DVD playback using MCE2005, any good? Also WMA5.1 audio query

[zAndy1]

Hi,
Is the standard dvd player you get with MCE 2005 any good? If I was to install the nvidia decoders would the picture quality approach that available using Theatertek for example? Does the standard dvd player use WMP 10?

Also regarding audio on WMVHD discs e.g. those available from Germany, if I'm just using the SPDIF output on my motherboard is it possible to hear them in 5.1 surround? I presume it's WMA5.1 audio so without a soundcard with analog outputs I don't see how this will work to be honest?!

Cheers,
Andy.

[drummerjohn]

I use MCE05 with the Nvidia codecs. I had to use reclock as well to stop the stuttering which appeared on PAL material after about 10 to 15 mins of playback. I now have what I consider to be a excellent picture and sound with perfect playback.

The codecs Theatertek uses are the Nvidia.

WMA5.1 is analogue out only at the moment. There are a couple of amps that have USB inputs that will accept WMA.

[KraGorn]

Out of interest John, any views on the possibility that on one of the new Intel systems with Dolby Live on it that after decoding by WMA the audio could be re-endoded to Dolby and then fed to an external decoder?

Quite possibly M$ wouldn't allow this sort of thing, given anti-piracy paranoia and the fact they want to sell more codecs but it would be a good solution to this [growing] problem.

[zAndy1]

Is it not possible to use AC3 filter to get DD output from WMA5.1?

Cheers
Andy

[KraGorn]

As John also said, I was under the impression that WMA doen't allow outputting of the decoded data via the digital output.

[drummerjohn]

Soundstorm will re encode it to DD - I have done this in the past with the analogue output of PowerDVD. So I dont see why the Intel wouldnt do it.

AC3 filter I havent used as yet to encode. I didn't know AC3 filter could encode to DD.

[KraGorn]

I meant demuxed not decoded in my reference to WMA restrictions.

[sapper]

I use MCE05 with the Nvidia codecs. I had to use reclock as well to stop the stuttering which appeared on PAL material after about 10 to 15 mins of playback. I now have what I consider to be a excellent picture and sound with perfect playback.

The codecs Theatertek uses are the Nvidia.

WMA5.1 is analogue out only at the moment. There are a couple of amps that have USB inputs that will accept WMA.


How can I get the Nvidia codecs??

Sorry if this is a silly question

[KraGorn]

You can buy them direct from nVidia (http://www.nvidia.com/object/dvd_decoder.html) if you don't intend to buy TheaterTek which bundles them.

[hebawom]

They also come with MCE 2005

[KraGorn]

They also come with MCE 2005
Really. :eek:

I don't seem to see them mentioning THAT when they're trying to sell them to you.

[zAndy1]

I'm 99% certain the nvidia codecs don't come with MCE 2005. You have to either buy them on their own or as part of the Theatertek 2 package.

Cheers
Andy

[hebawom]

I may be wrong on this, but this is what I was told. This was one of the reasons I was going to buy MCE as well. Could an MCE owner just verify this?

[drummerjohn]

They do not come with MCE.