[Fredrik]

Hi all,


Today I just realized that I realy don't want to mess with an HTPC (or limit the work).

So my question is if DVD-ROM+SW solution is so much better in PQ then Ext. DVD+H3D.

What I intend to do is turning the PC into a standalone Scaler.

Though still a PC.


Has anyone done any A/B reveiw or anything like that on this subject ?

 

[mulveling]

IMO it is difficult to tell the difference between the software players vs. panny rp91 -> s-video -> Flyvideo2000 ($40 capture card, best bang-for-the-buck in video equipment ever) -> Dscaler (free software). In fact from seating distance the only way I can tell the difference is that I have *better* processing/deinterlacing with Dscaler, and so this is what I currently use to watch dvds. The external dvd solution is really a lot better for video-source dvds and only slightly worse or slightly better for film dvds, depending on the circumstances. I have yet to see any noise from the flyvideo2000, but maybe that's because dscaler is taking care of it. So yeah, if you'd rather go with a standalone dvd, ditch the software players! They are a pain in the ass anyways, and way overpriced when you consider that no one player does everything well. I have a Holo3D on the way, so hopefully I'll get to do a Flyvideo2000 vs Holo3D comparison soon. I really want to check out the Faroudja processing in the Holo3D; should completely destroy the software players.


Mike U.

 

[Fredrik]

Ok, then I'm leaning more to the H3D card. All the mess with remotecontrol sw/girder etc. Just don't want to mess with it even though I have the computer skills to do it.

 

[Scott Tallal]

I recently helped a friend set up his new DLA-G150 (lucky guy) and ran a variety of tests using the same source disk. Results: DVI output from HTPC and DVD-ROM is vastly superior in image quality -- straight out of the player with no additional SW. DVI output from HTPC w/H3D-processed component video from a standalone Denon player ranked second. Analog output from HTPC DVD-ROM and H3D-processed component video ranked a distant third and fourth, respectively. Component video directly out of the Denon into the projector wasn't even close.