AVS › AVS Forum › Video Components › Home Theater Computers › Bluray HTPC: Working HDMI LPCM solutions?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Bluray HTPC: Working HDMI LPCM solutions?

post #1 of 26
7/18/08 at 12:45pm
Thread Starter 
I just bought a the LG HDDVD/Bluray/dvd drive. I am selling my current system but it only does decoding in software and I am planning to build a new system just for this. Aswell I have the itch to upgrade my Sony STR-DE697 to a LPCM or Bitstream HDMI capable reciever.
I would prefer to use dedicated video card as I might do a little gaming. Although on my current HTPC system I have only gamed 2 times in 2 months.

I have read most of the 8200 7.1 thread and the 4850/4870 threads

I want a video card that gives me profile 2.0 (uvd 2 I think it is called).

I have staff discounts for Yamaha, HK, Denon, Pioneer AVRs so would prefer those choices but Onkyo I should get a decent price for too through a friend that sells them.

Which combination of AVRs and Video/mobo solutions work together( don't care about downsampling audio atm).

Or
Should I just get any UVD chipped video card and a good sound card and use Analog outs and get by with my Multi channel inputs on my Sony AVR and upgrade later once the bugs are resolved.

Audio is not the highest priority as I have cheaper speakers so won't likely notice downsampled over non downsampled atm( although future solutions down the road might be considered).
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #2 of 26
7/18/08 at 1:25pm
Analog v hdmi no benefit from the digital side, so you are comparing hte DAC on the card vs the DAC in the reciever.

UVD is ATI's nomenclature for their video engine vs Purevideo is for nvidia.

If you are going to do HDMI audio wich is only marginally better than 1.5mbps DTS connect with the downsampling the ATI cards are nice, the 8200 is a little slow for blu-ray (works with pdvd8 okay, TMT is choppy unless you O/C), the 8300 is fine.

Also the G45 will be here soon.
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 26
7/18/08 at 1:36pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks sotti
Overclocking is expected with my builds so no probs
example configs I am looking for with a quick run down of pros/cons from user:
ie: 750a mobo+phenon + 9600gt + AVR or 8200mobo + phenon+ 9800gtx+ avr, or Mobo+ c2d cpu + 4850 + AVR, etc

I found a working combo post #736 in this thread with an ATI and Denon
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...0#post14316960
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 26
7/18/08 at 1:43pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by sotti View Post

Analog v hdmi no benefit from the digital side, so you are comparing hte DAC on the card vs the DAC in the reciever.

The DAC on the Sony STR-DE697 is crap, I think onboard sound has better DACs. And the Xonar and X-fi are definitely better than the Sony I have.

Also the G45 will be here soon.


This is also an viable option but what about dedicated graphics? That is out the door is it not? Plus it is not out yet and I am selling my current htpc in a few days so I need parts fairly soon here.

I can get the best Staff discount bang/$ with the yamaha recievers (htr-6160 and 6180). but apparently ATI and yamaha don't like one another. Is this a problem for nvidia systems?
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 26
7/18/08 at 11:01pm
Thread Starter 
Found another differnet combo: nvidia 8200 board + Denon

post #1772 http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...highlight=4850
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 26
7/19/08 at 12:47am
Hi

I use an ATI 3850 with an Auzen prelude 7.1 through an Onkyo 605
One word fantastic!!
I have no problem playing my discs through pdvd8 or windvd9
The sound is superb via spdif (or analogue if you prefer) and i hope it will improve when the auze hdmi add on comes out in september.
I use media center or myplayer for normal dvd or divx etc and again no problem once i had set up the codecs to my liking.
The only thing I have had is TMT did not like some of the codes and ffdf show and would create a horrible noise.

Thats my rig.
Bc
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 26
7/19/08 at 6:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by briinthesky View Post

Hi

I use an ATI 3850 with an Auzen prelude 7.1 through an Onkyo 605
One word fantastic!!
I have no problem playing my discs through pdvd8 or windvd9
The sound is superb via spdif (or analogue if you prefer) and i hope it will improve when the auze hdmi add on comes out in september.
I use media center or myplayer for normal dvd or divx etc and again no problem once i had set up the codecs to my liking.
The only thing I have had is TMT did not like some of the codes and ffdf show and would create a horrible noise.

Thats my rig.
Bc

Ya that is a solid upgrade path. Get the Auzen prelude then upgrade amp to HDMI and get HDMI daughter card. Good idea, if bugs, just use analog or core DD and DTS.

Picture whise how are you connected and how does it look
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 26
7/20/08 at 1:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by eminence55 View Post

I just bought a the LG HDDVD/Bluray/dvd drive. I am selling my current system but it only does decoding in software and I am planning to build a new system just for this. Aswell I have the itch to upgrade my Sony STR-DE697 to a LPCM or Bitstream HDMI capable reciever.
I would prefer to use dedicated video card as I might do a little gaming. Although on my current HTPC system I have only gamed 2 times in 2 months.

I have read most of the 8200 7.1 thread and the 4850/4870 threads

I want a video card that gives me profile 2.0 (uvd 2 I think it is called).

I have staff discounts for Yamaha, HK, Denon, Pioneer AVRs so would prefer those choices but Onkyo I should get a decent price for too through a friend that sells them.

Which combination of AVRs and Video/mobo solutions work together( don't care about downsampling audio atm).

Or
Should I just get any UVD chipped video card and a good sound card and use Analog outs and get by with my Multi channel inputs on my Sony AVR and upgrade later once the bugs are resolved.

Audio is not the highest priority as I have cheaper speakers so won't likely notice downsampled over non downsampled atm( although future solutions down the road might be considered).

Let me simplify the confusion for you. All you need is:

1) Intel G45 microATX or mini-ITX board
2) AVR (i.e. Onkyo 606, or even better one of the new Denon "xxx9" series, since these 2009 models come with Audyssey EQ and dynamic volume now)
3) HDMI cable

That's it.
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 26
7/20/08 at 1:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by odditory View Post

Let me simplify the confusion for you. All you need is:

1) Intel G45 microATX or mini-ITX board
2) AVR (i.e. Onkyo 606, or even better one of the new Denon "xxx9" series, since these 2009 models come with Audyssey EQ and dynamic volume now)
3) HDMI cable

That's it.

I hope your statement is not based on your wrong speculation.

G45 is crappy (at least for now) in hardware acceleration according to one of the major review sites.
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 26
7/20/08 at 6:19am
Unless I'm missing something, the link you posted refers to the GM-45 mobile chipset, and the issues they bring up are with that chipset.
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 26
7/20/08 at 8:57am
GM45 and G45 are identical in hardware. The only difference is that GM45 is slower in FSB and graphics core clock. The performance of GM45 (in particular its video decoder) is a good indication of that of G45.
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 26
7/20/08 at 9:09am
Thread Starter 
1) Intel G45 microATX or mini-ITX board
2) AVR (i.e. Onkyo 606, or even better one of the new Denon "xxx9" series, since these 2009 models come with Audyssey EQ and dynamic volume now)
3) HDMI cable

That's it.[/quote]

Ya Denon looks to be one of the most compatible. Onkyo I haven't recorded any posts but I remember reading of some combos that work.

And I am starting to want/need the Audyssey features found in Denon and Onkyo. Heat and build quality appear in Denon's favour though
Reply
Reply
post #13 of 26
7/20/08 at 9:51am
I take it that the new G45mb will start showing up in the new towers by Dell, hp soon?
Reply
Reply
post #14 of 26
7/20/08 at 11:34am
eminence55

I go from the 3850 via hdmi into the amp and the amp has hdmi out to the tv and shows whatever is selected, dvd,vcr etc.
sound is spdif or analogue.
the picture quality is superb via all mdeia although colours vary with each one slightly.
my only gripe is the fact you buy a big screen tv and and up with black bars because thats the way the director wants you to see it! Waste of a good tv ! but its the same via htpc,dvd or blu-player.
Auzen are also bringing out a dedicated home theater card which is hdmi in september also.

Bc.
Reply
Reply
post #15 of 26
7/20/08 at 6:14pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by briinthesky View Post

eminence55

I go from the 3850 via hdmi into the amp and the amp has hdmi out to the tv and shows whatever is selected, dvd,vcr etc.
sound is spdif or analogue.
the picture quality is superb via all mdeia although colours vary with each one slightly.
my only gripe is the fact you buy a big screen tv and and up with black bars because thats the way the director wants you to see it! Waste of a good tv ! but its the same via htpc,dvd or blu-player.
Auzen are also bringing out a dedicated home theater card which is hdmi in september also.

Bc.

Btw which amp/reciever do you have? Good to know the video works but also looking for working HDMI audio/Video from pc + AVR combos
Reply
Reply
post #16 of 26
7/21/08 at 3:15pm
eminence55

I have an Onkyo TS-RX605 it is fantastic !
When the Auzen card is out i will be able to feed video and audio out through the audio card to the amp and hope to hear a better quality sound if all they say about True HD audio is TRUE !


Bc.
Reply
Reply
post #17 of 26
7/21/08 at 4:14pm
I have a Shuttle SFF HTPC that is G33 based (SG33G5) that I have used with both an Onkyo TX-SR805 and a SR606. I was using the integrated graphic's and HDMI Audio for a few months and recently upgraded by adding an MSI 4850 for Audio/Video.

Kelly
Reply
Reply
post #18 of 26
7/21/08 at 4:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx View Post

I hope your statement is not based on your wrong speculation.

G45 is crappy (at least for now) in hardware acceleration according to one of the major review sites.

aww...crap. Another chipset from intel that doesn't live up to it's potential. Please be a fixable driver problem, rather than bad hardware.

Hmm...thought I had seen a quick pre-review somewhere of a G45 board that had no issues with Blu-ray playback.
http://www.morleydigital.com/2008/07...-intel-dg45fc/
Reply
Reply
post #19 of 26
7/21/08 at 4:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx View Post

G45 is crappy (at least for now) in hardware acceleration according to one of the major review sites.


Really? pre-released hardware, pre-released drivers, pre-released bluray player? That's a little weak.
Reply
Reply
post #20 of 26
7/21/08 at 5:52pm
I read somwhere that the Calpella and the approrpiate graphics chip (arch shared with desktops) will be the first time when HWA is actually supported. I'd look elsewhere than merely trying another board...
Reply
Reply
post #21 of 26
7/21/08 at 5:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kemac View Post

I have a Shuttle SFF HTPC that is G33 based (SG33G5) that I have used with both an Onkyo TX-SR805 and a SR606. I was using the integrated graphic's and HDMI Audio for a few months and recently upgraded by adding an MSI 4850 for Audio/Video.

Kelly

How did this work out for you and what software were you using to play your Blue ray discs? Were you getting 5.1 surround sound from your HDMI connection? I'd also like to know if the Dolby Encoding features (Dolby Digital Live/Home Theater) worked through the HDMI connection. I might get a Shuttle factory refurbished one of these to use as an extender box in a guest room. I've been looking at other solutions as well...
Reply
Reply
post #22 of 26
7/23/08 at 8:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kewjoe View Post

Really? pre-released hardware, pre-released drivers, pre-released bluray player? That's a little weak.

Is there any reason to believe that the test is a fake? Every condition is described there, including pre-leased something.
Reply
Reply
post #23 of 26
7/25/08 at 12:47pm
Thread Starter 
Found another one when looking for notes on the ECS 8200 mobo.

post 1628, Onkyo 705 + ECS 8200 and possibly a 4850 which he had previously it sounds.

I think I am going to pull the trigger on a 8200 mobo + 8650 x3 cpu.
And I was thinking Yamaha HTR-6060(rx-v661) or Denon AVR-788. I can get the yamaha for atleast $50 cheaper and maybe more as there is an open box.

Still up in the air on splurging on ATI 4850. I know the 4850 handles video well in terms of picture quality. Mostly DVD and some(more in future likely) Blu Ray/HDDVD playback. Which is better picture quality 8200+ x2, 8200 + Phenon, or ati 4850 for above usage.

And there is the minor hope that Bitstream is possible with 4850.

Any word on 790Gx for audio and picture quality and release date.
Reply
Reply
post #24 of 26
7/25/08 at 1:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by eminence55 View Post

Any word on 790Gx for audio and picture quality and release date.

790GX on July 31. It's just a rumor.

A slide on 790GX:


No word on multichannel LPCM here.
Reply
Reply
post #25 of 26
8/12/08 at 9:08am
Thread Starter 
I ended up scoring a Yamaha HTR-6060 for just over 2 bills tax in so I opted for Yamaha over Denon as they were not on clearance yet at Best Buy.

Ended up building Phenom 8650 x3, w/Gigabyte 8200 mATX board.

Works great for audio and solid but not exceptional for video( only issue is post processing is weak which isn't a problem for 90+% of my use as BD player).

Only have 2ch or 7.1 in speaker selection but next screen allows you to opt out of which speakers you may not have( I only have 5.1). I also have a sound dropout ~20min later when I turn on music on PC, turn off tv( likely irrelevant) and leave pc alone with no activity. I haven't tested it but I think it is do to "Turn Monitor off" as a power saver option as sound came back if I wiggled mouse. I think I need to turn this setting off and it should fix that
Reply
Reply
post #26 of 26
1/20/09 at 2:38am
Hay!

I have a Yamaha RX-V 663 and the 9300 ASUS motherboard (P5N7A-VM).
Attached to the AVR is TOSHIBA FULLHD Regza. The TV gets detected in NVidia Control Panel, the AVR overscans somewhat, but ok, everything works fine.

But if I change HDMI input on the AVR, and some time passes, the TV display is gone from the Control Panel. It detects it but does not add it automatically.
Same thing happens if I turn off the AVR of course. The PC goes around the clock, so it is irritating that the display does not get added automatically when I turn on the AVR. Specially since Nvidia driver does not remember the correct settings so I have to tune it again and again.

I realice this perhaps is related to that EDID does get transferred when it is off or uses another input. I know of the Gefen HDMI detective, which is ridicoulsly expensive.
Anyone know a workaround? It should be possible to fool the pc to think there is display there at all times, one should think. Is EDID stored in registry? If so one can write to registry at a certain intervall if drops out perhaps?

And also why does the avr overscan? Connect directly to the TV there is none. Is this EDID related? Fixable?

Hoping for for some constructive replies!

Thanks
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Home Theater Computers

AVS Top Picks

AVS › AVS Forum › Video Components › Home Theater Computers › Bluray HTPC: Working HDMI LPCM solutions?