CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

gjaky · Joined: 05 Jun 2010 Posts: 2790 Location: Budapest, Hungary

I was just wondering if anybody uses any filters that are built in to the software codecs. I am asking this because I see there is a moderate interest for the darbee darblet image enhacer which is a hardware and its price is not negligible. I am curious if anybody have experimented a filter combo that comes close in performance to the dabee, or simply use any filters? I was on the purist side (least intervention in the video stream), but I am also open to explore new ways, I just don't know is it worth the hassle, and where to start at all.

Elaine Benes · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1416

I don't know if its a "filter" because I'm not clear on the whole thing, really....but I do use the madVR version of MPC HC, its noticeably better image than most video renderers....

I also install the Shark Codec's in every Win7 install, they "just work" and allow me to play all file types using whatever player I want to use...

gjaky · Joined: 05 Jun 2010 Posts: 2790 Location: Budapest, Hungary

Well, this is already more than nothing! I use mostly VLC player with k-lite codec pack, but interestingly also use the standard version of MPC-HC, as always popping up a file that that don't play well on either but ok with the other.

Elaine Benes · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1416

I've never used k-lite codec's, but the author of shark codec's doesn't have a very high opinion of them: http://shark007.net/win7codecs.html

If you're using VLC to play stuff, you'll see a VAST improvement in image quality using JUST the Shark Codecs's, IMHO. VLC is a great program because it can play pretty much anything, but, for me anyway, it is a player of absolute last resort because the quality is so bad by comparison to my "normal" setup using WMP and Shark Codec's, or MPC HC madVR edition...

gjaky · Joined: 05 Jun 2010 Posts: 2790 Location: Budapest, Hungary

As I am not a native english speaker I am often forced to use subtitles for movies, and in my experience VLC has better handling on the subtitle end than MPC-HC, however I found that VLC needs more hardware resources, with really high quality movies it has some trouble while the MPC doesn't, sure my htpc isn't cutting edge either...
Now, i have a big problem with MPC-HC, because I am running a retro nVidia 3D shutterglass rig, that is fixed with an old driver set, that don't have the 0-255 or 16-235 option for movies in its menu, so it sends out the movies in 16-235, which I don't like (obviously), and I couldn't find a way to set the correct levels with MPC while I was able to do this somehow in VLC.
Anyway I will check this shark codec, am curious about this.

Elaine Benes · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1416

Shark codecs uses something for sub titles that is *supposed* to be very good, I usually shut them off, but when I forget to, they always show up if available. There is the option to have separate sub files too, which I've used once or twice...

The thing I've noticed about Shark Codec's, is that it actually seems to do what it says, I have it installed on a computer with 4 or 5 other players, and they all work, Shark doesn't negatively impact any of those players...

CasetheCorvetteman · Joined: 09 Nov 2008 Posts: 6319 Location: Australia

I just installed the Shark codecs and got popups from it.