Does this PVR-250 also have a H/W MPEG-2 decoder, or does it only have the encoder?

If it has the decoder also, will my Myth system use it when outputting via an nVidia FX5200 video card S-video connector? I am wondering what the load on my system will be when playing recorded context from the hard drive. I am planning on building an Althon XP-3000.

Thanks,

Mike

pvr 250 does not decode it only encodes. Some people ion the forum have had success with xvmc. This is using the graphics card to do the mpeg2 decoding. There are some on the forum that only recommend decoding in software because xvmc can cause lockups when ffwd'ing or rewinding. The Fx5200 should be capable of supporting xvmc (if indeed you are one of the lucky one who doesn't experience lockups). To decode highdef in software you will need all of your XP-3000 (A 3ghz P4 is recommended so the xp should be in the ballpark). I watch standard def PAL 720x576 on an 1700+ at about 60% cpu.

PVR Cards:

PVR-250 - MPEG2 encode only
PVR-350 - MPEG2 encode and decode but SDTV (NTSC or PAL) only

Modules for Nvidia video cards using their X drivers:

Xv - TV video acceleration but no decode (solid)
XvMC - Partial acceleration for MPEG2 decoders (unstable)