Hi All

It seems there is a bug in the latest build of PowerDVD - 2521 - that has the potential to affect blu-ray playback (because of hdcp issues) as well as h.264 playback in general (h.264 codec not registered properly). This is the build that I downloaded when I purchased about a week ago. I've been in contact with Cyberlink support, who have been great - they always get back to me within 24 hrs or so, but they don't seem to understand what I am asking for. After three attempts to get an older build of PDVD 8, I finally managed to get build 2430. Unfortunately it made no difference. I really REALLY would like a copy of build 2217, which (as I understand it) is the build that most of you are using.

While looking up the problems on MediaPortal forums I discovered that some of the latest versions of ATI/AMD graphics drivers have problems supporting UVD (their implementation of hardware acceleration). It is not entirely clear, but it seems catalyst versions 9.1 and 9.2 have broken the UVD. There may be other issues with UVD/video quality in previous versions as well but that's another story.

I guess all I'm trying to say is that setting up freeview HD on a pc can be a minefield for a number of reasons:

1. Hardware issues
2. Broken drivers
3. Software configuration
4. Broken and conflicting codecs

The list goes on...

Alright. So this is where I'm asking for your help. I want to try and get an idea of what people are using to get high definition freeview WITH hardware acceleration going on a pc. This could make it easier for system builders like myself to get a base combination of hardware, driver, software, and codec that they know will work - you might call it "the tried and true". So I'm looking for:

1. CPU speed (eg. 2x2.4G, 4x2.6G) and amount of system RAM (eg 4x1G, 2x2G, 1x2G, 2x1G)
2. Graphics card manufacturer, model and driver version
3. TV card manufacturer, model, and driver version
4. Operating System (please be sure to note 32 or 64 bit)
5. TV software WITH version (eg. MediaPortal 1.0 rc2)
6. H.264 codec(s) with source/version (eg. CoreAVC 1.8, PowerDVD Ultra 8 b2521)
7. HE-AAC codec(s) with source/version
8. AC3 codec with source version
9. Other media software/codecs/packs installed on your computer (to try and get an idea of any conflicts)

This may completely flop if nobody posts, however if lots of people list their spec then this could be a really helpful source for strugglers like me.

Cheers