Hello, I am looking to upgrade my pc by replacing my video card and/or adding a tv tuner card. Here's what I have: Abit NF7-S motherboard AMD athlon xp 2500+ (1.83 MHz) processor 512 MB RAM ATI Radeon 9200 SE (128 MB) video card ...and other stuff... After reading a bunch of articles, guides, and reviews relating to building an HTPC, I came to the conclusion that I have no idea of what to do. In that, there seems to be an overwhelming number of options available to me. Specifically, I'd really like to begin by simply (and without any room for disappointment) watching tv on my pc. I also might entertain the PVR option and record various programs. Eventually, I may very well invest in a projector and nicer speakers, so it can actually become a true HTPC. Now, I need some help! I would really appreciate suggestions relating to the following questions. 1) Do I need to, or should I upgrade my video card? If so, can you provide some recommendations? nVidia or Radeon and specifications? 2) Should I get a separate TV tuner card (along with the video card)? I understand that ATI offers the All-in-wonder cards, which include the tuner capabilities. I also read that Hauppauge has some nice tv tuner cards. 3) If at all possible, could you answer the previous questions by providing low-end (affordable) and high-end options? I am willing to pay a bit more for quality hardware. I am extremely greatful for any (even the smallest) suggestions/recommendations for this. Thanks a lot!
I don't think you need to upgrade anything at this time if you just want to watch/record TV on your monitor. Just add a tuner card with or w/o PVR capabilities. The Hauppage cards are well reviewed. Cheap: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815116620 Expensive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815116609 Now when you do get that projector and audio system then you will likely have to upgrade everything - faster CPU, higher-end video card, decent sound card, HDTV capabilities, etc. I've had this setup for more than 2 years now and I don't think I need to upgrade anything for another year or two: HTPC: 3.0 GHz P4/Intel MB/1Gig RAM ATI Radeon 9700 Pro with DVI to Component adapter SB Audigy2 Sound card with digital Coax output for Dolby Digital/DTS NEC DVDRW Drive Projector: InFocus X1 with component input from HTPC/HDTV Cable Box/XBOX 360 92 Inch Da-Lite 16:9 Screen Audio: Marantz SR6300 Receiver B&W DM603 Front/LCR600 Center/DM601 Rear Velodyne Subwoofer
Thanks dblbogey7! So it seems that my video card is good enough to watch tv, and all that I will need is a tv tuner card, such as the Hauppage cards that were recommended. I just want to make sure that I can watch TV without having the disappointment of a choppy picture or poor image quality. Also, I was under the impression that you don't need really good components (processor, ram, etc) for a HTPC. I thought that the most important factor was having a decent graphics/video set up. Of course, a nice sound card will help as well. It sounds as though I'll probably have to build a new pc for my htpc.
Your current PC is plenty for an HTPC. Add a hauppauge hardware mpeg-2 encoding card (PVR-150/250 with remote). Get some good PVR software (GBPVR is free, and a superb bit of code). Enjoy. If you want multiple tuner ability (watch one, record 2 others) add a PVR-500. GBPVR will control which tuner is used for watching/recording, so you don't have to manually set anything. The remote you got with the 150/250 will control the whole setup. Pipe the video out to your TV, and later, you can get a higher end sound card if you wish.
There may be a couple of reasons why some people need more powerful components for their HTPC. More demanding displays such as plasmas and projectors will require higher end video cards that can output 720p and 1080i resolutions. I myself use my HTPC to upconvert DVD's to 1080i. When you use software like DScaler and ffdshow you will need as much CPU power as you can get. HDTV playback can also get choppy if your system is not up to scratch. If you are planning on a projector-HTPC setup in the future then upgrading your entire rig will probably be needed.
Thanks for the suggestions! I think for now I will get a Hauppauge tv tuner. Later, when I upgrade to a true HTPC, I'll build an fully updated pc with new hardware (as tech. changes so quickly). One last thing though... Which Hauppauge card to get? I was cosidering either the PVR-150 or the PVR-250. There is also the option of MCE. I'm torn between the two because of price and reported problems with the 150 model (most notably the high volume issue). I understand that the issues associated with the 150 model could be resolved with various tweaking. Can anyone provide advice regarding my dilema? Thanks again!
