HTPC video card?

Hi,

I'd like to output video from my computer to my widescreen HDTV set (idealy as component out to keep the 16X9 ratio) - what card would be the best value for me?

I have an ATI Radeon Xpress 200 128 Onboard card in my eMachines T6524, but it has no video out. I recently purchased a Hauppauge WinTv 150MCE for PVR use (again no video out), and my computer has an open PCIexpress slot, so that could be an option if it'll get me a great card.

I don't really game on this machine, so that isn't a concern - my main idea is to output stuff i pvr'd and DVDs from my computer to my set.

Any suggestions (and this is RFD, so i'd rather get the best possible value)

Thanks

Any PCIe card that is at least 128bit with a DVI output would work well for you. Then just buy a DVI to Component adapter off ebay which costs around $10 dollars plus shipping (as opposed to $50+tax that retailers sell them for). You'll want at least a 128bit card so that any HD content you may have will run smoothly. And if you're planning to use MCE in all its glory, it runs better on more video ram.

Would i PCIe card be better than a regular PCI card?

Are there any specific cards with DVI out that i should look at? Can i also get adapters for DVI to coposite/s-video on ebay?

Thanks in advance

Gigabyte GV-NX66L128DP



$116 at Canada Computers. It says "Supports HDTV function and HDTV cable enclosed", and I assume this will be included so you can just output to your TV through a component cable (in HD resolutions).



The card also has no fan so it won't add any noise to your machine.

If it's a PCIe machine, than a X1300 or X1600 would be best.

If it's an AGP machine, than a 6600 series or 6200 (I *think*) would be best.


This is why:

http://firingsquad.com/hardware/ati_...video_quality/

If you're running XP MCE and have a 6600GT which has the component out, make sure you use version 7x.xx of Forceware. 8x.xx broke the component out.

I was looking at a Diablotek 6600 256MB PCI Express card today....it seemed alright.

Does anybody have any thoughts on this card?

Thanks

why bother with diablotek? for the same price get a known brand name which would be better built and have better (or easier anyway to) warranty.

If you don't game, 6600 is overkill. 5x00, mx4, 4x00 are cheaper alternatives.

If you must spend over a hundred bucks, get AIW which has video in and out. You could edit video on the box.

Originally Posted by windwaker

If you don't game, 6600 is overkill. 5x00, mx4, 4x00 are cheaper alternatives.

If you must spend over a hundred bucks, get AIW which has video in and out. You could edit video on the box.

Its not overkill. PureVideo makes use of hardware features in 6xxx series that 5xxx series and under do not have.

Originally Posted by windwaker

If you don't game, 6600 is overkill. 5x00, mx4, 4x00 are cheaper alternatives.

The OP has a HDTV that accepts component input, so ideally he should acquire a video card that is capable of HDTV component output.

Just a reminder:

any video card you buy now will NOT play HDCP signals. I posted this recently.

So, if you want your computer to display HDCP stuff on your HDTV, you'll have to wait. ATI is releasing a card very soon.

Originally Posted by PennyArcade

So, if you want your computer to display HDCP stuff on your HDTV, you'll have to wait. ATI is releasing a card very soon.

Not sure if the OP's tv has a DVI or HDMI port.

Originally Posted by ChinpokoMon

Not sure if the OP's tv has a DVI or HDMI port.

haha.... it has neither.

It's an older set, and only has component in as far as a HDTV signal goes.

Who knew a simple video out card could give me so many options (and potential problems) with drivers & compatability.

I might be willing to hold off for a newer ATI card, but my guess is that'd probably cost a premium (although i guess it would drive the price of the current cards down).

If anyone else wants to revomend SPECIFIC cards to buy (and the advantage of the card) I'm all ears.

Originally Posted by i-rui

haha.... it has neither.

It's an older set, and only has component in as far as a HDTV signal goes.

Who knew a simple video out card could give me so many options (and potential problems) with drivers & compatability.

I might be willing to hold off for a newer ATI card, but my guess is that'd probably cost a premium (although i guess it would drive the price of the current cards down).

If anyone else wants to revomend SPECIFIC cards to buy (and the advantage of the card) I'm all ears.

Nvida 6600GT.
Pros:
- 6xxx series so it has hardware acceleration for MPEG2 decoding (aka DVD decoding or recorded TV through TV tuner) when used with Nvidia's PureVideo codec.
- DirectX9 (min requirement for XP MCE, but also an advantage with SageTV)
- Meets Vista minimum hardware requirement, so its "futureproof"
- Has HDTV output via component out

Cons:
- Unitl Nvidia fixes their bugs, you must use Nvidia's 7x.xx drivers and not 8x.xx if you plan to use component out with XP MCE. Regular XP should be fine with 8x.xx.