Latest version and resource usage?

[Blarney]

Does the new snapstream use less resources than the old 3.x version? I'm interested in reducing the resource load I have in that 3.0 version. Also does it include codecs that produce clearer video?

I am running windows XP Pro, 3.8 MHz 1 GB RAM ATI 9800 Pro, Hauppauge Win-TV PVR II

thanks!

[weezer1024]

Nope, resource usage is roughly the same if not higher when doing HDTV or DivX. The codecs haven't really changed either.

[nanook105]

Originally Posted by weezer1024

Nope, resource usage is roughly the same if not higher when doing HDTV or DivX. The codecs haven't really changed either.

The snapstream/sp decoder was completely re-written, and is equal to or better than the nvidia decoder

[weezer1024]

Rewritten? Weren't they just using cyberlink's codec to begin with? Maybe it's my eyes but I sure can't tell the difference.

[merrypig]

it's using a newer cyberlink release - and it does seem to be more stable. Captions work with it too

[Blarney]

Ok, downloaded the 4.1 trial and I tried loading the Cyberlink Power DVD 5 codec. I'm a registered user. But I can't seem to get them to take..tried hacking the XML file too.

[optikhog]

Originally Posted by nanook105

The snapstream/sp decoder was completely re-written, and is equal to or better than the nvidia decoder

Really? Wow, it's still terrible on all of my machines. If I choose either of the Snapstream decoders, I am greeted with a picture which shows a frame every 10 seconds or so.

[nanook105]

Originally Posted by optikhog

Really? Wow, it's still terrible on all of my machines. If I choose either of the Snapstream decoders, I am greeted with a picture which shows a frame every 10 seconds or so.

Are you using overlay or 3D ? I only use overlay. What nvidia drivers are you using ? I only use the snapstream sp decoder (I've never even tried the snapstream basic). Is this with HD or all ?

[ZetaVu]

You may have issues with the 5200 cards, your 6600 card should not have any issues. I have jumpy HD playback with the snapstream decoder, my 7500 only works well in HD with the ati decoder. All decoders work fine for sd playback. All is overlay.

[optikhog]

Gotcha, thanks guys. All of my machines are running 3D and are on Forceware 81.98 and all content is SD at this point.

I'll play around with my configs and see how it works out.

[Blarney]

Where can I get the ATI decoder?

Also, I tried using the cyberlink Power DVD decoder v5 but it doesn't show up.

I am a registered user of pdvd and snapstream.

Thanks

[Edgarmoon]

You need an ati install disk, 8.0 or better, that will let you download the dvd decoder (it's picky about the disk)

[optikhog]

As a follow-up, I played with my settings last night and you guys are correct, the new Snapstream Decoder is outstanding in overlay mode. I still detected a few artifacts when using it, however, so I'm sticking with the nVidia decoder for now.

I realized when I was changing things that I had not messed with overlay mode since I upgraded to 4.0 - I must say, the overlay picture seems much more clear than I remember it in 3.x. Is it me or is overlay like way better in 4.x?

[Bilar Crais]

Originally Posted by Blarney

Where can I get the ATI decoder?

Also, I tried using the cyberlink Power DVD decoder v5 but it doesn't show up.

I am a registered user of pdvd and snapstream.

Thanks

Unless things have changed RECENTLY, the ATI DVD Decoder is a Cyberlink decoder. The SnapStream SP decoder is also a Cyberlink decoder, and a damned fine one at that. I know many of you noticed no difference or think it's worse, but for me, it's much improved over the older versions.

The SnapStream decoder is newer than the PowerDVD 5 decoder, but if you want to use it, you'll need to find the correct CLASS ID to hack the customsettings.xml. If you know the CLASS ID and configure the settings.xml correctly, it will show up.

This tool will help you determine the CLASS ID.

http://www.analogx.com/contents/down...udio/dxman.htm

[ZetaVu]

The ati decoder is superior for older ati cards than cyberlink or snapstream, on the newer cards you may not see a difference. I don't see any point in using the ati decoder with any other card.