ATI 2600 Pro (HDMI Features not supported)?

[m1abrams]

So I just received my 2600 Pro in the mail. It is the AGP version and I noticed on the box it says "AGP version HDMI features not supported".

What exactly does this mean? I currently connect my 9600XT to my Samsung TV via DVI-HDMI cable. Will I not be able to do this with this card? Or does it simple mean that it does not support the Audio over HDMI? Also will this affect my ability to later use it with HDCP content?

If the statement is just referring to audio portion that is a non issue.

Edit: and yes I know I should have researched this before buying it, however the AGP version being less popularly it is harder to find info on it.

[m1abrams]

Ok after reading the Sapphire page on the AGP card versus the PCIe version. It looks like the only thing it does not support is the HD audio over HDMI. It does read that it support HDCP over DVI and supports Bluray and HD DVD.

I am correct in assuming that if I wanted support for TrueHD audio that I could do it via a sound card and output via analog to a receiver correct? Probably would not bother with this since that is a cable nightmare and doubt I could notice the quality difference between TrueHD and DD or DTS.

[m1abrams]

In my research I came across this:
http://support.ati.com/ics/support/d...estionID=29894

Symptoms:
On AGP versions of the above mentioned graphics cards the Hardware Acceleration does not get enabled. High CPU usage, stuttering HD playback or even system crash are expected behaviours, although DXVA (DirectX Video Acceleration) is enabled by the application.

Solution:
Currently there is no solution.

----------
Um - is this really true and how the HELL can Sapphire and AMD get away advertising a feature that currently is not working? I am about to be very upset if I find out this is still a problem because Newegg will charge me money for this crap.

[HawgGuy]

As long as you don't need the audio over HDMI I'll bet you'll be fine.

[stanger89]

Might want to look into one of the two huge 2x00 threads on AVS, there's a lot of info about hardware accelleration and getting it working (and not).

[Ender]

I have a Visiontek 2600 Pro AGP, and insofar as I can tell hardware acceleration works. With standard DVD's and SD tv i get about 4% CPU usage. With HD DVD's (VC-1, and AVC encoding) it am in the 20's for CPU usage.

I have it attached via DVI to my HDTV and HDCP does work. I don't worry about the HDMI audio.

[m1abrams]

Thanks, it is looking like it is just a matter of driver issue. It also appears that with the AGP versions you MUST use the manufacturer driver right now.

I will see how this card works this weekend, I am not allowed to touch the HTPC during the week due to it might interfere with recording shows

[kevine]

There is a big thread in AVS http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=710828 that lists recommended hardware for building your own HTPC. The 2600 is mentioned there and it says this about HDMI audio.

"Unfortunately HDMI audio has not been realized yet in the PC world and we are still confined to S/PDIF. As a matter of facts, every HDMI video card simply passes S/PDIF signals from a sound card or onboard audio codec over the HDMI connector. Thus there is no real advantage of the current HDMI solution over the existing DVI + S/PDIF solution. Recent IGPs (ATI Radeon Xpress 1250 for Intel and AMD 690G) are no exception. Right now the only way to take the full-rate lossless multichannel sounds from the PC is use analog outputs."

[m1abrams]

Thanks kevine,

Noticed your 2600 Pro is "fanless", what kit did you use for the fanless? Might have to make mine fanless too if the noise is too much. Or did you get the MSI one that comes fanless?

[kevine]

Originally Posted by m1abrams

Thanks kevine,

Noticed your 2600 Pro is "fanless", what kit did you use for the fanless? Might have to make mine fanless too if the noise is too much. Or did you get the MSI one that comes fanless?

Came fanless.

[jlzhisname]

What are your system specs if you dont mind me asking?

Originally Posted by Ender

I have a Visiontek 2600 Pro AGP, and insofar as I can tell hardware acceleration works. With standard DVD's and SD tv i get about 4% CPU usage. With HD DVD's (VC-1, and AVC encoding) it am in the 20's for CPU usage.

I have it attached via DVI to my HDTV and HDCP does work. I don't worry about the HDMI audio.