hi-def + win xp

DigitalReaper · 24 Nov 2008 at 22:09

How well does HDDVD/Bluray playback work on XP? I know XP lacks a lot of the DRM BS that vista has, does this have much effect atm? What about in the future when the extra DRM functionality on Bluray is enabled?

AWPC · 24 Nov 2008 at 22:28

Same DRM as Vista. For Hi-Def Discs you need a HDCP Display & graphics card as well as a powerful CPU. If you do not have a HDCP display then at the moment you can still get the full HD resolution via a VGA connection as no discs have enabled ICT yet but when this changes you would need the full HDCP setup. You can also buy a product called anydvd/hd for around $99 which on the fly removes the check to see if you have a HDCP monitor as well as region restrictions on some bluray discs.

FYI: Vista does not have any DRM BS anyway that is just an urban myth that people with non legal copies spread! Hi-Def discs are protected by the Hollywood film studios to restrict piracy MS like everyone else has to include a check for it to be licensed for playback.

Download the cyberlink bdadvisor to see if your system is hi-Def ready.
http://www.cyberlink.com/prog/bd-support/diagnosis.do

md99 · 24 Nov 2008 at 23:32

I've put XP on my new HTPC as Vista has too many compatibility problems with my games and as far as I can tell, there is absolutely no differemce between runing hi-def movies on it and my Vista desktop.

Saying that, I'm running Any DVD in the background which bypasses all that hdcp, region coding, etc nonsense.

DigitalReaper · 24 Nov 2008 at 23:42

Thanks for the responses guys. That compatibility checker is giving me an OK for everything except the advanced stuff and my playback software, could you maybe recommend some free software for playback? I do have VLC but i'm not sure if that supports the HD stuff.

eiko_magami · 24 Nov 2008 at 23:43

im using anydvd hd for mine. cant warrant £450 to update my 2405 to be able to watch a film that i went and brought.

AWPC · 25 Nov 2008 at 08:56

DigitalReaper said:
Thanks for the responses guys. That compatibility checker is giving me an OK for everything except the advanced stuff and my playback software, could you maybe recommend some free software for playback? I do have VLC but i'm not sure if that supports the HD stuff.

There isnt any free stuff which will give perfect gltich free playback without issues. You need to buy either PowerDVD7.3 or 8 (7.3 supports hddvd+bluray version 8 is bluray only) or WinDVD9.