Thinkpads Forum

Recently I got in a Thinkpad 770 model for some parts and it came with the Mpeg2 dvd decoder card which I have never had. So I want to know what software is needed to get this working and will it work with any MPEG video or just a DVD in the DVD drive?

Unknown_K wrote:So I want to know what software is needed to get this working

driver: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 6FRPA.html

Unknown_K wrote:and will it work with any MPEG video or just a DVD in the DVD drive?

about it: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 4JTHH.html

It has to be MPEG-2, I believe (like a DVD). But it shouldn't matter whether it's a DVD or file on your drive.

You have to use specific software. MediaMatics DVDExpress is the most commonly used, but you may have to use a specific version of it. The version of DVDExpress that shipped with some IBM DVD drives, and that was often distributed along with machines that had a DEVA card is available here:
http://thinkpads.kiff.ca/files/DVDExpress-27L2581.ISO

After installing that version, you'll want to go to the driver matrix and find the upgrade that is available for download from the Lenovo/IBM site for the 770 series. It is a full upgrade that will replace the version above, but you need the one above to be installed before you can install the upgrade.

Some people have been able to get Windows Media Player to use the acceleration features of the DEVA card. Especially under Windows 2000. And the built-in rudimentary dvdplay software that came with Win2000 seems to take advantage of it as well. It is not clear to me if the version of Windows Media Player (WMP) that ships with XP will take advantage of it or not. I strongly doubt that the latest versions of WMP do.

Some related info is available here:
DVD Software

On my machines, I found that DVDExpress was the best option. And then you could install WMP for other things if desired.

Phil.

Thank you very much.

Just to say I had a lower end 770 (P233MMX!) with the DVD card and the DVD ROM back in '03 using the MediaMatics DVDExpress Software and it played DVD's beautifully.

It was a fantastic "solid" machine, and I spent many an evening watching films with it.

Not sure how rare the cards are now, but it wasn't easy getting it although I think it was around $30-40 bucks then (used of course).

FWIW i have the original mediametics CD's and a couple of thinkpad 770's..
a 770 (originally sold to a friend who gave it back to me before his passing) and a 770Z..
and a couple of keyboard bezels since the originals had a paint peeling problem..

if anyone needs some of this stuff, let me know via PM..