building a new pc in a couple of months so I'll probably just throw in a 7600gt and a dual core amd processor.

Current Setup (PC):
AMD 64 3000+
1GB ram
MSI K8N Neo 2 Platinum
eVGA 6600GT AGP 128MB
Antec Sonata

Laptop:
Dell Inspiron 9300
Pentium M 2.00ghz
1GB ram
Nvidia 6800 go

Gump28

12-30-06, 12:18 AM

I just got the xbox drive. I am using it with a GECUBE GC-H1900 Radeon X1900 Express x16 HDCP. The universal logo plays for abut 2 seconds, then snow. All lights on the advisor are green (i am using dvi) Do you think only one dvi port is Hdcp enabled? I am disabled so I will have to wait for my wife to get home to switch it. Any other ideas?

By the way, between the DVI connectors is a round multi-pin connector with what looks like a component breakout cable. Could I use this as my one connector to my LCD projector for both my desktop, and HD DVD?
Thanks,

EJ

This happens to me (universal logo plays for abut 2 seconds, then snow) when I forget to disable my clone display. The round multi-pin connector on my X1950 pro is for a component breakout cable and I believe going with component you would make HDCP a non issue since it is analog.

12-30-06, 12:51 AM

Thanks Gump28, I will give it a try tomorrow and let nyou know!

EJ

DJ79

12-30-06, 02:33 AM

Tinker and jji666, thanks for your input on installation. Here are some of my impressions with this setup:

XBOX 360 drive
nVidia 7900GS (MSI) -- replaced a Radeon X1600 pro
A64 3000+ AM2 @2.25 -- to be replaced by C2D in a few days
1 GB DDR2
Panasonic 7UY plasma with DVI, driven at native 1366 x 768
Audio through S/PDIF to receiver
King Kong and Batman Begins
--------------------------------------

I installed the nVidia driver (93.71) first. I had always used ATI video until now. Was glad to see the driver fairly lightweight and its installation quick and easy. The driver recommended the native resolution after reboot.

Next I ran the advisor-- the CPU was gray, and surprisingly, video board was yellow (the X1600 was green). Then I installed the software, which was also quick and easy. Just to be sure, I disabled Daemon Tools before installation to avoid installing the BD version as someone mentioned earlier.

I tried it with Batman Begins first, as I understood that King Kong is extremely demanding. I stuttered quite a bit. The sharpness was there, but I thought the colors were off. I switched to KK after a few minutes to look at daylight scenes.

KK stuttered even more, but the image detail was stunning (and that's on a 1366 x 768 display). It was particularly visible on hair and clothes, also the waves in scenes where the ship is shot from the air. Of course, the subtites were on, and I couldn't figure out how to turn them off. The program also crashed a couple of times.

There is definately something wrong with the color (way too saturated) and I'll try to explore that tomorrow -- need to figure out where the problem is between the driver and PowerDVD. Probably in PowerDVD, since reguar DVD's throught MCE and PureVideo decoder look unchanged from my previous setup with the X1600.

There was another problem with KK, which didn't show with BB: The very bottom line of the screen wasn't black like the rest of the bottom black bar, but was showing some contents that seemed to be related to what was on the screen.

Edit: The problem also appeared with BB when the picture was zoomed, but not with standard DVD.

The sound was 2 ch stereo only. I went into configuration and set it to use S/PDIF, which gave me DD 5.1 sound. I am wondering if that somewhat lightened the load from the CPU, as it appeared that the stuttering was significantly reduced after that, so much that slower scenes were quite enjoyable (except for the color, of course). BB was almost passable. Also, the program hasn't crashed since.

Then I played a little with PowerDVD's video settings to try to deal with the color isssue. They have some proprietary technology, which obviously didn't work quite well. As an alternative, they have several profiles: vivid, which appeared to be the default, original, theater, and bright, if I remember correctly. Bright worked the best of those, but it's still a far cry from properly set colors. In addition, with the bright profile, detail was lost in very light objects. Is this what they call white crush? Sounds quite appropriate for what I saw.

I didn't play with hardware acceleration (can't even tell if it was off or on), nor with the interlace (set to weave) as someone mentioned earlier, but it appears that there was no loss in resolution.

I was very glad to find that the MCE remote works pretty much as expected. By the way, a regular DVD that we watched next (Shrek 2) looked so blurry after watching HD-DVD. Not nearly like SDTV after HDTV, but still very obvious. And yes, there is a significant difference between HD-DVD and OTA HDTV (which I understand should be better than cable HDTV).

Long post, but I hope you've found it informative. Now I need to deal with that color problem.

Edit: There are color sliders in one of advanced configuration screens, so I'll play with those.

wynpalmer

12-30-06, 07:07 AM

Could somebody confirm that current PDVD Ultra (HD-DVD version so 7.1) do not use ATI Avivo hardware video acceleration even the "hardware acceleration is checked inside the video tab ?

If yes, do we have a cyberlink advise why the H/W acceleration is active with Nvidia and not on ATI cards ?

This could explain why I've got 83-100% CPU and system loading during 1080P HD-DVD playback on a Single core Dothan Pentium M-2GHz overclocked at 2.4GHz ...

John

Avivo is not being used by PowerDVD Ultra. The CPU utiliaztion is identical whether the box is checked or not. Cyberlink has at least one support ticket open asking about this.
Try changing the video quality in the video menu which is only accessable during disk playback if you are getting stuttering. (see my earlier post on this thread).

wynpalmer

12-30-06, 07:18 AM

Avivo is working fine for me on X1800XT with Cat 6.11.

Cliff

Sorry, but I have to ask, how do you know that Avivo is working. Does the acceleration box remain checked during HD playback? Does the CPU utilisation drop when avivo is enabled, and if so by how much. What video quality have you selected.
Is your card hdcp compliant?
Perhaps, somehow, this problem is video card/driver related.
I see the avivo problem on an x1600 pro HDMI on cat 6.12 and the Sapphire HDMI driver set (cat 6.08 based, I think).
The avivo box unchecks itself during HD playback. Many others experience this issue.

Rathbone

12-30-06, 08:19 AM

JohnHWman

12-30-06, 08:34 AM

Avivo is not being used by PowerDVD Ultra. The CPU utiliaztion is identical whether the box is checked or not. Cyberlink has at least one support ticket open asking about this.
Try changing the video quality in the video menu which is only accessable during disk playback if you are getting stuttering. (see my earlier post on this thread).
Thanks for this confirmation wynpalmer ;) I do have the same effect on my Pentium-M load whether the box is checked or not.

I tried your experiment on the video menu during playback both got more stuttering when select other video quality than the default "Auto". Also, playing with this menu sometimes crash PDVD 7.1 :rolleyes:

Sorry, but I have to ask, how do you know that Avivo is working. Does the acceleration box remain checked during HD playback? Does the CPU utilisation drop when avivo is enabled, and if so by how much. What video quality have you selected.
Is your card hdcp compliant?
Perhaps, somehow, this problem is video card/driver related.
I think so if Avivo is working with other ATI based cards, maybe our X1600Pro HDMI is bugged in either its firmware (HDCP issue) or with the catalyst drivers upon avivo support : the "hardware acceleration" box that's getting unchecked itself after movie start makes me think about an ATI bug with the X1600Pro card...

I see the avivo problem on an x1600 pro HDMI on cat 6.12 and the Sapphire HDMI driver set (cat 6.08 based, I think). The avivo box unchecks itself during HD playback. Many others experience this issue. Same problem on my configuration, I see same effect.

If ATI and/or Sapphire could address this issue, we can expect far lower CPU loading than today and that is a very good new since I'm sure then that my single core Pentium-M processor is powerfull enough to handle HD-DVD playback :)

John

Vern Dias

12-30-06, 08:51 AM

How would you rate PowerDVD PQ to the Tosh HD DVD player? Do you see a PQ benefit with using the HDPC vs. the tosh/scaler combo? I find the quality to be comparable between the two.

To those that are complaining about color, PowerDVD installs with a default that pumps up the color. You can choose from one of four supplied image profiles. Cinema was the most natural for me, but you can also create your own profile with your own properly calibrated settings.

I still find that HD DVD is a little stuttery, even though the CPU is running at 20% utilization. In comparison, BD is perfect. No stutters at all.

I also have some discs, including the 1976 French HD DVD of King Kong that hang up or have other issues.

Vern

clehner

12-30-06, 09:26 AM

I still find that HD DVD is a little stuttery, even though the CPU is running at 20% utilization. In comparison, BD is perfect. No stutters at all.

Can't say the same from my point of view. Though I have not tried the Blu-Ray version of my new HD-HTPC (Blu-Ray drives are still a bit too expensive for my taste), HD-DVD is absolutely rock solid at 1080p/24Hz as well as 720p/48Hz.

I have two different PJs at the moment that I use as reference, i.e. the SIM2 C3X and Mitsubishi HC5000.

Do you have reclock set up properly to avoid micro stutters?

Thanks.

Don_S

12-30-06, 11:12 AM

Anyone? Please?
I installed PowerDVD Ultra last night and I got that error message too. It seems to happen when running PowerDVD for the first time after every bootup. I have found that clicking OK (or cancel or whatever, can't remember the exact button) and then hitting play again, it plays just fine. Try hitting the play button again after you click out of the error message and see if that works...

benjaidafufukil

12-30-06, 11:13 AM

Did you try using the other DVI port? Maybe only 1 of them has HDCP?
Yes I ve tried both dvi ports and still have the same prob. I don t think that it s a prob with one port being HDCPcompliant and not the other, but I still can t find out what is :)

Thx,

Ben

Gump28

12-30-06, 11:44 AM

Thanks for this confirmation wynpalmer ;) I do have the same effect on my Pentium-M load whether the box is checked or not.

I tried your experiment on the video menu during playback both got more stuttering when select other video quality than the default "Auto". Also, playing with this menu sometimes crash PDVD 7.1 :rolleyes:

I think so if Avivo is working with other ATI based cards, maybe our X1600Pro HDMI is bugged in either its firmware (HDCP issue) or with the catalyst drivers upon avivo support : the "hardware acceleration" box that's getting unchecked itself after movie start makes me think about an ATI bug with the X1600Pro card...

Same problem on my configuration, I see same effect.

If ATI and/or Sapphire could address this issue, we can expect far lower CPU loading than today and that is a very good new since I'm sure then that my single core Pentium-M processor is powerfull enough to handle HD-DVD playback :)

John

I have the ATI X1950pro and hardware acceleration is not working. I don't have any problems with HDCP.

wynpalmer

12-30-06, 12:17 PM

I have the ATI X1950pro and hardware acceleration is not working. I don't have any problems with HDCP.

So, other than one "avivo is working" with no supporting evidence as yet, NO-ONE has, to my knowledge, reported that Avivo is actually being used by PowerDVD Ultra, and this includes several different ATI X...... GPU platforms.

I placed my follow up support ticket with cyberlink a couple of days ago asking them if the hardware acceleration box should be ticked during Avivo use in HD. They have yet to get back to me, although they have previously been quite responsive in asking for information and making suggestions as to how to "fix" the problem.
I suspect that this is indeed a real PowerDVD issue.

Can anyone answer the following question. Have they actually observed Avivo working in HD playback, i.e. a reduction in CPU utilization when enabled relative to it being disabled in the pre-play (startup) menu, with or without the check box being visually checked during HD playback, and a visible enabling of the check box in HD playback, with or without a reduction in CPU utilisation.
If someone has observed Avivo in action, what are the details of their system.

ndavies

12-30-06, 12:32 PM

This softwrae really is pants and is really frsytratng me.

Like others, I was lurred into the site saying it reports both HD-DVD and BLU only to find it only support Blu as default (if it finds a drive, or no drive) and won't support HD-DVD at all unless you disable any other drive. Anyhow that another problem.

I need some guidance and help on the following....I'm running a Saphire X1600 PRO HDMI card with drivers 8.31.100.321 but when ever I put a blu-ray disk in and try to play, first VISTA says PowerDVD is imcompatible with Aero and switches to basic mode, then the application crashes and terminates all together. Here's a dump of the error log from Vista; to me looks like one of the audio/video filters. uninstalled and reinstalling makes no difference. Anybody any suggestions?

Any help much appreciated....

Product
PowerDVD

Problem
Stopped working

Date
30/12/2006 17:14

Status
Report Sent

Problem signature
Problem Event Name: APPCRASH
Application Name: PowerDVD.exe
Application Version: 7.0.2418.0
Application Timestamp: 45868fa2
Fault Module Name: CLBDROMNav.ax
Fault Module Version: 1.0.0.2413
Fault Module Timestamp: 45801ebd
Exception Code: c0000005
Exception Offset: 00078ca5
OS Version: 6.0.6000.2.0.0.256.1
Locale ID: 2057
Additional Information 1: 8096
Additional Information 2: ee1650a03d3d4801a2722b2e7b54b914
Additional Information 3: 9b06
Additional Information 4: f9f9938955d8d7864ca3ff8354cc94c4

Extra information about the problem
Bucket ID: 363080862

overclkr

12-30-06, 12:56 PM

Sorry, but I have to ask, how do you know that Avivo is working. Does the acceleration box remain checked during HD playback? Does the CPU utilisation drop when avivo is enabled, and if so by how much. What video quality have you selected.
Is your card hdcp compliant?
Perhaps, somehow, this problem is video card/driver related.
I see the avivo problem on an x1600 pro HDMI on cat 6.12 and the Sapphire HDMI driver set (cat 6.08 based, I think).
The avivo box unchecks itself during HD playback. Many others experience this issue.

Guys,

ALL powerdvd versions when playing back content, if you go into the configuration menu will show the "enable hardware acceleration" checkbox greyed out and unchecked. IT DOES NOT MEAN that it is not working.

It's as simple as this, go into the CCC to AVIVO, uncheck "let the application control" while a HD DVD is playing and make adjustments under AVIVO (gamma, brightness, etc.) and report back if it works on your rig.

It's working fine on mine as well as deinterlacing. I have a DVDO VP30 that does not deinterlace HD and I can definitely tell the difference between AVIVO working and playing back a HD DVD on my Toshiba player through the VP30.

My HTPC is driving a Sony VPH-G90U at 1080P/60.

SPECS:

Athlon 64X2 4600
2GB Supertalent DDR400 CL2
MSI Mobo
Soundblaster XIFI
ATI X1800XT Vivo

overclkr

12-30-06, 12:57 PM

ALSO, anybody find a way to hack the damn SUBTITLES BEING ON BY DEFAULT?

Cliff

Gump28

12-30-06, 01:18 PM

Rathbone

12-30-06, 01:22 PM

I discovered, that when these jumps occur, CPU occupation jumps up to 100% for a sec. Normally CPU is at approx. 60-80 %. Any ideas? Could it be the soundcard?

Just bought a cheap Hecules Fortissimo 4 Soundcard. Now connected via optical SPDIF (SB Live: coaxial) and: Everything's fine now! :D

I knew that Soundblaster drivers are crappy, but that surprised me quite a lot. Especially since I tried the youp-pax drivers which are supposed to be very good.

Further CPU occupation went down about 10%.

mmace

12-30-06, 01:41 PM

I installed 6.5 that came with my BWU-100A and when this got released I uninstalled it and installed Ultra 7.2, since installing 6.5 (and still now) I cannot play any h.264 TS files on my PC (uses PowerDVD for the codecs)

anyone know a way to get the codecs from 7.0 that used to work?

overclkr

12-30-06, 02:16 PM

When you make the changes do you notice a drop in the CPU usage? How much of a drop do you see?

My average CPU usage is in the low 20's. I didn't check it without Hardware Acc enabled but hell, it would only probably jump up to the high 40's.......

Cliff

12-30-06, 02:18 PM

Can someone tell me how to disable clone mode?

wynpalmer

12-30-06, 02:18 PM

Guys,

ALL powerdvd versions when playing back content, if you go into the configuration menu will show the "enable hardware acceleration" checkbox greyed out and unchecked. IT DOES NOT MEAN that it is not working.

It's as simple as this, go into the CCC to AVIVO, uncheck "let the application control" while a HD DVD is playing and make adjustments under AVIVO (gamma, brightness, etc.) and report back if it works on your rig.

It's working fine on mine as well as deinterlacing. I have a DVDO VP30 that does not deinterlace HD and I can definitely tell the difference between AVIVO working and playing back a HD DVD on my Toshiba player through the VP30.

My HTPC is driving a Sony VPH-G90U at 1080P/60.

SPECS:

Athlon 64X2 4600
2GB Supertalent DDR400 CL2
MSI Mobo
Soundblaster XIFI
ATI X1800XT Vivo

Sorry, you're wrong. I just checked to see if I am insane.
I have versions 6, 6.5, 7 all on different avivo platforms as well as my HTPC with PowerDVD ultra. In every case if the hardware acceleration is enabled for conventional DVD's the box is grayed out during playback but with the box ticked and I can see a numerical difference in the cpu utilisation in each case when avivo is enabled or not, and the deinterlace behavior is also different.
I won't go into the exact difference in utilisation factor- it doesn't matter.
In the case of my HTPC system the tick mark is removed going from the start menu to the HD DVD playback menu, the box is grayed out and the cpu utilisation remains constant.
Now, it may be different in your system, in which case please answer the questions that I asked, then perhaps some coherent feedback can be provided to Cyberlink :) :)

DJ79

12-30-06, 02:24 PM

Single core A64 @ 2.25 GHz
nVidia 7900GS, 1366 x 768 output

Ok, hardware acceleration was off. I turn it on, and the color profiles in PowerDVD no longer work -- I guess the driver takes over. I go to nVidia settings, and reduce saturation there and the color is much better, though not perfect -- I'll have to do a proper calibration later.

The good news is that the stutter in King Kong is greatly reduced. CPU usage hovers between 95% and 100%. In Batman Begins the stutter is gone, and the CPU usage is between 60% and 80%, occasionally hitting 95% and dipping below 50%. The only problem is in pans, which is probably the result of 3:2 pull down (same as with regular DVD), but I'll need a different display to fix that.

As I mentioned earlier, I'm waiting for my mobo/CPU upgrade, but these results look promising even for single core systems, especially if you have a faster CPU. Mine is a 1.8 GHz A64 3000+ AM2 overclocked 25% using my Biostar T550 automatic overclock feature. These chips should go at least up to 2.5, but my quick manual overclock attempts beyond the 25% were unsuccessful, probably because of RAM (ValueSelect 533). I may try it with the new memory. This system is to become a desktop anyway, so I won't pursue it further.

Now it would be interesting to check out some MPEG2 or AVC disks, but at this point I can't justify a BD drive. If you have this, or If you have a faster single core system, I'd be interested in hearing your results.

wxone

12-30-06, 03:37 PM

I'm seem to have a sound (or lack of sound to be exact) problem when using my x-box hd add-on with powerDVd Ultra over digital coax. I'm using my mobo on-board creative sb 24 live chip and have everything set for spdif output but on the HD King Kong (only disc I currently own) I get no sound from the DD+ output from my receiver (Yamaha DSP-A1). I read a Dolby FAQ that states that DD+ bitstream should play on DD receivers. Am I missing something here, can someone point me (or enlighten me on some missing factoid) the way to correct this problem. Thanks a million!

Ron

PS: The picture is superb!

overclkr

12-30-06, 03:44 PM

Sorry, you're wrong. I just checked to see if I am insane.
I have versions 6, 6.5, 7 all on different avivo platforms as well as my HTPC with PowerDVD ultra. In every case if the hardware acceleration is enabled for conventional DVD's the box is grayed out during playback but with the box ticked and I can see a numerical difference in the cpu utilisation in each case when avivo is enabled or not, and the deinterlace behavior is also different.
I won't go into the exact difference in utilisation factor- it doesn't matter.
In the case of my HTPC system the tick mark is removed going from the start menu to the HD DVD playback menu, the box is grayed out and the cpu utilisation remains constant.
Now, it may be different in your system, in which case please answer the questions that I asked, then perhaps some coherent feedback can be provided to Cyberlink :) :)

I will double check the CPU usage when I get home later tonight, fire up the G90, and play for a bit.

I can CONFIRM though that AVIVO IS FUNCTIONING as all my adjustments are available and WORKING in CCC while playing HD DVD. If Avivo was not working, those adjustments would do nothing.

Cliff

skibum5000

12-30-06, 03:53 PM

Guys,

ALL powerdvd versions when playing back content, if you go into the configuration menu will show the "enable hardware acceleration" checkbox greyed out and unchecked. IT DOES NOT MEAN that it is not working.

not true, on my nvidia card, if I uncheck it, then it stays unchecked while grayed out, but if I check it, it stays checked while grayed out and CPU utilization goes down.

that said, maybe it is still working even unchecked with ATI (although haven't people been saying they see no difference in CPU utilization?) perhaps that is even how it should behave.

overclkr

12-30-06, 03:59 PM

not true, on my nvidia card, if I uncheck it, then it stays unchecked while grayed out, but if I check it, it stays checked while grayed out and CPU utilization goes down.

that said, maybe it is still working even unchecked with ATI (although haven't people been saying they see no difference in CPU utilization?) perhaps that is even how it should behave.

This is what I've seen with my setup so not quite sure what the deal is there BUT like I said, my AVIVO functions in CCC are working just fine. I have a X1950XTX in the PC that I'm using right now with Ultra installed so I'm going to test on this PC right now.

Cliff

overclkr

12-30-06, 04:05 PM

wynpalmer

12-30-06, 04:51 PM

Ok, AVIVO DEFINITELY working on my PC. I have a .TS movie of City of Angels authored to HD DVD for playback in my Toshiba player.

With AVIVO (hardware acceleration) OFF, my CPU usage is approximately 19-26% on a Athlon X2 4800@2.6Ghz. With it ON my CPU usage stays UNDER 5% and ALL AVIVO sliders in CCC work with visible changes to the picture while playing.

Cliff

I'm not sure that we are talking apples to apples here. I have h.264 files that work fine in PowerDVD (version 6.5 and version 7.1), and avivo seems to work, with CPU utilisation numbers only a little higher than you are claiming, but HD DVD files played back using the Xbox360 add on are problematic. Perhaps even authoring the files as a HD DVD disk is not perceived the same by PowerDVD Ultra.
Have you played a copy of (say) King Kong, and if so, do you still see appropriate behavior?