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

wantonsoup

Member
Sep 19, 2002
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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?
 

SpeedZealot369

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2006
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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
 

wantonsoup

Member
Sep 19, 2002
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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

Senior member
Feb 8, 2006
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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

Senior member
Nov 9, 2005
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what about the 6200 which would be best pci for games or the dreaded 5200 if it is only for the s-video output