Hardware Decoder Device ?

[Orbital]

While looking in the GB-PVR Configuration app. I noticed that I had choosen
" None - Use Software Decoder " under the Playback Tab. I have a SAPPHIRE
Theater 550 PRO, should I change this setting? Everything works fine but
live tv is a little blurry.

[jksmurf]

An oft-asked question and a good one.

The short answer is no. That option was for (originally) cards like the Sigmadesigns X-Card and the Hauppauge 350 (both of which later turned out to be rather problematic in GBPVR) and both of which have hardware DECODER's on board.

Your ATI550 card has a hardware ENcoder, which means it takes an Analog Stream and ENcodes it to a digital format (Digital streams are not ENcoded as they are already ... digital).

But to play the stream back, you need a DEcoder, and this is all done by software decoders, like NVIDEO Purevideo, Cyberlink etc.

I'd venture to say 99% of users do NOT use a H/W Decoder, so you're in good company . A rather crude explanation, but I hope that helps.

k.

[Orbital]

Thank you jksmurf, that helps out a great deal. I'm new to TV cards and am glad to be part of this board for I am learning a great deal from you guys.

Thanks again.....