PC configurations for HD movies

[copacabana]

I open this thread because I really don't know which are the optimal PC configurations to assure a good view of HD movies. Here I refer to 720p, 1080i, 1080p resolutions. So I would like to know what kind of processors, memory, video card, HDD you recommend me for HD movies.
I am waiting for your opinions. Thank you.

[SingaBoiy]

From experience, you can use really any dual-core setup + a Radeon HD video card.

A setup I was using had:
Pentium Dual-Core E2200 (2.2GHz)
2GB DDR2 800
Radeon HD 2400Pro

Total I spent for those plus the mobo that came in a combo with the cpu was about $160. Vid card came with a DVI to HDMI adapter. Picked up a HDMI cable (10ft for $6) oooyeaaa....

From what ive seen, all of the Radeon HD cards support audio through the DVI-to-HDMI. :)

[Detale]

well personally I use a Nvidia 8800GT and HD works just fine 1080P on my 42" LCD so I don't think you need an ATI vid card just a decent one. What size screen will you be using? As far as processors I agree with Singa

[SingaBoiy]

well personally I use a Nvidia 8800GT and HD works just fine 1080P on my 42" LCD so I don't think you need an ATI vid card just a decent one. What size screen will you be using? As far as processors I agree with Singa

My point is that you can easily watch HD content with cheap components if you buy the right stuff (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161191) :)

8800 = $130+

[AugustoP]

Cheap and silent solution is AMD 780G mainboard + Athlon BE series CPU + 250W PSU. Don't even think about buying a dedicated graphics card if you don't play games cause last generation built-in GPUs have more than enough power to handle HD video, especially the low-bitrate progressive rips which you will probably download.

[Detale]

well personally I use a Nvidia 8800GT and HD works just fine 1080P on my 42" LCD so I don't think you need an ATI vid card just a decent one. What size screen will you be using? As far as processors I agree with Singa

My point is that you can easily watch HD content with cheap components if you buy the right stuff (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161191) :)

8800 = $130+


Wait what!? So this card says in the feature it has HDMI with audio

Features ATI Avivo HD Video & Media
Built-in HDMI with HDCP and 5.1 surround audioBut in the pic I see no HDMI at all unless they mean it you can get an HDMI to DVI cable or converter but as far as I know they have not come out with a video/audio card for HTPC's yet and with HDMI Video cards you still need to run an audio cable.

http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/productimage/14-161-191-04.jpg

Now I hope I'm wrong because I will buy this card NOW but I don't see the features matching the pics, could you explain a bit please :)

[AugustoP]

Why in the hell do you need to transmit audio using HDMI?

[Detale]

Because I have a HTPC rig hooked up to my 42" LCD and I watch the Hi Def movies I download and I would LOVE to be able to use just the HDMI cable without separate audio

[SingaBoiy]

My point is that you can easily watch HD content with cheap components if you buy the right stuff (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161191) :)

8800 = $130+


Wait what!? So this card says in the feature it has HDMI with audio

Features ATI Avivo HD Video & Media
Built-in HDMI with HDCP and 5.1 surround audioBut in the pic I see no HDMI at all unless they mean it you can get an HDMI to DVI cable or converter but as far as I know they have not come out with a video/audio card for HTPC's yet and with HDMI Video cards you still need to run an audio cable.

http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/productimage/14-161-191-04.jpg

Now I hope I'm wrong because I will buy this card NOW but I don't see the features matching the pics, could you explain a bit please :)

Yes, the HD series of Radeon cards are capable of having audio through the hdmi cable :01:

Thats how my setup is right now. Check out this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161191) HIS version. When I bought it, it came with a "Free Gift" (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16800997021)

[AugustoP]

Because I have a HTPC rig hooked up to my 42" LCD and I watch the Hi Def movies I download and I would LOVE to be able to use just the HDMI cable without separate audio

If you wish to pay $100+ to get rid of extra cable be my guest.

[Detale]

I don't mind at all Im trying to work out the kinks in my HTPC as of now I basically have a bunch of either old or "cheapo" parts in there just to get it working correctly with the TV and my network so this is to be expected for me. I have a DVI to HDMI cable which should be the same as an adapter right??

As of now I have an old Raedon 1650 working in it, it will play 720 and sometimes 1080 but it gets choppy or the audio goes way out of sinc, In my main rig I have the 8800GT but I am soon going to be using the parts from the main one in the new HTPC build coming shortly dude to lack of space with the new baby in the house and all :)

Now I feel like such a no0b because I didn't know these cards sent audio as well

[SingaBoiy]

Yep. Theyre built for video watching, not so much gaming. Hence the "HD" series

[pifpaf]

Cheap and silent solution is AMD 780G mainboard + Athlon BE series CPU + 250W PSU. Don't even think about buying a dedicated graphics card if you don't play games cause last generation built-in GPUs have more than enough power to handle HD video, especially the low-bitrate progressive rips which you will probably download.

i agree:) its cheap and perfect for a htpc.

[copacabana]

thank you very much for your advices

[Hahaiah]

I have a newer HP HDX laptop - 20" screen, 2gb Ram, 2600HD video card and built in HD TV tuner, you would think with all this it would play HD content with no problem right? Well even 720p mkv HD Movies would studder and max the cpu.

COREAVC is a software decoder that just works. I use it with KM Player (free) or Zoom Player (good for external tvs).

The CoreAVC v1.7 solved all my problems and helps alot of people use their existing hardware to watch HD.

It will give your cpu a break on any system ...