what can i replace matrox with

[gbr]

i'm still using matrox cards in all my own systems and have probably purchased 15-20 matrox cards for my own use back to the impression cards. i am happily using a p650 pcie128 with no real complaints except.... i am unable to play high definition dvd's (using power dvd) presumably due to insufficient video memory. so for the 1st time, i'm considering changing except for one small problem. is there a video card available with 2 dvi outputs, which allows different resolutions of the 2 monitors, AND allows me to enter a customized resolution like i can with my matrox cards (eg 1366x768). thanks.

[schmosef]

I don't think that your issue is video memory related.

Newer cards from nVidia and ATI have specific acceleration for HD codecs that Matrox cards do not.

The only question I can't answer is the one about custom resolutions. Everything else you asked about is readily available.

[VJ]

Makes me wonder: if there is no hardware acceleration for HD codecs, won't it be done in software?


Jörg

[gbr]

i appreciate your attempt to help. unfortunately the question you couldn't answer is the reason i brought up the issue. i hope someone else can answer it. if i buy another board (presumably ati or nvidia based) can i enter a custom screen screen resolution? thanks.

[schmosef]

I think that the situation now is similar to how it was when DVDs first came out.

The industry was transitioning from Pentium I to Pentium II.

Pentium I cpus were too slow to do a good job of software based MPEG2 playback.

Pentium II cpus (clocked high enough) were able to do an acceptable job of MPEG2 playback.

You used to need special hardware to play DVDs properly and then seemingly overnight you didn't.

I think that the same will be true of these HD standards.

[gbr]

>The only question I can't answer is the one about custom resolutions. Everything else you >asked about is readily available.
_
unfortunately this is the question i really want an answer to. can anyone help?

fwiw i am otherwise extremely happy with my matrox card and can continue using it indefinitely.

_

[schmosef]

I've been thinking about your question and I believe the best way for you to get an answer is to post your question on a forum that specialises in HTPC systems.

That said, I don't have a recommendation for you for such a forum.

Perhaps someone else here can suggest one. Anybody?

[The PIT]

ATI's DVD playback isn't too hot mainly due to there filtering. Hardware acc is also problematic and if the last drivers weren't a blimp the driver support will have taken a step backwards. 1368 works fine under my ATI card but to be honest the res is low for 26 inch screen.