Hardware DVD player vs HTPC software DVD player

[jam_zhou]

Hi All,

we've discovered that our library stocks a good set of DVDs. We just reserve them online and a steady stream come in weekly and it's been great. Lately however, we've been getting a slew of DVDs that we can't seem to play on our HTPC setup (plays half way then breaks up or freezes). I think this is due to scratches. I was wondering if getting a stand alone DVD player would up our chances of being able to view these movies. I don't really want to buy a stand alone player but if it means being able to watch these movies we'll invest in one.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jam.z

[Deusxmachina]

I've never seen a standalone play a scratched disc better than an average PC drive can, but it all mostly depends on the quality of the drive in the PC and standalone. You can bet a cheapie standalone probably won't be any better for certain.

I'd probably look into ripping the DVD to your hard drive to then watch it off of there since the drive and PC can take all the time they need to try to read the scratched areas. Be sure to then delete the file off your drive when it's time to bring the DVD back....

[fender]

Be sure to then delete the file off your drive when it's time to bring the DVD back....

He doesn't technically *have* to since he's in Canada and for a little bit longer we still have fair use

[elbryyan]

I would have to say that if the freezing was indeed due to scratches then a stand alone player would probably not be any better than a PC DVD drive.