Best GPU for HTCP with HDMI/7.1 PCM

[chainy]

As title. Looking for a card capable of 1080p Blu Ray acceleration with 7.1 PCM via HDMI. I dont play any games.

Im thinking of going for a ATI 4550 as this seems to do every thing I need.

Ive heard the 4350 may not be capable of accelerating a 2nd stream for picture in picture. Hence why im looking at the 4550. Would it be wise to future proof myself and go for the higher spec 4670 which seems to be getting rave reviews?

Cant seem to find many 4670's that are passive cooled and quiet though.

Any particular brands recommended?

Thanks

 

[kylew]

A 4670 may be better, especially if you want the option to play any games at moderate settings. You may even want to consider a 4830 because the price difference between that and a 4670 isn't that much, but performance wise, a 4830 should be about 80% more powerful.

 

[chainy]

A 4650 may be better, especially if you want the option to play any games at moderate settings. You may even want to consider a 4830 because the price difference between that and a 4670 isn't that much, but performance wise, a 4830 should be about 80% more powerful.

Im looking to get the very best HD video playback possible without going OTT as I dont use the PC for gaming at all. I think the 4830 would run a bit hot, be noisy and a power hungry for my needs?

 

[kylew]

In that case, I think a 4670 would ample for HD play back and stream acceleration. From what I hear, they're pretty nice when it comes to games too, just in case you ever feel like it .

I'd love a laptop with one in, my current laptop only has a crappy X1100 in it.