Author Topic: Windows 7 / XP * Anime = X (Read 7039 times)

Malific · « **on:** November 16, 2009, 05:27:37 AM »

Define X.

I'm running XP. I have been seriously thinking about upgrading to Win7 and had several questions about the OS and upgrading to it. And please I would prefer to not have an OS war break out here, I simply would like some idea of what to expect if/when I switch to Win7, not suggestions of "use this OS instead because win7 sucks" or similar statements.

One of my main concerns is of course is how win7 effects access and viewing of anime. Mainly what those of you have experienced as far as getting torrents and/or playback to function properly. Whether there have been any headaches or smooth sailing.

I'm trying to decide between upgrading or a fresh install. I've heard from XP a fresh install is required and was worried about what would happen to the near TB of anime currently stored on my HDDs.

I'd also like to know about running games and the various software incompatibilities.

Also, Home, VS Prof VS Ultimate, any recommendations on which to get? And how many computers are you "legally" allowed to install a store bought copy on? I know standard XP was 1 computer, and I already plan on getting a full version rather than an upgrade version.

I've read through a couple of the OS threads here and didn't see any answers to specifically going from XP to Win7 which why I posted a new thread.

fohfoh · « **Reply #1 on:** November 16, 2009, 05:32:31 AM »

IMO Win 7 is good. I think they stopped using hardware overlay or w/e it's called, so it's comparable to using XP with CCCP or K-Lite or other codec.

Someone else might know more though... but at the basic level, it's about the same.

zherok · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2009, 06:28:32 AM »

I use the same programs and codecs in Windows 7 that I used for XP, so downloading and watching anime remains the same. No torrent issues, no video issues.

I've heard the same about requiring a fresh install, but I can't speak from personal experience as I upgraded this laptop from Vista.

I've had no compatibility issues, although I never did for Vista either. Maybe I'm playing the wrong (right?) games?

I have Home Premium and I've had no real desire to go out and upgrade. If I had issues getting my games to run I could conceivably need virtualization as featured in Professional on up, but as I have a VAIO that apparently disables the option in BIOS, I can't even if I wanted to. The features in Ultimate seem unnecessary for the average user, unless you plan on running your copy of Windows in another language (this is different from language support, which is innate to all versions.)

I'm happy with 7. Fairly fast and stable, and it's never not run something I've thrown at it yet.

Mag-X · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2009, 06:53:39 AM »

You should have zero problem watching anime or playing games on Windows 7. Windows 7 just works.

As for "Home, VS Prof VS Ultimate," here are the differences, http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/win7_skus_compare.asp. Nothing major really. The only thing most people will ever notice is that Home is limited to 16GB of RAM.

If you're going to install over XP, you'll need to back-up your stuff. There is no way in hell I would trust the Windows installer to keep all that data intact. If you're not a technical person, and you're what you have works, I'd say just leave it alone.

psyren · « **Reply #4 on:** November 16, 2009, 08:28:49 AM »

Pro is good. Ultimate is pointless if you're not interested in Bitlocker encryption and 35 languages.
As far as anime playback is concerned, I'm doing fine using 64-bit MPCHC and DXVA.

vuzedome · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2009, 08:40:17 AM »

How's haali splitter for x64 coming along?
And Divx has that thing that integrates mkv into the windows media sdk, anyone tried it?

Malific · « **Reply #6 on:** November 16, 2009, 12:12:59 PM »

This has been very helpful so far.

Based on this I was planning on getting Pro, but with Ultimate only $20 more I don't see any reason not to go all out, plus it gives the 'XP Mode license' which based on reviews I've read actually works as intended. I'll probably end up getting a 2TB HDD as well to back everything up prior to my switch... or simply Put win7 on that and slave my existing drives to it.

This of course is all just me thinking out loud right now as I haven't made my decision yet, anymore thoughts you guys have would be very helpful.

Takeshi · « **Reply #7 on:** November 16, 2009, 12:29:19 PM »

Imo, Home Premium is just as good. I've been running a less legal Ultimate version and now I'm running a legal Home Premium, and I haven't been bummed about any annoying limitations. Only if you're, like, really interested in that Win XP Mode. I can live without though. All of the programs I run can run on Windows 7. 7-Zip, CCCP, meGUI, avisynth, Open Office, µTorrent, Steam, VLC, Suprip, DVD Decrypter, Firefox, mIRC, mp3tag, CoreAVC and several others...

I think that's a good idea about backupping your stuff. Although an upgrade could work, a fresh install is the best and would create less potential problems. I've never had ANY problems with playing anime nor games. Though old games where no support exist might be an issue if you plan to be able to play several of those.

The games I play are from Steam so compatibility for those games needed to be out fast.

Have fun with Windows 7, it's a great OS.

Malific · « **Reply #8 on:** November 16, 2009, 01:16:52 PM »

Quote from: Takeshi on November 16, 2009, 12:29:19 PM

Imo, Home Premium is just as good. I've been running a less legal Ultimate version and now I'm running a legal Home Premium, and I haven't been bummed about any annoying limitations.

*nods* The main issue I'm looking at is RAM. Home Premium limits to 16GB.

Between my SLIed Video cards, and 4x 2GB Ram chips (I got them VERY cheap) I'm already more than 2/3 of the way to that limit. Yes it's useless on my XP, I know, Like I said VERY cheap.

I've used this copy of XP pretty much since XP came out and I see myself using Win 7 for the next decade as well, so I don't want to hit a wall the way I did with XP. Which is one of the reasons for going with Pro. Getting Ultimate is simply me thinking "I'm spending $300, why not throw in the extra $20 just in case there's something in there I'll want during the coming decade." The XP mode is more of a bonus/failsafe for me than my reason for going Ultimate.

Takeshi · « **Reply #9 on:** November 16, 2009, 01:24:15 PM »

Damn, well, if you need that then you should definitely go for Pro. I don't plan on upgrading my laptop so I'm good with Home Premium. Man, the RAM market these days is exploding. I thought 4GB was peak, but then I saw 6GB and you have 8GB. Though that's just the future. I remember when I used to have 128mb and 512 or even 1GB was epic.

psyren · « **Reply #10 on:** November 16, 2009, 01:30:28 PM »

Quote from: Malific on November 16, 2009, 12:12:59 PM

This has been very helpful so far.

Based on this I was planning on getting Pro, but with Ultimate only $20 more I don't see any reason not to go all out, plus it gives the 'XP Mode license' which based on reviews I've read actually works as intended.

Did you not read what I posted?

molbjerg · « **Reply #11 on:** November 16, 2009, 01:31:15 PM »

Anime is not supported on Windows 7.

Malific · « **Reply #12 on:** November 16, 2009, 01:51:08 PM »

Quote from: psyren on November 16, 2009, 01:30:28 PM

Did you not read what I posted?

Of course I did, I'm thinking in the next decade I could lose my job due to the economy, turn to a life of crime and use my computer to schedule drug shipments and body dumps.

Having the piece of mind that my computer will be 128 bit encrypted is just the the sort of thing I would need to keep my head clear so I can exit the country after posting bail. Not to mention it will be in Malaysian and pretending to be Windows XP. Just the sort of thing I'll need to slow the fuzz down so I can work my way through my illicit contacts and eliminate them before they're found.

Seriously though, I doubt I'll use bitlocker, but maybe one day I'll want to lock my computer down, and maybe I'll need to use that XP mode. *shurgs* Who knows, to me the possibility is worth the extra $20.

Lunarchild · « **Reply #13 on:** November 16, 2009, 01:53:35 PM »

Quote from: Malific on November 16, 2009, 01:16:52 PM

Quote from: Takeshi on November 16, 2009, 12:29:19 PM
Imo, Home Premium is just as good. I've been running a less legal Ultimate version and now I'm running a legal Home Premium, and I haven't been bummed about any annoying limitations.

*nods* The main issue I'm looking at is RAM. Home Premium limits to 16GB.

Between my SLIed Video cards, and 4x 2GB Ram chips (I got them VERY cheap) I'm already more than 2/3 of the way to that limit. Yes it's useless on my XP, I know, Like I said VERY cheap.

I've used this copy of XP pretty much since XP came out and I see myself using Win 7 for the next decade as well, so I don't want to hit a wall the way I did with XP. Which is one of the reasons for going with Pro. Getting Ultimate is simply me thinking "I'm spending $300, why not throw in the extra $20 just in case there's something in there I'll want during the coming decade." The XP mode is more of a bonus/failsafe for me than my reason for going Ultimate.

The memory, I don't think the video memory counts, though not 100% sure. Also with the 6GB I have, I don't see any reason for getting more any time soon. Even games won't require you to have more than 3GB due to legacy 32-bit support anyhow. Even for max performance, I doubt 6GB will be needed within the next 5 years. And by that time there'll be a new Windows version.

XP Mode isn't worth it. It's a virtual machine, so it only works for relatively simple programs that do not require real time interaction (so games, 3d modeling programs, audio programs, etc don't work), and there's few applications that you can't get to work without the compatibility options in the system.

For anime watching, I suggest Shark007's codecs. Good codec pack, and even has a native 64-bit version: http://shark007.net/

Finally, do note that a single copy of Windows 7 may be installed on up to 3 machines at the same time. So don't go buying 3 separate copies where 1 will suffice

psyren · « **Reply #14 on:** November 16, 2009, 01:55:53 PM »

XP mode is available on Pro -____-

Kuroshima · « **Reply #15 on:** November 16, 2009, 02:04:38 PM »

Upgrade xp is ancient...

Lunarchild · « **Reply #16 on:** November 16, 2009, 02:06:38 PM »

Quote from: psyren on November 16, 2009, 01:55:53 PM

XP mode is available on Pro -____-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions

There's some interesting features in Ultimate, but around 90% of all users will never use those functions. Out of those functions, I can see MUIs being the most used one.

Malific · « **Reply #17 on:** November 16, 2009, 02:15:55 PM »

Quote from: psyren on November 16, 2009, 01:55:53 PM

XP mode is available on Pro -____-

That I did not know, The site Mag-X posted says only Ult can do it, but that combined with the virtual issue I'll probably just stick with Pro then... although the bitlocker would still make my potential life of crime less stressful.

Yes, Kuroshima, I'm planning on upgrading, that's the whole reason I made the post. Just making sure it's not going to be another Vista fiasco first.

Natheria · « **Reply #18 on:** November 16, 2009, 03:03:28 PM »

And unless you are turning into a drug lord or you have CP you don't want the FBI looking at bitlocker isn't really that useful. I would save the 20 bucks, unless you want to be a true otaku nerd and plan on turning your whole OS Japanese.

As far as the 16gb cap for Home, i really wouldn't be concerned with that at all. 4-8 gigs is plenty and you really don't need anymore than that unless you just want to have a huge e-peen. I don't even think they make any mobos that support over 16 gigs yet. And before you say "well, i'm just preparing for the future" when that day comes (which i don't think will be any time soon) you can upgrade you home to Pro using the Windows Anytime Upgrade. You basically unlock the other edition's features on your computer and buy a new license key for the difference. I'm not saying don't buy pro (as there are a lot of nice features that come with pro) I just wouldn't consider the memory cap that important at this point. Do you even use those 8 gigs of ram? If you just use your rig for anime and gamin, probably not.

Now upgrading from XP, if any anime (or anything else you want to save) is on your boot drive, back it up. When you do a clean install from XP, Win7 does save all your old files and settings so you can then run Microsoft's Windows 7 Migration program so you don't have to change anything around although i would back it up just in case (as always). If you can back all your old files up and don't mind rearranging your settings though i would do a completely clean install and forget about Microsoft's little Windows 7 Migration program. I haven't heard anything about it save for the experiences my father has had trying to get some of his old things to work (probably not even related but a completely clean install is just peace of mind).

There is one concern for watching anime on Win7 with MPC, you may have an issue with subtitles not showing up at first. I believe you have to add a filter for DirectVobSub (under external filters in options). I can't remember the details and i can't seem to find the old thread that talked about this issue. It's not that big of a deal though, and i fixed it in 5 seconds.

I really haven't heard of anyone having problems with programs not working on Win7. I know i haven't had any problems with any of my visual novels or emulators or any other older games like Warcraft 3. I'd like to know what these games/programs are that are out there that don't run on Win7 without the XP emulator.

Takeshi · « **Reply #19 on:** November 16, 2009, 03:51:58 PM »

Quote from: Natheria on November 16, 2009, 03:03:28 PM

There is one concern for watching anime on Win7 with MPC, you may have an issue with subtitles not showing up at first. I believe you have to add a filter for DirectVobSub (under external filters in options). I can't remember the details and i can't seem to find the old thread that talked about this issue. It's not that big of a deal though, and i fixed it in 5 seconds.

The new CCCP, 09-09-09, fixes that problem.