Why use Matrox DVD?

[Top_Cat]

Hello

Just a question, why should I use the matrox DVD player other the PowerDVD player?
Will I get better DVD payback with the matrox one? does it use the hardware better??

or is it just that it is free that people use it? I have always used PowerDVd before and prefer it so that it why I am asking

Thanks

Top Cat

[Spire]

The Matrox (Cinemaster) DVD Player is faster than PowerDVD, so it will skip and stutter less on slower systems (or with tasks running in the backround).

On the other hand, PowerDVD has (IMO) a better interface, and has better sound. For example, it supports true quadraphonic four-speaker output on the Sound Blaster Live!.

My suggestion is to try both. After all, the Matrox DVD Player comes free with the G400, and you can always download a free trial version of PowerDVD. I actually have both players installed, and choose one over the other depending on what I'm watching, and what I'm running in the background.

[fds]

You shouldn't. It's an old Cinemaster 98 engine.

I would recommend either PowerDVD 2.55, WinDVD 2000 or a new Cinemaster engine.

All three are bundled with a bunch of hardware but they are of course readily available on the net, illegally though.

The Cinemaster engine supports SPDIF output on the SB Live! the same way PowerDVD does, so I don't think there is a difference in sound quality.

------------------
primary sys: ASUS P2B-DS, Dual P3-500, 512 MB RAM, SB Live! Platinum, Pioneer DVD-303, Yamaha 6416S, Cambridge SoundWorks DeskTop Theater 5.1 DTT2500 Digital, and of course a Matrox G400 MAX
secondary sys: Abit BE6, P3-500, 384 MB, SB Live! Value, Pioneer DVD-303, and of course a Matrox G400 OEM SH 32 MB

[absalom]

Actually, there is very little difference between the '99 and 98 version of the cinemaster engine. And the '99 and '98 players are almost identical. But what's surprising to me is the matrox DVD player uses 50% less cpu, in most cases, than any cinemaster player/engine combo (about 30-45% cpu consumption on a celeron @464). But in all cases with cinemaster players/engines, my cpu is fast enough to playback video at its full framerate. I am also using a g400.

You can also safely use an updated cinemaster engine with the matrox dvd player. That is what I'm currently using. You'll have to weigh the morality issue, since it is considered illegal to get these engines without paying for them. The cinemaster players themselves aren't illegal to get, but the engines are. Also, I recommend getting dvdgenie to tweak out your cinemaster engine. You can get it here:

http://www.inmatrix.com/genie


[This message has been edited by absalom (edited 11 February 2000).]

[Spire]

fds,

I wasn't talking about SPDIF output on the Sound Blaster Live!; I was talking about direct four-speaker output through the Live!'s analog line-out connectors.

As far as I'm aware, PowerDVD is the only DVD player that has this feature. Cinemaster's analog output is strictly stereo.

I will echo absalom's sentiment that there is no real advantage to upgrading the Cinemaster engine. I also agree with you that PowerDVD 2.55 and WinDVD 2000 are excellent players, albeit rather CPU-hungry.

[Kruzin]

I have to disagree that cinemaster is stricly stereo. If the DVD supports it, I am able to get dolby surround from my Live!, and it is very distinctive what is coming from the rear channels, and what is from the front (using the Live!'s analog outputs).

I have my Live! outputing to 4 PC speakers, and my TV is split off of the front output. I can definatley tell the difference from when I select stereo to when I select Dolby...