Replacing my video card

[CanadianEh]

Hey guys,

I'm thinking that it's possible that many of my problems I'm experiencing with video output in Sage 2.0 (2.0.15-RC3) may be due to my video card:

Albatron GeForce4 MX440 64MB w/ S-video output

I've been experiencing skipping a frame about once every second or so (very subtle, but noticable when watching sports). When using overlay, I get horrendous ghosting no matter what deinterlacing or decoder I use. Using NVDVD 2.22 or 3.0 and the latest Sonic version shows "static" on the top 1/4 of the screen (white pixelation over the tv show).

I really have no problem replacing the card as a test to resolve this, but I really need suggestions, as if I replace the card, I want it to be as crystal clear as possible.

I have two PVR-250's so a 350 is not an option (I also do not want a monitor next to my home theatre )

I'm not partial to any specific brand.. I just want something that will look as good as possible.. and hopefully affordable heheheh...

Now, the enevitable question: Which one is best? *lol*

[DFranch]

Are you using VMR9 or Overlay? If you are using VMR9 try using Overlay.

[CanadianEh]

I've tried Overlay, but the picture quality is even more unacceptable in that mode. Everything ghosts, fast movement is choppy and as fast movement occurs, there's almost a strobe-like effect in how they move.

[mlbdude]

You are probably seeing interlacing issue. Make sure DXVA is enabled in your decoder (not Sage). Generally Overlay produces a sharper brighter picture as well as smoother. If it is not you probably are doing something wrong .

[CanadianEh]

Heheh.. I'm sure I am doing something wrong.. But, my MX440 should have enough power to produce a decent, non-skipping video stream, right?

[mlbdude]

In Overlay, but probably not VMR9. Think of it as trying to run a full screen video game at a constant 60 fps. As soon as it drops below 60 you get a skip. What resolution are you using?

What decoder are you using? We can at least set you up to work well in Overlay.

[CanadianEh]

I'm running in 640x480 resolution at this point - it seems happier that way. As far as the decoder, I've been using NVDVD 2.22, but installed the 3.0 decoder on it (still haven't found where the settings for it reside). So, it's either *lol*. I also have Sonic, Hauppauge, and Cyberlink decoders installed.

[mlbdude]

When you are watching a show using the decoder bring up the Windows task bar. There should be an nVidia icon in the taskbar notification area. Right click on it and choose properties. If you can get a screen cap of those settings that would help us here.

[CanadianEh]

Hmmm... I think I may have fixed this on my own for both Overlay and VMR9. Checking "Enhanced NVIDIA nView support (VMR)" seems to have fixed it along with uninstalling NVDVD 3.0 and reinstalling NVDVD 2.22.

I do still see a bit of the white static on the top black borders of 16x9 stuff (such as music videos) in VMR 9. I haven't had a chance to check and see if the Overlay mode fixes this.

I did remember why I wasn't using Overlay - when changing video sources, the screen would resize and shrink down to the center of the screen. So far tonight, this hasn't occured, but than again, I haven't really played with it that much.


Anyway, here is a screenshot in case someone has some suggestions on how to improve on the picture quality I'm currently getting.

[mlbdude]

One tip, go to nVidias site and get the update for NVDVD 2.x. I think it updates to 2.55.