What hardware do I need?

[hondajt]

I just built a new core i7 computer with the intle DX58SO board and a EVGA GTS 250 Video Card and 6gb of ram.

I have time warner cable, just the basic channels up to 80 or something. I am interested in getting something for my computer that lets me watch the channels on my monitor. I would prefer something with a remote, but it doesn't really matter. Video quality is the most important. And it has to work with Vista Ultimate x64.

I wasn't sure if there is anything Nvidia based, but I would prefer that also.

Sorry to ask such a dumb question, but I wasn't sure.

 

[midfingr]

Hi
I just purchased a new TV tuner card, since my old PVR-150 won't handle more than 4 GB of system memory; too old, I guess.

Anyway, it's an ATI TV Wonder HD 650 PCI. I was skeptical at first, however the price I paid for it was reasonable and was pleasantly surprise on the tuner's responsiveness.

I too have basic cable (no HD). This card can handle both; analog and HD-TV. It's also PCI-E (1x), so you can place the card in that slot if you have one. There's also a breakout box, allowing for composite and S-video A/V inputs; good for recording from an old camcorder and/or VCR, etc.

It comes with a remote, but I didn't try it, since I have an MCE as well as an XBOX 360 remote (which works with Vista Media Center via a registry edit). Once you install the card, install the drivers from the disk, which are adequate, but I wouldn't bother with the other software, since it maybe troublesome (you're choice).

Then open Vista Media Center, set up TV. It will find your card, then ask a few questions, such as; set top box, analog or HD, ZIP/Postal code. Once finished it will download TV listings for your area.

Details on the card: ATI TV Wonder™ HD 650 PCI (NTSC/ATSC) - Overview

I hope this was of some help and good luck!

 

[hondajt]

thanks, I appreciate it. But after some internet reading, I have decided to stick with something NVIDIA based. Although from what I read, the ATI product is superior.

There is no chance an Old ATI Wonder will work is there? I doubt it is compatible with an x64 OS.

 

[Stillhouse]

There are alot of other tuner card makers out there. Hauppauge and AVerMedia are two very good ones to consider when shopping.

Newegg.com - Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 Media Center Kit Dual TV Tuner 1213 PCI-Express x1 Interface - TV Tuners & Video Devices

Newegg.com - AVerMedia AVerTV Combo PCIe MCE ATSC/NTSC/QAM Tuner Card w/MCE Remote & L-P Bracket 7 95522 96066 5 PCI-Express x1 Interface - TV Tuners & Video Devices

Both these cards(and the one midfingr posted) will do analog cable, as well as unencrypted digital and broadcast HD. I personally have the AVerTv Combo and it works fantastically.

 

[midfingr]

I agree with Stillhouse. The AVerTv Combo is probably your best bet. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a definitive answer concerning the Hauppauge 2250 and 4 GB or more of system RAM as I was seeing conflicting reports. However, from my past experience, the Hauppauge PVR-150 worked well.

And no problem, hondajt, at least we got the ball rolling, hoping for more suggestions.