Best setup for client S-video output (without a 350)

[deacom]

I want to set up a client for a bedroom TV, which has S-video inputs only. I have seen several posts indicating that using the PVR-350 will yield the best output quality.

My question is, if that is true, what is the "next best" option hardware wise, for outputting to s-video. I need this setup to output DVD's as well, and want the OSD all the time (beta or not) on the TV.

If I get something like 2.0GHz P4 with a Radeon 9600 using it's TV-out, what decoders/filters will yeild the best result? How close can I get to the 350 output quality? Can I surpass it?

Thanks.

- Deacom

[salsbst]

In my experience with a 9600, either (PowerDVD or NVDVD) with hardware acceleration enabled yield the best pq. Can't compare to the 350's svid out, since I've never seen it in action.

[Cayars]

Don't overlook a simple solution like using a Hauppauge MVP player. The quality output on this is as good/better then the 350 and it supports composite or S-Video out.

Carlo

[salsbst]

Good point, Carlo. If I had to deal with the bedroom TV today I'd probably get an MVP.

Deacom, just keep in mind that it isn't currently a Sage client-capable machine, though there is talk of it becoming one.

For now you can play back your recorded shows by file name from a networked drive, but you can't have the Sage UI. At least that's my understanding.

[Mike Young]

I currently use the svideo out of a 9000 Pro on my Sage Client with the ATI version of the PowerDVD codec and the quality is excellent.
The Radeon 8500 is almost as nice.



mike/

[Deadbolt]

The 9600 makes a nice option because it is DirectX9 compatible.

Sapphire Radeon 9600 Pro 128MB for $139 shipped
Onsale now...see:
http://dealnews.com/articles/62786.html?ses

Deadbolt