Can VGN-AR320E's Geforce Go 7400 play blu-ray movies, or should I replace it?

I've been looking all over online for an answer to my question, but I couldn't find it, so I'm asking it here.

Does the Nvidia Gefore Go 7400 graphics card in my Vaio VGN-AR320E have the horsepower to play blu-ray movies?
Its driver is version 7.15.10.9813, last updated 2/20/2007. Is there any version more recent that will allow it to play blu-ray movies without the video from the movie looking like someone vomited on the screen?

If not, then can it be replaced with a better one, or is it permanently attached to the motherboard?
If it can be replaced, could someone point me to a thread with instructions on how to replace the graphics card in the line of VAIO laptops that mine is from?

Also, is there any way to fix an nvlddmkm.sys BSOD error that's caused whenever I plug an HDMI cable into my computer's port?
The other end of the HDMI cable doesn't even have to be connected to anything--it'll crash all the same.
I also get the same BSOD error when I plug in a usb tv tuner.

Finally, right as I'm typing this, I've just noticed a small faint vertical stripe appearing on the screen, which is a sign that the graphics card is failing. Oh joy of joys.

EDIT: I just read that my model is one of the ones with the extended graphics cards warranties as part of the faulty Nvidia chip recalls. However, if I do send it in, will it get replaced with another Nvidia Geforce Go 7400 graphics card or a better one or at least a better driver that can play blu-ray movies?

 

1. yours is the geforce 7x series. it has Nvidia PureVideo HD Technology (1st generation),

which is a label that identifies which NVIDIA graphics boards certified for HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc playback.

So yes, it can play, just that more CPU usage would be used

2. gfx card can't be replaced as it is soldered to the motherboard. you can try vidock2 though. it is an external gfx card that uses expresscard slot

no idea on compatibility issues

3. no idea regarding this... but you can try whether this is relevant or not

I have found and fixed the problem today. This is what appears to happen.
during the installation of the most current drivers 100.65 Vista, an OLD file
nvlddmkm.sys is copied into windows/system32/drivers and not the current one
in the install. As a result the new drivers are attempting to access a file
dated 11/2006 instead of 2/2007 ver 7.15.11.0065 which is in the newest WHQL
driver ver 100.65 vista 32.

Fix: Go to windows/system32/drivers and rename nvlddmkm.sys to
nvlddmkm.sys.old. Go to the nvidia directory and find the file nvlddmkm.sy_
and copy it to windows/system32. Using the cmd window (DOS box) type
EXPAND.EXE nvlddmkm.sy_ nvlddmkm.sys. When the expansion is complete, copy
the new nvlddmkm.sys to windows/system32/drivers and restart the computer.

Your computer should now work properly.

You will notice that any uninstall and reinstall of nvidia drivers will not
remove the old nvlddmkm.sys file and will not overwrite it with the newer
version. You have to do it manually. I do not know why this happens but who
cares as long it is fixed.

source: http://forums.techarena.in/vista-hardware-devices/689444.htm

4. i think they would just change the motherboard with a new gfx card or something.... i have no idea as well lolz...

 

First, get that GPU issue sorted out. (though I thought that recall was for the nVidia 8k series; just ask Sony)

You are pushing it with a T5500 CPU and only 2GB of RAM. Full HD demands a decent amount of resources, and I ain't too sure if it will cope. This is considering that the GPU shares SOME RAM with the system on the AR320, meaning less RAM for the OS overall.

You can try downloading some sample 1080p clips in the .mkv format, install the CCCP codec pack (my banner~), and check out how your machine performs.

Considering the AR320 comes with 2GB stock, I'd recommend you upgrade to 4GB at least. But if that GPU issue is unresolvable, then would suggest a new lappie if full HD playback is a big issue for you.

And knowing Sony, they'll replace the motherboard with the exact same one (brand new, and supposedly fixed of the issue).

Hope that helps.

 

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/news-item.pl?mdl=VGNFZ190N&news_id=349

Applicable Models
This issue only applies to the versions of these VAIO® computer models that came with a NVIDIA® graphics chip:
VGN-AR1xx, VGN-AR2xx, VGN-AR3xx

Resolution
As a part of our commitment to quality, for any customer who requires repair of their VAIO computer due to the NVIDIA graphics processor issue, Sony will cover the cost of repair (parts and labor) at no charge and, in addition to the standard limited 12 month warranty, Sony will provide a three year warranty extension for the NVIDIA graphics chip.
If you are currently experiencing this issue, please contact us at 1-888-868-7402 to set up a repair service at our Sony repair facility.
If you have experienced this problem in the past, please click here for more information.