Using a hardware decoder for playback

[Kelisi]

I'd like to use GB-PVR on a compact PC that only has VGA out (no TV), and I propose using a Sigma Designs EM8471 hardware MPEG2/4 decoder - has anyone tried this? I've searched the forums but couldn't see any posts on this subject. I'd either use a Video Home TV Champ for capture (as I happen to have one), or if this is unsupported, buy a Hauppauge PVR150 (as this seems to be a popular card to use). I'm basically a hardware engineer, but I have some 'C' programming experience.

[mvallevand]

Sub used to support the Sigma XCard which used EM84xx but he dropped support a long time ago because of bad drivers. I would expect most video cards can now perform better anyway.

This chip is ancient by Sigma standards too, the NMT is 3 generations ahead SMP863x and there is the new SMP864/5xx chip starting to appear on extenders.

Martin

[Kelisi]

Thanks, I didn't realise the Sigma XCard used this chip - the card I have is of Chinese manufacture. I agree that modern video cards are as good (if not better), I have an nVidia card with 'TV out' in my main system but it requires an AGP slot and won't fit in a low power 'mini' PC system - and it takes too much power.