[mythtv-users] Lots of confusion as to which card(s) to buy for vdpau

[Nick Rout]

On Mon, Feb 2, 2009 at 6:36 AM, Allen Edwards <allen.p.edwards at gmail.com> wrote:
> So what is the point here?
>
> The idea is to shift processing power from the CPU to the Graphics
> chip.  What is gained?
>
> I did a small comparison based on Tom's Hardware power consumption and
> Newegg product cost.
>
> 8400GS  system power 136 watts video card $30,  AMD 5400+ CPU 65 watts  $68
> 8600GS system power 172 watts video card $64, cheapest CPU $38 45 watts
>
> I assume that the vdpau system saves 20 watts by using a slower cup
> than what Tom's Hardware used and add the
>
> video card and cpu costs:
> vdpau system 152 watts $102
> standard system 136 watts and $98.
>
> The non vdpau system wins.
>
> I must be missing something.
>
> What I am saying here is that computing power is computing power. Put
> it on the graphics card or in the CPU it is still
> computing power. I guess if adding a new graphics card to an old
> system that is sitting around makes it usable, that
> could be a big savings but I don't see any other advantage. If vdpau
> worked with an 8400 like I was assuming, that
> would be another story but if you all are saying it doesn't, then I
> just don't see the point, at least for a new system.
>

Try looking at something like the nvidia ion package and you'll see a
whole new breed of mini frontend devices that fit in a a small package
and drive the HD tv in your bedroom/study/family room.

Another point is your box doing transcoding while playing HD video.

Thirdly, many americans don't realise the CPU grunt required to decode
h264 as broadcast as HD TV in other markets. Its pushing the computing
power in most frontends.

Also the ability to move compressed video over the bus to the video
card means PCI cards become useful, as do the sometimes quiet but
underpowered motherboards they are attached to.