HW Configuration for GBPVR?

[PMF]

Hi

I have still huge problems with my Albatron FX5200 video card.
Please see following threads:

http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php?t=10668
http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php?t=11230

Status right now is:

Very often the PVR350 will not start (code 10). On the net I have found out that the TV-out on the PVR350 and the Albatron FX5200 are conflicting.
This seems to be true, as the PVR350 starts if I disable the FX5200 driver.
However, it is possible to have the FX5200 driver running if the resolution on the TV-out is not higher than 640X480 and the HW acceleration is set to none.

As it is now I see two ways to solve the problem:

1 - To disable the TV-out on the PVR350. Does someone know how to do that?
2 - Buy a new video card. tompa recommended me a 6600GT. Is that the right one for GBPVR?

I am willing to make changes in my HW configuration to giver GBPVR the prefect conditions. Only the PVR350 I would be sorry to skip - as it was an expensive part.

Which HW configuration would be perfect for GBPVR?

[stu8080]

switching to 'software decoder' in the config app will turn off the 350 out in answer to Q1.
Its a shame because the 350 does not work well with Via chipsets and so TV-out through a video card will allow more features in GBPVR (.avi output, live TV etc). A 6600GT would be an expensive option if you were only after TV-out rather than games?

[PMF]

switching to 'software decoder' in the config app will turn off the 350 out in answer to Q1.

I already use sw decoder. What I was thinking about was to disable the TV-out in the reg database somehow.

Its a shame because the 350 does not work well with Via chipsets and so TV-out through a video card will allow more features in GBPVR (.avi output, live TV etc).

That’s new for me that PVR350 and VIA chipset doesn't work well together.
Do you think the VIA chipset is coursing the problems?
Fortunately the Asrock motherboard is very cheep - so I don't mind to replace it. Which motherboard should I buy?

A 6600GT would be an expensive option if you were only after TV-out rather than games?

On this PC is the TV-out is most important. Gaming is not relevant.
Honestly I was a bit scared by the 6600GT prices.
Which video card has a good video out and doesn’t make problems?

[stu8080]

Someone more qualified than me would have to answer the first one, but the impression i get from sub is that turning to sw decoder is all you need to do to disable the TV-out.
I dont think the graphics card is too much of an issue for just TV-out, I searched for the same thing and didnt see any being commented on for giving better/worse TV-out, i use a Ati 9200SE because it is dirt cheap and has a passive cooler to cut down noise.
with my 350 and Via mobo i cant use live TV as it freezes after i change channels, something that cant be cured easily and i know sub has stopped developing for the 350 because of its limitations, ie no avi support, visualisations, dvd support etc... when i get a better proc/mobo i will ditch the 350 tv-out too

[PMF]

Thanks for the answer stu8080.

I don't know how to get on with this. I thought that the PVR 350 was the best capture card for GBPVR. Now it seems like a bad choice.

I wonder if someone has built a good GPPVR computer which I could copy.

[stu8080]

the PVR-350 is by no means a bad choice because you get no processor usage when watching recordings, you get flawless TV-out and you get the built in remote control, but it does have its drawbacks. Try a friends old video card, even a GeForce2 MX440 will do and they cost barely a tenner now to see if the conflicts go away.

[PMF]

Hi again

On the way home I bought an ATI Radeon 9250, which I just have installed (can be delivered back). The problem is the same as with the FX5200. I have to uninstall the grafic driver, and set the accelration to none, before the PVR350 starts. Otherwise i get the code 10 (cannot start). I think this is pointing in direction of the PVR350/VIA conflict that you pointed out. The question is now if I should repalce my mobo and which one should it be. My CPU is a socket A chip.

By the way - the quality of TV picture is better withe the ATI card.

[stu8080]

just been looking at this myself as i intend to upgrade to an nforce2 mobo and fit an athlon XP 2500+ Barton to give my system a bit more poke.

Found this that looks ideal and can be picked up on e-bay for a few quid:

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/..._uid=73806

gives tons of features and should work better with my 350 i hope!

[PMF]

My mobo is an Asrock K7VT4A. It seems that this mobo is giving a lot of 'code 10' problems (not only PVR 350). I have surfed a little around and found hundres of posts regarding 'code 10' problems related to this mobo.

In Denmark I can buy this mobo: MSI K7N2 Delta2 Platinum. It seems to be equal to the one you found.
The feedback for the users is 5 out of 5 stars - they are excited.
In DK i can get it for 67 EUR (deliverd)

[ddrawley]

I have built many systems over the years. I am in IT full time.
I have had good luck with MSI, Gigabyte and Asus motherboards.
I have had good success with Intel and Nvidia chipsets on motherboards. The other chipsets have caused too much grief over the years.