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Ok, having tried it now, playing a DVD on PC just doesn't seem to compare at all with the system downstairs.
Admittedly, I'm only running DVD decoder software (PowerDVD 2.55) with now hardware cards, and the speakers are just the bog standard ones I use for gaming, but the experience is just not as awe inspiring as the intense viewing I get downstairs on the Sony Widescreen with the surround sound peeling the paint off my walls.
The clarity isn't that crisp, the flow of the films seem jerky compared to the crystal smoothness I normally get on the proper setup, but not so jerky that the film can't be watched normally.
It's a bit like watching a video really. I'm glad I invested in a DVD player now instead of thinking I could get away with just running DVDs on the PC.
Now, what I'd really like to know is: Has anybody got a PC that produces an experience equivalent to a decent home entertainment system?
If so, what are the specifications and hardware/software requirements?
Admittedly, I'm only running DVD decoder software (PowerDVD 2.55) with now hardware cards, and the speakers are just the bog standard ones I use for gaming, but the experience is just not as awe inspiring as the intense viewing I get downstairs on the Sony Widescreen with the surround sound peeling the paint off my walls.
The clarity isn't that crisp, the flow of the films seem jerky compared to the crystal smoothness I normally get on the proper setup, but not so jerky that the film can't be watched normally.
It's a bit like watching a video really. I'm glad I invested in a DVD player now instead of thinking I could get away with just running DVDs on the PC.
Now, what I'd really like to know is: Has anybody got a PC that produces an experience equivalent to a decent home entertainment system?
If so, what are the specifications and hardware/software requirements?
I've hardly got an impressive computer system
P2 450
128MB Ram
GeForce2 GTS 32MB
Panasonic 16X DVD
Creative DVD Encoder (350?)
Or Entertainment system setup...
21" TV, Cheap DVD player, Video Player, Sky...
Although I notice using the hardware decoder (not software) that the quality or reproduction on the computer is better... I enjoy watching movies on TV more...
Although ... equally I prefer to read books on paper than from a monintor...?
P2 450
128MB Ram
GeForce2 GTS 32MB
Panasonic 16X DVD
Creative DVD Encoder (350?)
Or Entertainment system setup...
21" TV, Cheap DVD player, Video Player, Sky...
Although I notice using the hardware decoder (not software) that the quality or reproduction on the computer is better... I enjoy watching movies on TV more...
Although ... equally I prefer to read books on paper than from a monintor...?
Personally, I haven't got a TV setup that is worth watching a DVD on! My large TV in the living room is so ancient, when we try watching antiques roadshow it thinks we're taking the mickey and turns itself off! My small TV in my room is cheap and nasty, so my PC is by far the best option. With a fairly speedy DVD-drive, and a 17" moniter, nice graphics card and a SoundBlaster Live with full Dolby 5.1 speaker surround sound, it beats my TV anyday!
I too have both set-ups but as my pc is in my bedroom and is optimised so i can watch films in bed i often do so however my pc set-up is not average:
1.2 ghz athlon
256mb133mhz ram
GF2 gts pro(64mb)
SB live5.1
21 inch mitsubishi monitor
Videologic digitheatre dts
Win dvd2000 v2.3(multi channel version)
Now i can tell you this set-up will give most players a run for their money.The 21 inch monitor makes a hell of a difference compared to a 17" screen when it comes to watching movies as the superiority over a t.v screen becomes very apparent.The videologic surround system is exellent and you'd have to spend well over a grand to get this quality in consumer HT.Obviously plenty of memory and a very nice graphics card ensures good picture with no dropped frame rates.And the software is the best imo.
1.2 ghz athlon
256mb133mhz ram
GF2 gts pro(64mb)
SB live5.1
21 inch mitsubishi monitor
Videologic digitheatre dts
Win dvd2000 v2.3(multi channel version)
Now i can tell you this set-up will give most players a run for their money.The 21 inch monitor makes a hell of a difference compared to a 17" screen when it comes to watching movies as the superiority over a t.v screen becomes very apparent.The videologic surround system is exellent and you'd have to spend well over a grand to get this quality in consumer HT.Obviously plenty of memory and a very nice graphics card ensures good picture with no dropped frame rates.And the software is the best imo.
Ok, having tried it now, playing a DVD on PC just doesn't seem to compare at all with the system downstairs.
Admittedly, I'm only running DVD decoder software (PowerDVD 2.55) with now hardware cards, and the speakers are just the bog standard ones I use for gaming, but the experience is just not as awe inspiring as the intense viewing I get downstairs on the Sony Widescreen with the surround sound peeling the paint off my walls.
The clarity isn't that crisp, the flow of the films seem jerky compared to the crystal smoothness I normally get on the proper setup, but not so jerky that the film can't be watched normally.
It's a bit like watching a video really. I'm glad I invested in a DVD player now instead of thinking I could get away with just running DVDs on the PC.
Now, what I'd really like to know is: Has anybody got a PC that produces an experience equivalent to a decent home entertainment system?
If so, what are the specifications and hardware/software requirements?
Admittedly, I'm only running DVD decoder software (PowerDVD 2.55) with now hardware cards, and the speakers are just the bog standard ones I use for gaming, but the experience is just not as awe inspiring as the intense viewing I get downstairs on the Sony Widescreen with the surround sound peeling the paint off my walls.
The clarity isn't that crisp, the flow of the films seem jerky compared to the crystal smoothness I normally get on the proper setup, but not so jerky that the film can't be watched normally.
It's a bit like watching a video really. I'm glad I invested in a DVD player now instead of thinking I could get away with just running DVDs on the PC.
Now, what I'd really like to know is: Has anybody got a PC that produces an experience equivalent to a decent home entertainment system?
If so, what are the specifications and hardware/software requirements?