h264 hdtv fullhd playback cpu requirement confusion

[Ducato]

Hi,

I don't get it, if vlc does not support dual core, what single core cpu is actually able to play 1080p?!

I have an old p4 northwood running @ 3.3Ghz that cannot play 1080p, wmp can but framerate is slow. 720p is ok, depending on the resolution. I'm thinking about buying a p4 3.4Ghz 478pins prescott and overclock it to 3.7 or something.

Bottom line is what cpu do I need so can playback full hd smoothly?!

Thanks!

[VLC_help]

There isn't fast enough single core x86 or x64 CPU to play H.264 1080p from HD DVD or Blu-ray (read about ~18 Mbit/s) that you can buy from shop. You can overclock CPU to do that.

Only method for finding the clock speed is trial and error. Because bitrate changes and also the compression settings. So there isn't any universal function that can tell you what you need.