I need to optimize x264, VC-1, etc. playback. Forgive me if I'm missing the glaringly obvious, but I have been googling for over an hour and haven't found anything. Most of the guides I've found are more geared towards encoding. I'm looking for a conclusive source on how to configure my computer for the smoothest and least-CPU intensive playback of next-gen HD codecs (yes, even accepting small reductions in picture quality!). [more inside]
posted by nervestaple on Nov 19, 2007 - 4 answers

I recently built a new HTPC using a Gigabyte GA-G33-2SH motherboard. The motherboard is built on the Intel G33 chipset, and has dual onboard video -- a VGA output, and a DVI or a HDMI output. (You can use the VGA and one of the digital outputs simultaneously, but not the two digital outputs.) [more inside]
posted by PeterMcDermott on Nov 14, 2007 - 5 answers

Getting the best DVD picture from my computer. With a computer plugged into a regular LCD display ("HDTV" resolution) what software do I need to make DVD video look great? [more inside]
posted by rxrfrx on Aug 25, 2005 - 8 answers

Recommendations on a free, lightweight media player (video, audio) that can run on a very slow PC running WinXP attached to a TV? [more inside]
posted by aberrant on Apr 27, 2005 - 11 answers