Software to get HD content to run better?

Vegeta · 17 Jul 2011 at 11:55

Hi. I have a old HTPC downstairs and it has 1gb of ram, Radeon 1800XT 256mb and a AMD X2 3800 socket 939. HD content runs a bit slow and juddery. Is there any software or player out there that will enable me to play this fine with the hardware I have? I thought the CPU and GPU would be powerful enough but clearly not.

Energize · 17 Jul 2011 at 11:57

That cpu should play 1080p back fine, try using vlc media player.

Chiz · 17 Jul 2011 at 12:05

I second trying VLC.

VLC generally contains all the codecs required to play any level of HD content successfully. Have you tried different videos? try reducing the stress on the CPU next time you play a video to see if that makes a difference. Watch your task manager, and end any unwanted tasks...

Vegeta · 17 Jul 2011 at 12:07

Ok thanks guys will check it out and let you know how I get on.

exia · 17 Jul 2011 at 13:22

If VLC fails, try KMPlayer.

MarkA · 17 Jul 2011 at 14:56

or download and install XBMC.

Mazin!

lsg1r · 17 Jul 2011 at 17:45

How is the hd content getting to the media player? If it's wireless you may need to get a faster connection.

I'd say look at media player classic home cinema personally if you don't have windows 7/vista.

If you have win7/vista make sure you have up to date shark007 codecs. I have a s939 4200+, 4GB ram (2GB+ makes quite a bit of difference with win7/vista) and a hd5450. This can play 1080p fine as long as it is accessing dxva (mines set to ffdshow) so it uses the gpu to help decoding.

Chiz · 17 Jul 2011 at 19:19

Oh, XMBC ***.

Vegeta · 18 Jul 2011 at 17:35

VLC worked but the file has no speaking just background music audio. Weird... Will try KMPlayer now.

Energize · 18 Jul 2011 at 19:19

Sounds like you have the wrong audio setup selected.

Didzi · 18 Jul 2011 at 20:18

Try Splash Player
http://mirillis.com/en/products/splash.html

Senture · 18 Jul 2011 at 21:57

lsg1r said:
How is the hd content getting to the media player? If it's wireless you may need to get a faster connection.

I'd say look at media player classic home cinema personally if you don't have windows 7/vista.

If you have win7/vista make sure you have up to date shark007 codecs. I have a s939 4200+, 4GB ram (2GB+ makes quite a bit of difference with win7/vista) and a hd5450. This can play 1080p fine as long as it is accessing dxva (mines set to ffdshow) so it uses the gpu to help decoding.

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but isn't the requirement to use DXVA for HD content a HD2xxx series or better?

I guess the OP either needs to invest in a slightly more modern GPU, or try a different codec such as CoreAVC. I can remember getting 1080p content to play back on a 2.2Ghz Core2Duo with that