TV-Out feature wanted - the Video card decision

[Flemingdl]

The new WinTV PVR350 fed GB-PVR setup is quite the success here so far, what a great App! Using it on a Compaq 1.8ghz, 512k Ram, Win XP setup.

Do also want the TV-Out capability to view Internet and PC apps on the TV. Quite sure solution is a AGP video card with TV-Out. The PC does not need enhanced video, and I don't want to add some performance gaming high heat producing device to this always on PC.

I have a USB 2.0 PCI card - is there a USB device for TV-out?
If I go with a Vid card, will having the TV-out feature turned on change the PC Monitors display? (On our old PC it would then overfill the PC monitor making scrolling necessary on it).
Any recommendations on a sub $100 ATI or Nividia based Vid Card thats runs cool and has "Family friendly" features (e a s y to use)?

Thanks as always!

Don F

[csy]

In my opinion, a Standard Defination TV (traditional TV) provides very poor Windows image (eg Internet Explorer) due to its low resolution, but perfectly acceptable for video.

If you want good Windows and video display, then you need a HDTV, eg the new LCD monitor/TV's.

[Flemingdl]

Yes, I sure agree, and that's in the cards to replace the Analog TV by end of year possibly. Our video library includes of video thats not MPG type (wmv mostly) that WinTV wont play, must use Media Player or similar. Also enjoy Internet streaming video's. They'll be a bit blurry on analog TV but want the short term solution which seems to be a TV-Out video card provided it's minimal impact on the Monitor's display that resides elsewhere in the room.
Wanted to confirm that's so with a < $100 Nvidia 5500 or similar.

Cheers

[jam_zhou]

You want to buy something that will be able to support digital tv then you'll probably want more than just s-video output if I understand correctly.

I'd spend a bit more and get an AIW card and then buy a HDTV adapter here http://www.ati.com/products/hdtvadapter/faq.html#1

I don't have this setup but I think it would work...still trying to "kill" my 15 year old 27 inch Trinitron.

Jam.z

[Flemingdl]

Thanks Jam, I'll have a look - assuming thats the ATI All In Wonder series

[stefan]

Did you try the tv-out on the 350? It has excellent quality. Sorry to say, most people get computer lock ups when they use it, but for a few people it works perfectly. It doesn't cost anything to try it if you haven't yet.

[stefan]

sorry... I didn't read your post well enough. Please disregard. You can't view regular pc apps through the 350's tv out, which you probably already knew...

[langdon]

I've just installed an Nvidia FX5200 128MB with the latest Forceware. That allows me to setup different resolution on the TV and monitor screens. Also I am using the Nvidia MPEG hardware decoder package on it and it works a treat. May I just add that I am a newbie to GBPVR and I think its a great package and the wife is getting converted also. Many thanks.

[wtg]

You can find a fanless AGP NVidia 6200 for < $100 US on sale. It has great TV out, supporting composite, s-video, component and DVI (for HD output now or in the future), and supports NVidia's latest Pure Video decoder. It's DirectX 9 compliant as well.

It's hard to beat for the money.