BD-ROM's and mobo's w/ HD capability

obieone

I want to convert my gaming rig into an HTPC, w/ a BD-rom dr. but my current mobo doesn't do the HD codecs(as far as I can tell), although it does have hdmi, I think it's 1.2? It's a Gigabyte GA-MA78-????
Anyhoo, all feedback is appreciated:)

Sherardp

Give me exact model, is it a Gigabyte MA78XT-UD4P like mine or what? If you want to convert to HTPC its simple. If you can provide the specs better answer can be given, but I would add more RAM, at least 4gb. In order to run BDROM you will need video card/monitor that supports HDCP. For audio side I would suggest Asus Xonar cards though you can use onboard sound as long as ya mobo supports HD audio

vc69

Start here for tips and suggestions on what to do to get HD audio happening for your rig.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972

A little reading will go a long way. Last I knew there were some complications and HDCP was causing problems. But people there were on top of developments and if it can be done they will know.
Good luck!

obieone

Thanks guys, I'll have to check out AVS. I went back to the store, that helped me build it, and the guy said he would research the audio for it. He said the mobo would do 1080p out of the hdmi, but I have the 8800gt to cover the PQ, I just want to know if the HD will be decoded by the mobo(8 ch. Realtek), or the BD-ROM, or is there another program that'll give me the DDTHD, DTS HD MA.

vc69

obieone wrote: »

Thanks guys, I'll have to check out AVS. I went back to the store, that helped me build it, and the guy said he would research the audio for it. He said the mobo would do 1080p out of the hdmi, but I have the 8800gt to cover the PQ, I just want to know if the HD will be decoded by the mobo(8 ch. Realtek), or the BD-ROM, or is there another program that'll give me the DDTHD, DTS HD MA.

Yeah, that's the tricky part due to HDCP. AFAIK, there are very few scenarios that make it possible. Not the least of which is playback software support.

The exact details of making it happen escape me. That AVS forum will be much more helpful.

I wanted to do it about six months ago but decided a standalone player was much easier and in the long run cheaper for BD playback. YMMV.

jinjuku

If you don't want to mess around with a solution like the ASUS Xonar, then all you need to do is simply pick up one of the new Radeon 5000 series. These cards now support Bitstreaming of the HD audio codecs.

obieone

jinjuku wrote: »

If you don't want to mess around with a solution like the ASUS Xonar, then all you need to do is simply pick up one of the new Radeon 5000 series. These cards now support Bitstreaming of the HD audio codecs.

So, instead of the audio via the mobo, it's from the VC? Is there a special mobo configuration I'd need, or will any mobo w/ PCI express 2.0 work.
I plan on upgrading the OS(XP now), and probably the processor to a Phenom (AMD X2 6000 now)