HTPC software issues, HD-DVD and BD?

[Lobstar]

*I posted this on AVS forum as well, and although I'm aware this site is directly aimed at blu-ray technology I was hoping someone here may have experience with HD-DVDs as well

I've tried using several different software packages without any real luck.

{ Hardware setup is: Phenom II 720, Radeon 4850x2, 4 gigs RAM, RealTek onboard audio, xbox 360 HD-DVD add-on.

O/S: Windows XP SP3, using all the latest drivers

CRT Monitor and TV being used atm, new PN58a650 plasma arrives Monday}

PowerDVD 7.3 was able to play all of my HD-DVD flicks but had a very bad audio sync problem that I could not find a way to fix (bad lip syncing). Video quality had no real problems.

I downloaded the trial version of Total Media Theater 3 and it will recognize that an HD-DVD was inserted but it gives no audio or video playback. It just shows a black screen with small artifacts, no option I tried would fix this.

My other option is try out winDVD 9 plus blu-ray. I have heard generally negative comments about this software but if it works at all it may be my only option outside of Nero 8 with showtime plug-in. There is, however, no trial version of the blu-ray edition so I can't test it firsthand.

Unfortunately I don't have a PC blu-ray drive atm, I still use my PS3 as my primary blu-ray player, so I cannot confirm if the lip sync problems occur with blu-ray discs as well.

Could anyone provide feedback on the efficacy of these programs or possible solutions to the above problems? It's a shame to have such solid HTPC hardware but not be able to find software that works.

(Note: the 360 HD-DVD works without a hitch when hooked up to the 360 directly, but I have an old Pro model with no HDMI so I can't get 1080p out of it).

[Schizzlefuzz]

The newest version of PowerDVD 7.3 has the lip sync problem with HD DVDs. You need to uninstall it and install the previous version. I don't know what the build number is, but searching google will help you out.

[Lobstar]

Thanks for the response, I'll snoop around for an old version of 7.3

I was screwing around with this more earlier today and realized that my radeon HDMI drivers were actually out of date. I updated them and now I get video in TMT 3 and it looks pretty solid, if a bit washed out. However, now I can't seem to get any sound out of any of my apps - Winamp, TMT 3, Games, or otherwise. Both of my Radeon 4850's (same model) have DVI ports in the back and I've been using an HDMI to DVI cord to hook it up to my TV and monitor. I've tried using analog out in the Realtek interface as well as both ATI HDMI inputs, and have tried setting up the sound through control panel to make sure everything matches up. So far it's all been a no-go.

I have a feeling the problem might now be either the drivers overriding each other, or I'm lacking a connection from the 4850 to motherboard sound input. I'm going to investigate the issue further and post back if I figure it out.

<edit> After updating HDMI drivers it turns out that my radeon card needed a special DVi to HDMI adapter to pass sound through. Now I just need to wait for my new plasma to be able to play HDCP content.

[blckman]

Originally Posted by Lobstar

Thanks for the response, I'll snoop around for an old version of 7.3

I was screwing around with this more earlier today and realized that my radeon HDMI drivers were actually out of date. I updated them and now I get video in TMT 3 and it looks pretty solid, if a bit washed out. However, now I can't seem to get any sound out of any of my apps - Winamp, TMT 3, Games, or otherwise. Both of my Radeon 4850's (same model) have DVI ports in the back and I've been using an HDMI to DVI cord to hook it up to my TV and monitor. I've tried using analog out in the Realtek interface as well as both ATI HDMI inputs, and have tried setting up the sound through control panel to make sure everything matches up. So far it's all been a no-go.

I have a feeling the problem might now be either the drivers overriding each other, or I'm lacking a connection from the 4850 to motherboard sound input. I'm going to investigate the issue further and post back if I figure it out.

<edit> After updating HDMI drivers it turns out that my radeon card needed a special DVi to HDMI adapter to pass sound through. Now I just need to wait for my new plasma to be able to play HDCP content.

Lobster, you're video problem has been solved. However, I would recommend you go buy a dedicated 5.1 or 7.1 soundcard. In addition, I play my HD-DVD's all the time and you're right about PowerDVD. Please look up my post in which I gave in great detail how to install PowerDVD. Good luck.