Another Transcoding for HDPVR Thread

[paulbeers]

So I recently made the move and changed the output of my VIP211 to 720P with the hopes of being able to more easily transcode video on the fly for my MVPs; however, it appears that my lowly AMD 4850e proc just can't do it (I was pretty sure that was going to be the case). While I would love to replace all of my MVP's (all 3 of them) with HD200's, that just isn't in the cards. Also I recently borrowed an iPod Touch from a buddy and transcoding videos for the iPod just took too damn long. So I am now considering a processor upgrade.

So what does it take to transcode on the fly 720P h.264 videos? Intel i7's would be great, but I have a hard time justifying that cost. My thoughts were something along the line of the Phenom II or a Core2Quad series. I am leaning more to the Phenom II line simply because my motherboard in my server can handle Phenom II's and therefore I wouldn't have to reinstall everything (since the hard drive controller stays the same). I just need to know how fast to go? Even after the "multi-threading" of the transcoder, it still seemed as though it wasn't using anymore than "1 core's" worth of processing power so is it even worth going to a Quad? Or would I be better off just doing the new Athlon II/Phenom X2 processors?

[autoboy]

By the time you upgrade your PC you could have 3 HD200s.

[Fuzzy]

Agreed that if you are looking at a full PC upgrade, you'd probably be happier going with the HD200's. That said, if you've already got an AM2 board, you should be able to upgrade the processor alone to a faster chip. I'm transcoding dish network H.264 1080 streams to my mpv with my old Socket 939 FX-60 processor, so I's bet the midlevel AM2's should be capable of this. However... transcoding for 3 mvp's at the same time would require a LOT more horsepower.

In the end, if you are using an extender heavy system, the best option is to go with better extenders...

[paulbeers]

But I have other advantages of it, such as transcoding for iPod use, Placeshifter, comskip, my web server, and a few other items. As stated, my board can already be swapped out for Phenom II chips, so really my cost is only 190 for even a Phenom II 940. That is considerably less than 3 HD200's and gives me advantages beyond just the local playback.

My decision is between the AMD Athlon II X2 250 for $79 or the AMD Phenom II 940 for $175. Just all about whether I want 2 or 4 cores.

[gplasky]

Originally Posted by paulbeers

But I have other advantages of it, such as transcoding for iPod use, Placeshifter, comskip, my web server, and a few other items. As stated, my board can already be swapped out for Phenom II chips, so really my cost is only 190 for even a Phenom II 940. That is considerably less than 3 HD200's and gives me advantages beyond just the local playback.

My decision is between the AMD Athlon II X2 250 for $79 or the AMD Phenom II 940 for $175. Just all about whether I want 2 or 4 cores.

If your purpose is transcoding buy the most cores and fastest GHz you can afford to spend. Look for the biggest bang for the buck.

Gerry

[paulbeers]

Originally Posted by gplasky

If your purpose is transcoding buy the most cores and fastest GHz you can afford to spend. Look for the biggest bang for the buck.

Gerry

You make sense there Gerry. I suppose I should just pony up and buy the Phenom II 940.

[gplasky]

Originally Posted by gplasky

If your purpose is transcoding buy the most cores and fastest GHz you can afford to spend. Look for the biggest bang for the buck.

Gerry

Originally Posted by paulbeers

You make sense there Gerry. I suppose I should just pony up and buy the Phenom II 940.

It's not like it will go to waste. Even if you do eventually get all HD200s you'll still transcode for iPods, you're still comskipping, webserving and Placeshifting. It will be better for all of those.

Gerry