.jpg "VLC gives exclusive backing to Nvidia -")
VLC has launched the latest version of its open saucy media player which can use the power of the GPU to decode videos, but only if it is the right GPU.
Version 1.1.0 should be really good stuff for Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Linux users. It would enable you to decode high definition files without much problems and let your CPU go about its business without having to worry much.
The problem is that it isn't. VLC's latest upgrades only works on Nvidia chips, which has lead to the ironic situation where an open sauce software maker is giving exclusive backing to a proprietary hardware maker.
To make matters worse the VLC home page goes out of its way to plug Nvidia and deride ATI.
It claims that ATI's Windows drivers don't work properly.
"VideoLAN is quite sad to be forced to recommend nVidia GPU, until ATI fixes their drivers on Windows, and until VLC developer get access to some Intel hardware supporting GPU decoding," the page said.
If it was "quite sad" about it then why did it wade into ATI for not making Windows drivers that worked? Actually the Windows 7 drivers for our ATI card work much better than the Nvidia one. Yeah, the Intel dig might be a valid point, however if someone is so far up a Green Goblin's rear end, the chipmaking equivalent of a black hole is not really going to support you.
In a post like this VLC has become a tool for the Green Goblin slagging off who it does not like. Which is a pity because VLC make a good player.
I'd trust them to know more about drivers than you do, dear unbiased Farrell.
But who can blame them? Everybody needs cash, and they really made a very good job so far, without demanding payment. I won't buy nVidia because of them, of course, but if this Green Goblin's money serves to improve VLC player, it's very welcome.
It appears the whole world is out to get Nvidia these days, yet their hardware and software are obviously pleasing a number of developers, scientists and specialist experts.
I for one have always found ATI/AMD drivers v. poor, and ended up writing letters of complaint for lack of support for windows Vista on my portable.
For my efforts, overpriced OS and expensive laptop I didn't even get a response from AMD nor the laptop vendor. So as far as customer service and general quality of drivers and support I agree 100% with VLC.
The solution is simple AMD. If you want everyone to tell you you're the best, you simply have to be and stop relying on propaganda like the above article.