cheapest mpeg2 encoder card

[jomi9801]

but I'm not sure.

Kworld Card (newegg link).

It says it does Mpeg1/2/4 in "Real-Time" but I'm not sure if that is true or if it still is doing it through software (which I assume due to the low price).

Let me know- because I consider myself somewhat saavy- but I'm at a loss with this card.

If it turns out not to have mpeg2 encoding then can you tell me what card is the CHEAPEST possible solution? My problem is I have everything I need to put a full PVR solution together Except the tv tuner card (I'm using a leadtek 2000xp deluxe- which I know is using software encoding). My other problem is that I'm cheap.

Thanks,
-Mike

[sub]

Thats a software encoder card.

Do yourself a favor and get the PVR150. At least with PVR150, you'll be guaranteed compatibility with most PVR applications (including GB-PVR). In the US you should be able to fund it for about $69.

[jomi9801]

Thanks Sub... I guess I'll just have to break down and get the pvr150. =)

I'm such a cheapskate

[Satnav4]

Check buy.com. I bought an mce version for $65 with free shipping.

S.

[jomi9801]

Thanks Satnav,

I just checked buy.com and they are sold out. What about the AVerMedia UltraTV™ 1500 MCE? It's $2 more, and it has a remote. It looks very comparable to the pvr150.

Now from what I've been reading I do believe I'll need to buy a different video card- my Geforce4 mx leaves about 10% blank (dark black) on the right and left of my TV. Does anyone have a good recommendation for a decent TV-out? I saw on newegg the Chaintech XGI- which someone else on these boards suggested because a reviewer said it had good tv-out ability. Has anyone actually tried it first hand?

-Mr. Cheapskate

[sub]

Quote[/b] ]I just checked buy.com and they are sold out. What about the AVerMedia UltraTV™ 1500 MCE? It's $2 more, and it has a remote. It looks very comparable to the pvr150.

Dont do it. Just get the PVR150. The AVerMedia UltraTV™ 1500 MCE is not support by GB-PVR.

[reven]

the capture card is the most important thing in a PVR, its the one thing you shouldnt be cheap on, the 150/150mce is a good cheap card, stick to either one of those, you wont be sorry.

[sub]

...and the most important thing - its well supported.

[jomi9801]

Alright- sounds good.

I just have one more question- if I bought an xcard would I need to get a new video card with tv-out, or would I use the s-vid out on the XCard? That may be the best solution for me.

OR could I use the pvr150's TV-out? I think I'm confusing myself

[sub]

The PVR150 doesnt have a TV-out.

You could use the xcard's TV out for viewing everything in GB-PVR, but it will not show your desktop, so depending on if you need to access other software or desktop, then you may need a real video card also.