What is "soft decoding" and what is "hard decoding"?

The video files that we play on the computer are compressed, because it helps to save storage space, so during the playback process, a reflection decompression process is required. In the past this work is done by the CPU, for the ordinary resolution of AVI, RMVB and other files, the majority of the CPU can be competent, but after the development of high-definition video (1080i/p), the data decompression more than the previous doubling, which makes many processors complain incessantly.

With the development of technology, engineers have found that the gpu/vpu of the graphics card is more suitable for this kind of large data volume, less difficult repetitive work than the CPU. Video decoding work is separated from the processor, to the graphics card to do, which is called "hard decoding", such as Nvdia PureVideo, AMD UVD technology, and so on, the former kind of purely relying on the CPU to the speech of the way is "soft decoding." However, limited by the technical conditions, the pure "hard decoding" at this stage is not exist, the CPU is still playing a part of the role, but hard decoding GPU/VPU has become the main operation.

☆ What are the advantages of hard decoding?

Many of the old computer friends have this experience, playing high-definition video when the screen will jump frame (just like a slideshow), the sound is intermittent, but after the decoding work to the new graphics card, the CPU can be freed up to do more things, while also reducing the overall power consumption, the fan is not "whistling" sound ...

☆ Why are many people now keen on soft decoding?

Hard decoding is good, but the complexity of the setup process is only a few enthusiasts to play, many users face the complex set of settings options like looking at the Heavenly Book General, do not know how to start. And with the processor hate can not continue to improve, now is the mainstream of dual-core products, but also to achieve the demand for soft decoding, on the basis of soft decoding is also favored by many people. Simple, easy-to-use is the greatest advantage of soft decoding, and at this stage of the soft decoding in the picture better.

Veteran's Guide to the Maze

"30 years Hedong, 30 years Hexi", before many of us think hard decoding to be better, but now we recommend that: For those who are still using the old machine, or the ability of the high-performing users, recommended hard decoding, conversely, for ordinary users, if your machine performance is enough, using soft decoding is not necessary, Do not need to be demanding "play hard".

From "Microcomputer"

What is "soft decoding" and what is "hard decoding"?