Thought I would give an update as to how I got on...
I obtained a PCI graphics card with 128MB RAM - an Nvidia GeForce FX 5200. I guess the extra memory is the main difference between it and my previous AGP card - the GeForce4 MX 440 with 64MB RAM?
The fan is a bit noisy for about two seconds when you first turn on the PC, so the owner (corporate) got it replaced. Apart from that it's as good as new - well .. as good as IT was when it was new
Config is:
UI: GBPVR (old UI)
Renderer: VMR7 (tried the others)
MPEG2 Playback: Video, Audio and audio renderer - All Cyberlink
Multiplexer: MainConcept.
I am happy to be able to say that things are now working almost perfectly!
I can use the internet while recording (although youtube is a bit much to ask). If I use the internet while playing back, the sound and pic gets a little out of sync, but tends to jump back in sync.
Most importantly to me, I can now watch something recorded previously while recording something else and I can timeshift. The wife and I use these features all the time - no more ads! Also I no longer have to do this kind of thing using VLC for playback, I can use GBPVR .. just go to the recording and hit 'play'.
I still see the odd bit of jumpiness while playing back which is a bit frustrating, it can last for a few seconds and then be perfect, or it can last most of the program. I need to check out what else is running on my PC at the time, make sure only the minimum apps are on the startup list etc, I'm aware there's alot of crap on here, so I'm not too concered about it at this point. I just remind myself how it used to be and I feel better.
I also set up the remote control finally, figured out how it works in Windows (well, enough to get by) and can turn GBPVR on and off, kill it and restart it if it happens to crash (only really happens if i try and use live TV), and I can give GBPVR focus back in Windows if it lost it for any reason causing the remote to stop working etc etc.
I'm wondering if I'm on the verge of the 'perfect' set up (for what I want) and really just need to invest in a better video card. HOWEVER, a friend has loaned me (with the possibility of buying) an Albatron PX915P Pro m/b inc 2GB RAM, which has a PCI-e graphics slot, so if I spend money on a video card it will probably be for this. I picked up a processor for it (P4 socket 775 - seems to be hard to find these days) for $70 off trademe (wasn't packed all that well when it arrived, so am yet to see if it works :eek: ) as well as a fan and a few bits and pieces. When I have it all together I'll get to work building a fresh system with the latest release of GBPVR (1.2.13), which sounds like it's working pretty sweetly, reading the comments about it.
I'll put my PCI graphics card in there and see how it goes. I should be able to get hold of a PCI-e card to try out as well. I think I really do need to get into a dual core, which this loaned m/b doesn't support, but this is a start and I'll be able to re-use a PCI-e graphics card if I buy one.
Just want to thank the people who took time to help out, making suggestions and comments etc.
I'll post back to say how it all went.
Cheers
I obtained a PCI graphics card with 128MB RAM - an Nvidia GeForce FX 5200. I guess the extra memory is the main difference between it and my previous AGP card - the GeForce4 MX 440 with 64MB RAM?
The fan is a bit noisy for about two seconds when you first turn on the PC, so the owner (corporate) got it replaced. Apart from that it's as good as new - well .. as good as IT was when it was new
Config is:
UI: GBPVR (old UI)
Renderer: VMR7 (tried the others)
MPEG2 Playback: Video, Audio and audio renderer - All Cyberlink
Multiplexer: MainConcept.
I am happy to be able to say that things are now working almost perfectly!
I can use the internet while recording (although youtube is a bit much to ask). If I use the internet while playing back, the sound and pic gets a little out of sync, but tends to jump back in sync.
Most importantly to me, I can now watch something recorded previously while recording something else and I can timeshift. The wife and I use these features all the time - no more ads! Also I no longer have to do this kind of thing using VLC for playback, I can use GBPVR .. just go to the recording and hit 'play'.
I still see the odd bit of jumpiness while playing back which is a bit frustrating, it can last for a few seconds and then be perfect, or it can last most of the program. I need to check out what else is running on my PC at the time, make sure only the minimum apps are on the startup list etc, I'm aware there's alot of crap on here, so I'm not too concered about it at this point. I just remind myself how it used to be and I feel better.
I also set up the remote control finally, figured out how it works in Windows (well, enough to get by) and can turn GBPVR on and off, kill it and restart it if it happens to crash (only really happens if i try and use live TV), and I can give GBPVR focus back in Windows if it lost it for any reason causing the remote to stop working etc etc.
I'm wondering if I'm on the verge of the 'perfect' set up (for what I want) and really just need to invest in a better video card. HOWEVER, a friend has loaned me (with the possibility of buying) an Albatron PX915P Pro m/b inc 2GB RAM, which has a PCI-e graphics slot, so if I spend money on a video card it will probably be for this. I picked up a processor for it (P4 socket 775 - seems to be hard to find these days) for $70 off trademe (wasn't packed all that well when it arrived, so am yet to see if it works :eek: ) as well as a fan and a few bits and pieces. When I have it all together I'll get to work building a fresh system with the latest release of GBPVR (1.2.13), which sounds like it's working pretty sweetly, reading the comments about it.
I'll put my PCI graphics card in there and see how it goes. I should be able to get hold of a PCI-e card to try out as well. I think I really do need to get into a dual core, which this loaned m/b doesn't support, but this is a start and I'll be able to re-use a PCI-e graphics card if I buy one.
Just want to thank the people who took time to help out, making suggestions and comments etc.
I'll post back to say how it all went.
Cheers