Advice on cheap PCI video card w/ S-Video out

[wantonsoup]

Just got a new PC and want to also send the signal to my 50" TV via S-Video, just for watching the occasional video or movie or Winamp Visualizations and stuff. Doesn't have to be stellar HTPC quality, it's not for everyday use.

My question is - what is the least advanced card I should consider? How many megs of onboard ram should I consider the absolute minimum?

 

[tuteja1986]

ATI 9250/9200se with TV out :! they go arround for $25USD to $35USD :! worth it. I bought a Gigabyte ATI 9200se $40 for TV out features so i could connect to my room tv to Server. Its work perfectly for watching videos and all

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814153003

 

[SpeedZealot369]

Originally posted by: tuteja1986
ATI 9250/9200se with TV out :! they go arround for $25USD to $35USD :! worth it. I bought a Gigabyte ATI 9200se $40 for TV out features so i could connect to my room tv to Server. Its work perfectly for watching videos and all

perfect

 

[DeathReborn]

Here is a PCI Video Card with S-Video: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814140027

 

[wantonsoup]

Originally posted by: tuteja1986
ATI 9250/9200se with TV out :! they go arround for $25USD to $35USD :! worth it. I bought a Gigabyte ATI 9200se $40 for TV out features so i could connect to my room tv to Server. Its work perfectly for watching videos and all

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814153003

Thanks for the reply - that's an AGP card, and the PCI ones with 9200/9250 start at $50-65, too rich for me right now 🙂

 

[jdkick]

I would recommend that you put a little more thought in this one...

Historically, ATI cards without ATI's "Rage Theatre" chip have had pretty dismal tv-out quality... even with s-video. That goes for my 9500PRO and a friends 9600XT (both "Built by ATI" cards). Unfortunately for you, that particular chip was usually reserved for ATI's higher end cards or media oriented cards. Also, being that you're after a PCI cards, your options will be even more slim. There's also ATI's new cards with AVIVO.

I just think you'll be disappointed with the quality, especially on a 50" television.

 

[Vinnybcfc]

what about the 6200 which would be best pci for games or the dreaded 5200 if it is only for the s-video output

 

[wantonsoup]

Thanks - I'll look for 9200/9250 card.