Dumb Question Time---DVD and Win2K and G400Max

[EchoWars]

Forgive me, but searching the forums for these issues results in a Sh*%load of results to plow through, and I still did not get the answers I was looking for. I have just put together a new system for the household, and I am running Win2K for the first time :-/

Is the DVD player that is packaged with the Max usable in Win2K? I assume not, since ir seems that all those running W2K are discussing some other player. Anyone got a definate answer? Won't have DVD player for a few days yet...

Is there a version of the W2K drivers that allow trashing Macrovision like the W9x rev drivers of a few months ago? This is a biggie for me...Help??!!

Lastly...is there a site (besides M$) that has good ifo for W2K beginners like me?

Thanks ya'all!!


[This message has been edited by EchoWars (edited 09 November 2000).]

[Bixler]

EchoWars:

The Bundled DVD Software is NOT compatible with W2K. This has been a huge headache for Matrox Tech support for MONTHS now, and a global solution that will get a full fix for everyone is coming Very Soon. (trust me!)

In the meantime, I'd suggest that you download a trial version of Cinemaster2000 from www.digital-digest.com, since this will be the bundle that Matrox is working on. That way you've got a clear conscience about pirated software.

The macrovision implementation is not a matter of the DVD player but is a feature of the particular version driver that you use...this is a sticky little problem that I can't help you with. You might want to check on that same website for some possible solutions using DVD Genie...but I just don't know since I haven't ever tried to defeat Macrovision.

Keep in mind that G4x's have NO hardware DVD decoding of ANY kind (not even 'assist'), which means that ANY DVD Software solution will work equally as well as any other G400-wise. They all have different display characteristics and features...but you have no limitation as to which software package to use. Any W2K software DVD Decoder will work with a G400.

[EchoWars]

I'm fully aware of the Macrovision work-around being dependant on the driver version, that's why I asked which one...Anyone know?

I personally like the bundled DVD player in Win98...hope it can be made workable in Win2K.

[Chucky Cheese]

EchoWars,

i just purchased PowerDVD 3.0. it works good in win2k...as long as i don't drop it on the "second head" portion of my desktop. then i get no video, but i do get sound. my primary display is a panasonic 21"(.25 dot) and my second display is a 17" flat panel display(.264 dot)..with a combined resolution of 2560 x 1024.

this is clearly a bug in the 5.14 driver because i am able to do it with the 5.03 driver. i reported it to matrox and then re-installed the 5.14 drivers because i don't really do alot with DVDs'.

i don't know anything about that macrovision thing.

i would recommend getting the win2k resource kit...its' kind of pricey but is a good reference book.

cc

[EchoWars]

Thanks guys! As far as Macrovision, might ask the same question in the Vid forum.

Guess I should go price that resource kit...

[DosFreak]

Get PowerDVD for your DVDPlayer.
Go to www.ntcompatible.com or www.arstechnica.com 's forums for EXCELLENT NT info.

[Brian R.]

I have had trouble with PowerDVD in W2K. I am able to use WinDVD without problem.