Should I let my TV upconvert resolution?

[blade]

Originally Posted by Rogue9

I don't remember if that option is available in the Normal STV or not. But I believe Nilem has an AR STV import utility that will allow you to do the same thing if your STV does not have the option of editing the zoom amount for each AR. You can also set it to select a specific AR for each channel, so that all shows on that channel will auto switch to a certain AR. Look for it in the customizations forum.

The default STV has all of the AR functions. All the import does is automatically switch between aspect ratios. It doesn't add anything else to the AR settings.

[roxy99]

Originally Posted by stanger89

"Default" in Sage is the "Preferred" decoder, Deccheck should tell you that. Of course given what you list you don't have any "good" decoders. You might want to try nVidia or Dscaler 5+Dscaler Deinterlacing (if Sage lets you do that).

Well something is screwed up in the setup then. Deccheck has the Cyberlink as preferred yet Cyperlink AND 'Default' are both options in SageTv Mpeg2 setup.

If what you're saying is true, then SageTV on my system has two selections that are one in the same:
Option 1: Default = preferred = Cyberlink decoder
Option 2: Cyberlink decoder

However, when I use The option 2 Cyberlink decoder I get jumpyness and back jerky video playback.

Option 1: Default is quite smooth and really decent actually even with 'Cyberlink' as preferred (default)

I went ahead and installed the Nvidia Purevideo and set it as the preferred. Then in Sage I selected Nvidia. Again, Jerky video. Somehow the driver is not operating properly under Sage for me.

Maybe all I need is to select Default in Sage while Nvidia is set to be preferred. In this case Mpeg2 codec should always be set as default in order to work property. IE- I should set my Windows XP default ('preferred') codec and always leave SageTV mpreg2 codec in the default setting.

[roxy99]

Originally Posted by Rogue9

Definately give the NVidia PureVideo Decoders a try. Thats what I'm using and I am very impressed. I use them for SDTV, HDTV, and DVD playback, and I'm very pleased with the results.

I'm not sure if they still offer it or not, but there used to be a trial version for the decoders at NVidia's site. If its still there, its definately worth a look.

Rogue,
Problem is the site won't let me buy it. I'll try it for 30 days but then won't be able to buy it.

Cyberlink mpeg2 (part of powerDVD) as default does a good job as well. I'll see which one works best on my system, but if I end up preferring Purevideo, the Nvidia site will not let me but it. Somehow my province, Quebec (I'm Canadian) is not listed in the dropdown box for State/province so my credit card billing info doesn't validate properly.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by roxy99

Well something is screwed up in the setup then. Deccheck has the Cyberlink as preferred yet Cyperlink AND 'Default' are both options in SageTv Mpeg2 setup.

That's right. Default just means use the system default (preferred) decoder, ie Directshow decides what decoder to use. Sage also provides a list of available decoders, so you can choose the one you want explicitly.

If what you're saying is true, then SageTV on my system has two selections that are one in the same:
Option 1: Default = preferred = Cyberlink decoder
Option 2: Cyberlink decoder

Apparently, yes.

However, when I use The option 2 Cyberlink decoder I get jumpyness and back jerky video playback.

It's possible, that for some reason Directshow is using a different one. In that case you can drop a Sage MPG in Windows Media Player and look at the File->Properties to see what decoder is in use.

[roxy99]

Strange,
Thanks for your help. I really want to get this Nvidia codec working. Is there any free no-frills non-time limited version of their mpeg2 codec? Nividia's website doesn't list my province to be able to buy it. No I am not looking for a freebe just to be cheap, I really can't buy it. You'll see, my province Quebec is not selectable for my credit card info.

I'll try the 30day trial anyway. If direct show is screwed up then I'll use the alternate selection mode by setting preferred in windows.

[stanger89]

There should be a trial, but no there's not a free version (it's pretty "no-frills" as it is.

Sonic's DVD decoders are pretty good, and support DXVA. You could download a trial of Cineplayer and give them a try.

Have you figured out what decoders are actually used when you pick "Default"?

[roxy99]

Originally Posted by stanger89

There should be a trial, but no there's not a free version (it's pretty "no-frills" as it is.

Sonic's DVD decoders are pretty good, and support DXVA. You could download a trial of Cineplayer and give them a try.

Have you figured out what decoders are actually used when you pick "Default"?

Its only a deduction but I would guess Default = preferred which in my case is Cyberlink.
The windows mpeg detection tool lists Cyberlink and a couple of Nero codecs. The only codec with a green checkmark in windows Deccheck is Cyberlink.

Wether its Cyberlink or not, maybe the brute force of my CPU is enough to handle any codec shortfall. Whats odd is anything other thatn 'Default' is jerky- Even direct selection of the Cyberlink mpreg is jerky. Anyway Cyberlink maybe is pretty decent.

It seems to be doing good job on Default so maybe I'll leave it as is. I am learning setting up an HTPC is a very fragile operation with many variables to contend with. Once you have a working formula, its best to leave it alone.

On second thought, maybe default is still a mystery because playing back an mpeg2 on PowerDVD looks so much righer and colors more intense. The same mpeg played on SageTV using 'default' looks very good as well but not as spectacular.
I'll try windows media player and see which codec windows is using in media player. It still doesn't answer the SageTV mystery over what is default.

FWIW, PowerDVD uses a color enhancement technology 'CLEV' which works nicely on my RPTV. SageTv, even if using the Cyberlink decoder, is not taking advantage somehow of all the PowerDVD decoder functions. (CLEV not working)

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by roxy99

Its only a deduction but I would guess Default = preferred which in my case is Cyberlink.
The windows mpeg detection tool lists Cyberlink and a couple of Nero codecs. The only codec with a green checkmark in windows Deccheck is Cyberlink.

It should be, but technically, "Default" just leaves codec selection up to DirectShow, and DShow will use whatever it uses. Which should be the codec with highest merit (ie "Preferred"), but if for some (unknown) reason it can't get that filter to connect it will pick another...

Wether its Cyberlink or not, maybe the brute force of my CPU is enough to handle any codec shortfall. Whats odd is anything other thatn 'Default' is jerky- Even direct selection of the Cyberlink mpreg is jerky. Anyway Cyberlink maybe is pretty decent.

Have you tried the play-a-file-in-wmp trick to see what decoder directshow is actually choosing?

It seems to be doing good job on Default so maybe I'll leave it as is. I am learning setting up an HTPC is a very fragile operation with many variables to contend with. Once you have a working formula, its best to leave it alone.

Yup, and if you're happy with it...

On second thought, maybe default is still a mystery because playing back an mpeg2 on PowerDVD looks so much righer and colors more intense. The same mpeg played on SageTV using 'default' looks very good as well but not as spectacular.
I'll try windows media player and see which codec windows is using in media player. It still doesn't answer the SageTV mystery over what is default.

I've been trying to explain that, it's not a "SageTV mystery", if it's a mystery it's a DirectShow mystery. When you pick "Default" you take Sage completely out of the codec decision process and leave it to DirectShow (the underlying Windows media framework).

FWIW, PowerDVD uses a color enhancement technology 'CLEV' which works nicely on my RPTV. SageTv, even if using the Cyberlink decoder, is not taking advantage somehow of all the PowerDVD decoder functions. (CLEV not working)

You'll find that PowerDVD is one of those bastard products that doesn't use it's own filters. PowerDVD and WinDVD both install directshow filters for 3rd party apps (eg SageTV) to use. However neither program actually uses those filters for internal playback. For Sage, you'll have to go into the decoder properties and enable the features you want.

[roxy99]

'decoder properties and enable the features you want'

Ok we're getting somewhere now. Where do I get the decoder properties to enable those fancy filters?

[stanger89]

For PowerDVD? Try radlight filter manager. Find the PowerDVD (or Cyberlink) Video Decoder in the list.

[heffe2001]

You may also want to look at upgrading your Geforce Ti4200 to a newer Nvidia card that has better support for Purevideo.

[Goodspike]

I just read this thread because the title gave me an idea. Wanted to see what you all think.

I have an Athlon 64 3.0 with a 6600GT running into a 1080i display at 1776x1000. I'm using the NVidia Purevideo codec and NVidia drivers which are probably about 8 months old. I have two problems, and was wondering if setting the computer to display at 720 and having the TV convert to 1080imight help.

1. Tearing.

2. On some HD sports (I think it's 720 programming, but it might be 1080i programming--I don't remember for certain) the playback is jerky. I don't notice it on any other programming. I've tried a number of solutions, but none has worked. My current plan was just to upgrade the Nvidia software prior to football season starting.

Anyway, so basically the question is, would having the computer output at 720p be easier for the video system of the computer? With my MyHD card I haven't noticed a big difference having the card convert 720 to 1080i, compared to having the TV convert it, so I'm not concerned about theoretical differences in quality.

[blade]

Originally Posted by Goodspike

I have an Athlon 64 3.0 with a 6600GT running into a 1080i display at 1776x1000. I'm using the NVidia Purevideo codec and NVidia drivers which are probably about 8 months old. I have two problems, and was wondering if setting the computer to display at 720 and having the TV convert to 1080imight help.

1. Tearing.

In my experience, 720p is much easier for the 6600GT to handle than 1080i. I have a 6600GT and an XP-3200 and I don't have tearing at 720p but 1080i is unwatchable without FSE. I don't really understand the technical reasons why. I've run 720p at its full resolution and underscanned 1080i as much as the Nvidia drivers would allow and the card still chokes just as bad at 1080i. I've always been curious as to what the technical explanation is. Mine is upscaled SDTV though so I don't know, but I would assume it might still help with HD playback.

Are you using FSE and still getting tearing?

[roxy99]

Originally Posted by heffe2001

You may also want to look at upgrading your Geforce Ti4200 to a newer Nvidia card that has better support for Purevideo.

Probably a proper DX 9 card and PureVideo would solve my problem and be more efficient on my system. But right now, my system to be doing great using whatever is 'default'. I can tell my system running at it limits and my CPU (XP 3200) is really getting a workout at 60-70% utilization when recordeing and playing back at the same time.
I agree that the Ti4200 is quite a dated video card these days. I am not using HD input so I don't need 1080 resolution.

At this point its more of a curiosity as to what my system is setting as default mpeg2 driver. I am 90% sure it has to be the Cyberlink's because before I installed PowerDVD, I could'nt even play DVDs. Windows Codec checking utility also list a couple of Nero codecs, not sure what that is all about.

As for Radlight filter manager, I am leary of any 'Registry hacking' applications. Windows xp is very fragile when it comes to DirectX acceleration and hardware. I could just as easily make things worse before better if I try that.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by Goodspike

I just read this thread because the title gave me an idea. Wanted to see what you all think.

I have an Athlon 64 3.0 with a 6600GT running into a 1080i display at 1776x1000. I'm using the NVidia Purevideo codec and NVidia drivers which are probably about 8 months old. I have two problems, and was wondering if setting the computer to display at 720 and having the TV convert to 1080imight help.

1. Tearing.

2. On some HD sports (I think it's 720 programming, but it might be 1080i programming--I don't remember for certain) the playback is jerky. I don't notice it on any other programming. I've tried a number of solutions, but none has worked. My current plan was just to upgrade the Nvidia software prior to football season starting.

Anyway, so basically the question is, would having the computer output at 720p be easier for the video system of the computer? With my MyHD card I haven't noticed a big difference having the card convert 720 to 1080i, compared to having the TV convert it, so I'm not concerned about theoretical differences in quality.

Give Fullscreen Exclusive mode a try, your 6600GT should be fine with 1080i and FSE VMR9.

[Goodspike]

FSE is too unreliable, and in fact I'm not really certain it takes effect. Sometimes I can switch to it, and it's seemingly working, but other times (especially from a fresh boot) I'll get an error message when starting to watch video. It's very frequent, so I don't use it (although I should try the new version because this seems to vary by version of Sage).

The tearing isn't terrible. The jerky playback of football games, however, is unbearable.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by Goodspike

FSE is too unreliable

FSE has limitations, and is unreliable for some, for others (me) it works great. You're out nothing by trying it. At worst it won't be reliable, but it may solve your tearing stuttering issues.

[blade]

FSE works for me as long as I launch Sage fullscreen and don't go into windowed mode and back to fullscreen.

[roxy99]

Originally Posted by blade

FSE works for me as long as I launch Sage fullscreen and don't go into windowed mode and back to fullscreen.

Same here. However FSE doesn't solve my stuttering problems with the other Mpeg2 modes. So far only 'default' mpeg decoder works flawlessly. I am itching to upgrade to v5 but I think I'll wait a bit. I am using the last beta in version 4 anyway.