changing my setup...need input

[mkuyper]

Sorry to kind of ask the same thing twice, but I just want a firm confirmation on this before I head down this road....


So, if I have my PC behind my PC, using the Hauppauge Win-TV PVR USB2, and connecting my PC directly to my TV through a "TV OUT" on my video card, I will be able to directly use the Hauppauge remote that came with the USB2 to move throught the GBPVR menu, change channels, turn GB-PVR on and off, etc.?

Sorry if this is a stupid question, I've just been using an MVP up to this point so I'm not familiar with any other setup.

thanks!

[wtg]

Yes, that's correct.

You can test this now... you don't need to move the PC to the TV until you're ready. Configure GBPVR to use the remote now and hook up the IR receiver to your PC and see how it works. This has no effect on the MVP whatsoever.

[mkuyper]

Great! Thanks.

Also, as far as a video card, I noticed the ATI Radeon 9550 suggested earlier in this thread is an AGP card. I'm looking for a VALUE-PRICED PCI card with TV OUT. I want it to be pretty cheap, but that is reliable and plays nice with GBPVR.

Suggestions?

[wtg]

PCI or PCI Express? Big difference...

[mkuyper]

I'm not sure. It's an HP a410n. Here's the specs, but I still can't tell if it's PCI or PCI Express:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/docum...28&lang=en

[wtg]

Ugh... that's not good.

You have an AGP motherboard that does not have an AGP expansion slot. Basically you're stuck with the on-board graphics. Your PCI slots are only usable for non-graphic expansion cards. To upgrade your video you'd have to replace you motherboard.

A brief PC graphics history lesson: PCI graphics (13+ years ago) gave way to local bus video, which gave way to AGP, which gave way to PCI Express.

[mkuyper]

Crap. You've got to be kidding me. Unbelievable.

Well, maybe I'll at least TRY the other route I was going to go, which was to purchase a VGA to TV Converter.

Earlier in this thread, someone mentioned that I wouldn't be happy with the quality. Is this true just for web browsing or also true for video quality?

Anyone have any success with one of these? Thoughts?

[wtg]

It's been a long time since I've seen a stand-alone VGA to TV connector... maybe you'll find one you like. My expectations would be low though.

If you're not intent on trying to surf the web from your TV, you could just keep using the MVP, right? You can have the PC sitting anywhere (including beside your TV as you've planned) as long as it's connected to your router, and it doesn't need a monitor either. You can stick VNC on your PC and then control it remotely with your Mac. A lot of people run their PVRs monitor-less.

[dneprrider]

Crap. You've got to be kidding me. Unbelievable.

Well, maybe I'll at least TRY the other route I was going to go, which was to purchase a VGA to TV Converter.

Earlier in this thread, someone mentioned that I wouldn't be happy with the quality. Is this true just for web browsing or also true for video quality?

Anyone have any success with one of these? Thoughts?

Another more expensive option: But will provide an upgrade path.
Get a LCD or Plasma TV/monitor that has a VGA input. That is how I am running my GBPVR box using the motherboard VGA output right into my 42" Plasma. The picture looks fantastic.
See the specs in my signature line.

[wtg]

It seems I gave you some bad info yesterday. There are still some PCI (non-Express) graphics cards around with relatively modern chipsets. You can get an NVidia 6200 chipset apparently... I don't know what else. These won't function as well as an AGP or PCI Express card but it may very well outperform your on-board graphics. I'd check the web for some customer reviews before buying one but at least it's another avenue to investigate.

Make sure your motherboard supports disabling the on-board graphics before making a purchase though. There'll be a setting in your BIOS.