Dumb Question? - What Codec for HD-DVD?

Jokester

Jokester

Jokester

Don
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As title, don't know if it's a dumb question or not, but what Codec is used for HD-DVDs?

Looking for some software to play them using the X-Box HD drive and want to get it right.

Jokester
 
Yeah, that's what I was looking at, but Cyberlink's site is a bit unclear as to which one is the HD version, not sure if the standard version includes it or if you need to pay a bit extra.

Jokester
 
Jokester said:
Yeah, that's what I was looking at, but Cyberlink's site is a bit unclear as to which one is the HD version, not sure if the standard version includes it or if you need to pay a bit extra.

Jokester
Click to expand...

I see what you mean, had a google, looks like the HD codec is included as standerd in Power DVD 7, heres a review of it here, http://www.digital-digest.com/articles/powerdvd_page2.html , scroll down to New 'Playback Modes', let me know how you get on I forgot you could use the 360 HD-DVD drive with the PC.
 
Ah that looks like it, though it might have been H.264 but wasn't sure.

Cheers,

Jokester

Edit: Looks like you need the Deluxe version.
 
Jokester said:
Ah that looks like it, though it might have been H.264 but wasn't sure.

Cheers,

Jokester

Edit: Looks like you need the Deluxe version.
Click to expand...

There are 3 standard codecs for HD-DVD.
The one used the most at the moment is VC-1. There is also AVC (h.264), and thirdly bog standard MPEG2. But VC-1 is used on 95% of discs so far I believe.

In terms of playing HD-DVDs I believe you do need the very latest PowerDVD. I know some people have bought a copy from Cyberlink's Japanese site as for some reason it was released months earlier there.. :confused:
 
How do I know if my PowerDVD can play Blu-ray Disc or HD DVD titles on my computer?

Currently PowerDVD Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD versions are only available for bundling with third party hardware. The version for sale on the Internet or retail store will be available soon. If you purchased hardware (PC, laptop or BD/HD DVD drives) that included PowerDVD, an easy way to determine whether your version of PowerDVD supports Blu-ray Disc or HD DVD is to look for the Blu-ray Disc or HD DVD logo on the main screen of PowerDVD (see below). If you don't see either of those logos, it is likely your version of PowerDVD doesn't support Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD title playback. For the latest information on Blu-ray and HD DVD related products, please visit the CyberLink Web site.
Click to expand...

Doh.

Jokester
 
I believe the Demo of the new PowerDVD includes a demo of the codec so you can test it out to see if your PC is man enough :)

(I may be wrong having read the above post again).
 
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So does the hd-dvd drive work fine simply connected by usb? Would be great it I could just plug on into my htpc and use it.
 
codecs on HD-DVD are derivatives of microsofts wmv9 such as the most popular VC1.. (I have 16 discs and they all use VC1). Also used is mpeg4 derivatives such as H.264 (also known as "mpeg4 part 10" or AVC).

I haven't come across a HD-DVD that is mpeg2 based, very unlikely imo.

A lot of bluray titles use mpeg2.
 
Energize said:
So does the hd-dvd drive work fine simply connected by usb? Would be great it I could just plug on into my htpc and use it.
Click to expand...

Yes :) apparently all you need is a HDCP graphics card, a copy of windvd 8 or PowerDvd 6.5HD*.

(*if you output component or vga;... however if you use hdmi you will need HDCP display aswell)
 
cokecan72 said:
gutted, that means i have a reason to upgrade now :(

(haven't upgraded cos i didnt have a reason to, till now lol)
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ummmmmm, I'm not so sure, I would'nt be so quick upgrade yet (unless you really want to) without trying it out first, my old p4 single core handled hd video fine, does'nt the new tosiba dvd player use a p4 2.4 cpu ?
 
well i've only got an old skool 3400+ clawhammer so chances are it may struggle. I wouldn't mind usin the 360 hd-dvd drive on my pc as i prefere usin my pc for anythin film wise (plus its connected to my pj via dvi at 50hz :))

I will try it and see though, see how it gets on when winDVD supports it (powerdvd has issues with my computer and sound for some reason)
 
Considering my pc downstairs with an athlon 3000+ can play h.264 1080p video at only 30% cpu usage, I don't think dual core will be needed on a wmv9 based codec.
 
Energize said:
Why would I need hdcp though when the xbox 360 doesn't even have it?
Click to expand...

You don't. You only need an HDCP graphics card if you want to use DVI-D/HDMI output. Vga or component should work fine.
 
Hi and sorry to poke my nose in.

Ive got component ports and normal DVI on my GFX card(see sig). If I was to use the drive in question along with the necessary codecs will it be enough to use the component connections?

I can appreciate it will be nowhere near true HD quality picture. Will there be a significant step down using component if I dont have a HDCP card?

Sorry to sound like such a noob but Im just eager to put my Bravia HD LCD to good use finally.
 
I think it will be a significant step down using component because the resolution is taken right down. Component in itself is great and perfectly capable of working but some idiots came up with restrictions on it to cripple its usage.

There is lots of HD content out there for your pc, most discussions on PC high def stuff relates to 'illegal' content captured from broadcasts.
 
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