Do you really need a standalone divx player?

[jeg_jason]

Quickly here are four methods to get around needing a stand-alone divx player

1. Computer with TV-out on graphics card and using mini-stereo to left and right RCA cable:
A. run wires
B. buy a wireless 2.4ghz A/V sender to broadcast from PC to another room
C. Record to VHS or better yet Super VHS-ET (uses regular VHS tapes to avoid pricey SVHS tapes) VCR from PC

2. Computer without TV-out on graphics card before using step 1:
A. Get a vga scan coverter
B. Buy a new graphics card with TV-out

3. Use a laptop computer then follow 1 or 2 as appropriate

4. Get another cheap computer (or a new one if it is time to upgrade and make good use of your old PC) that can handle multimedia video applications and make it a permanent part of your home theater or entertainment center for maximum convience and future compatibility.

These methods work well, but with limitations. For example, no remote control unless using a super range wireless mouse or running a long PS2 cable. I personally use method 1 even though I have a laptop that I don't use much anymore. These are just ideas that will hopefully help some people out. The mini-stereo to RCA left and right audio cable can be found at Walmart, Circuit City, Bestbuy, and Radioshack. A mini-stereo splitter can also be purchased to avoid switching the cable with your speakers. There are tons of VGA scan converters available online. Thanks to PC gamers older graphics cards with TV out are available for cheap as well. Other supplies like long cable and wireless mice can be had cheap as well.

jeg_jason

[Psycho_Dad_Rules]

Hi,

Nice methods, it's just that i hate things that need booting up before they can be used. I currently use my laptop with tv-out for DivX playback. Works fine, just hate the connecting and disconnecting al the time.

Here's a nice way to use a real remote. Get an extra pc or your laptop conencted to the TV like you said. Connect a cheap wireless keyboard which uses IR, the get one of those programmable remotes and program the keys that you need on your remote for more details also check out : http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Software/3691/DivxOS/

greetz,

pSyChO dAd

[markums2k]

Sounds like a lot of work... and for DIVX? Here's a method for playing DVD movies:

In the spirit of those iMac commercials. Narrated by Jeff Goldblum.

Step one, get a DVD.

Step two, get a dvd player.

Step three... there is no step three. *giggles* There is no step three!

Sorry, I'm still in Flame Mode. Seriously though, that's a lot of work. I need a nap from just reading it...

[LeeBear]

There's another method. Get an X-box, then get an X-box mod chip. Now you have your DiVX player... and the best thing, it can also double as a game console :=)

-LeeBear

[jeg_jason]

It is okay to slam the methods that I have come up with but not DIVX dude! I have downloaded some DIVX movies that are up to 720 x 480 with AC3 sound attached that are almost impossible to tell the difference between them and the original DVDs that they were ripped from. They usually take up anywhere from two to three disks but are awesome quality. For example check out the two disk version of Blade 2 with AC3 sound. It will blow you away. I almost did not buy the DVD despite loving the movie when it came out because the DIVX rip was so good. If DIVX players (hopefully with AC3 capability) do hit the market soon then the extra work will be a moot point. As a result, a lot of people who can download movies may start buying DVDs for the extra features only. A good rule of thumb to make sure that you download quality DIVX movies is the bigger the better. Small file sizes are appealing because they can be downloaded faster, but extra quality is well worth the wait. Also try to get straight DVD rips instead of camcorder stuff because it sucks as an original source. DIVX can be awesome quality and should not be slammed by anyone!