I have near similar setup as you TangoNZ. I use a different codec though (ArcSoft total media theatre trial) and use DVB Viewer as I had issues with Media Portal RC1. All channels display fine and with low cpu usage. Only issue is sometimes swtiching between channels I lose the picture but the sound continues. I would then just have to go forward and back again to get the picture. Last week though Windows Vista downloaded an update and as soon as I launch dvb viewer it blue screens. Haven't had a chance to remove this yet.
Catalyst 8.7 and XP aren't playing well together. I'm back with 8.5 and have got MediaPortal RC2 running. Still using CoreAVC for h.264 but the SD stuff (C4, TVNZ6 etc.) were green and blocky. After messing about a bit including a clean install of RC2 (so I had to rescan my channels) all work but using an ArcSoft codec for MPEG2, not the default MPV Decoder...!
Next job (after the storm blows over and no-one is using the TV), is to try PowerDSVD8 to see if I can get hardware decoding.
Just an update for anyone with a 780G MB (3200HD). Everything seems to finally be working well. I have installed MediaPortal RC2 and am using the Powerdvd codec for h.264 and the latest 8.7 ATi drivers. I have interlacing set to best. All channels work great, even switching between channels (used to result in no picture in DVB Viewer occasionally, and was even worse in MediaPortal RC1). Just in time for the Olympics aswell. The quality is superb! Now I just need to setup the rest of MediaPortal how I want it. Happy at last Freeview HD working on this combination :) Just need to figure out why I can't view prime on my Hybrid dual Avermedia A177. The analogue scans brings up frequencies for RGB1, RGB 2 etc... which Im guessing is channels 1, 2 etc.. However when trying to view them in MediaPortal it says Timeshift error. I have setup card as hyrbrid... Perhaps I will start a new thread for this :)
I'm running a 780g MB too with the powerdvd8 codec, all channels work fine, though CPU usage seems to be high and TV3 does stutter from time to time. I tried what i think is the WinDVD9 codec(i think its the WinDVd9 codec, as its not named but thats the only other h.264 software i have) and the picture is better than powerdvd and cpu usage is 10%ish. All the regular channels play great, though the freeveiw channels are green :(
Have you installed the latest ATI 8.7 drivers? I only got green sometimes with the old Media Portal RC1 and ATI 8.6 drivers. Have you also tried DVB Viewer? Will have to check out the windvd codec you mention.
I am running the 8.7 drivers, I also get green screens with the arcsoft codec. The powerdvd codec is ok for now, i'm just sure its not doing full HW acceleration.
Very very interesting thread. I have to say I am a little gutted. I have this card and through it would do DVB-T just fine. I seem to be getting around the 30 - 40% CPU :(
It clearly states "• High-Definition H.264, MPEG-2 and WMV Hardware Acceleration Smoothly playback H.264, MPEG-2, and WMV videoincluding WMV HDwith minimal CPU usage so the PC is free to do other work."
Oh well, looks like the 8500GT is a good option for my HTPC
Looking at setting up a system and was going for an 8600GT card as it was listed at the start of this thread as one of the better cards for H264. The supplier has offered a 9400GT as a substitute. I can't find too many comments on this card and am wondering if I should stick with the 8600GT or go for the 9400GT. The new system will be used for mainly for TV. Not realy into gaming.
Just wanted to let you know that the nVidia 9400GT works staright out of the box with H.264 hardware acceleration. I got the Asus EN9400GT SILENT (passive cooling), which is excellent for quiet HTPCs...and cheap too at $116
I had originally tried an ATI 2400pro, with no luck at all.... then an nVidia 9600GT (Asus EN9600GT SILENT), which worked great, but was too tall for my case when you factor in the extra height created by the heatpipes...DOH!... an easy oversight
So finally found the best silution with the Asus EN9400GT SILENT ....prob not awesome for gaming, but that's not a concern for me
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