New HTPC build with tuner questions

[ddrum2000]

So I am going to build a new HTPC but I was looking for comments on my setup and had some questions tuners. Here is my planned setup:

Ultra Microfly Case (w/ 400W power supply)
AMD X2 3800 AM2 (65W version)
ASUS M2NPV-VM (GeForce 6150, integrated component out)
2x1GB DDR2-800 Patriot or Corsair CL4
Samsung DVD Burner with Lightscribe
Seagate Barracuda 400GB or 500GB SATA2
Mitsumi Floppy / Flash Card Reader Combo Drve
Hauppage PVR-500 with remote bundle

RAM:
First question I want to be recoding files while recording with a future upgrade to HDTV. Is 1GB or RAM enough or should I stay with 2GB.

Tuners:
1. The PVR-500 has two analog tuners with A/V inputs for each tuner making a total of four sources(2 RF and 2 A/V). How many can I use at once?
2. I have heard the ATI Theater Pro 550's have better image quality then the PVR-500? Opinions... Also has anyone seen the 550 in a dual tuner card.
3. Are there any ATI Theater 650 cards out yet and what do people know about them. Reviews look very nice but will/are they supported by GBPVR.
4. Will the ATI tuners conflict with the Nvidia video card.

Video Card:
Does it really make sense to use an add-in video card since the integrated Geforce 6150 is "just below" the 6200 in performance. If so suggestions (X1300, GF 7300, GF 7600...etc)

Thanks for the help and any other suggestions are welcome

[sub]

1. The PVR-500 has two analog tuners with A/V inputs for each tuner making a total of four sources(2 RF and 2 A/V). How many can I use at once?

You can use two at once.

2. I have heard the ATI Theater Pro 550's have better image quality then the PVR-500? Opinions... Also has anyone seen the 550 in a dual tuner card.

I dont think there is much in it. They look pretty similar to me.

3. Are there any ATI Theater 650 cards out yet and what do people know about them. Reviews look very nice but will/are they supported by GBPVR

I dont think they're out yet.

4. Will the ATI tuners conflict with the Nvidia video card.

No

[rowle1jt]

I think 1gb is a good place to start, but you will have 4 ram slots, so there is always room to add more later. That's a nice looking board... I like the integrated component/S-video out! 6150 should be fine, I use a 5200 and some people still use a Ge Force 4 MX4000.

The only question is HD content, I'm not running HD so I can't give you an accurate depiction of what it will require.

[murphotronic]

I've just put together an HTPC based on the MSI K8NGM2-FID with the 6150 video chipset and couldn't be happier.

AMD64 3000+
MSI K8NGM2-FID
1GB (2X512) DDR400 (corsiar value)
1 Samsung Spinpoint 250GB SATA
1 PVR-150
1 PVR-150MCE
Asus DVD Rom
24" Sony WEGA progressive scan
XP

The picture quality to my TV is great using the S-video, haven't tired composite yet (PS2's taking that input on the TV). Two things in hindsight;
- a. For what the 3000+ cost almost two months ago can now get an X2 3800 DOH!
- b. When I finally do spring for an HDTV set, I'm screwed if someone doens't have a PCI express or USB interface HD tuner. By that time I may need a 'Cable card adapter', who knows...

Still tweaking GB-PVR and plugins, DVD playback is pretty dark by default, still need to play around with the decoder. DVD playback with media player or or Asus' player (forget name) is great!
The mobo has every connection you could need, just plan your PCI slot usage.
I'd looked at the Asus 6150 board too, but at the time alot of people were complaining that the boards weren't shipping with the TV-out connectors, and those were hard to find a la carte. MSI however, had the '-FID' edition of the MSI board spcifically includes these connectors.
Used to be a huge Asus fan, but seems like they've had trouble keeping good quality control lately.

[ddrum2000]

I've just put together an HTPC based on the MSI K8NGM2-FID with the 6150 video chipset and couldn't be happier.

AMD64 3000+
MSI K8NGM2-FID
1GB (2X512) DDR400 (corsiar value)
1 Samsung Spinpoint 250GB SATA
1 PVR-150
1 PVR-150MCE
Asus DVD Rom
24" Sony WEGA progressive scan
XP

The picture quality to my TV is great using the S-video, haven't tired composite yet (PS2's taking that input on the TV). Two things in hindsight;
- a. For what the 3000+ cost almost two months ago can now get an X2 3800 DOH!

You are using a socket 939 motherboard right? Beacause MSI has an AM2 version on their global site but they do not list it on their US site. I like MSI boards more than ASUS but I can't find a Geforce 6150 in socket AM2. Does anyone know of other AM2 Geforce 6150 boards??

[csy]

The 6150 should work very well at 720x576 or 720x480 resolution on a SDTV (normal CRT TV), but I expect it would struggle to cope with higher resolutions used on HDTV's (eg widescreen LCD display).