Graphic Cards XBMC + Ubuntu HW Accelerated Video decoding

[rahuljawale]

I am planning to upgrade my current HTPC with capability to decode HD movies.

One major constraint being, the GFX card should have S-Video out since what I have is a Philips 29" Flat CRT which I do not want to sell of just yet.

My HTPC runs with XBMC on Ubuntu. Price is not the constraint. But I would definitely like to stick to Ubuntu.

I have zeroed down on two major options :

1. XFX ATI Radeon HD 4850 512MB DDR3
2. XFX NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GSO 1.5GB DDR2

Question being, which one is better considering XBMC and Ubuntu support. Also which one has better driver support (in today's date) program for linux ports? :unsure:

 

[linuxtechie]

Ahh, this alwyas has been a pain point for me atleast. I have a 4350, works great in windows but xbmc+ubuntu never worked that great. I have a 5.1 and ohh brother, that goes for a toss!

 

[Chaos]

You can always use a vga to s-video converter. These are antique cards and I'd recommend neither.

Pick up either a geforce GT 430 or a radeon 6570

 

[rahuljawale]

You can always use a vga to s-video converter. These are antique cards and I'd recommend neither.

Pick up either a geforce GT 430 or a radeon 6570

Thanks. I have tried VGA -> S-Video converters before. But I was always left wanting for more. Couple of issues I found were :
1. Screen corruption/Over-scan/Under-Scan
2. Degraded picture quality.
3. Extra piece of equipment hanging from the back of TV/HTPC with dedicated power source.

So a big no-no. But thanks for your suggestion though.

 

[rahuljawale]

Ahh, this alwyas has been a pain point for me atleast. I have a 4350, works great in windows but xbmc+ubuntu never worked that great. I have a 5.1 and ohh brother, that goes for a toss!

My research and experience says that nVidia has better Linux Driver support. But I was not aware of developments on AMD side either and hence the question. Best part is XBMC has built-in VDPAU support. See here .