Getting parts to upgrade my PC into a HTPC

[airhendrix13]

I'm not sure what category this exactly falls under, so I just put it here.

Alright, so basically what I want is the ability to watch HD movies, play HD games, and watch non-HD cable on my 24" LCD monitor. The reason I want to be able to do all of this on an LCD monitor is because I will be moving into a dorm soon, and having one monitor that can do it all would save space.

Is there an input card I need to put in my PC for this, or is there something external I can buy?

I'm hoping to get something that will have somewhere around 2 HDMI ports, 2 sets of component inputs, and some VGA ports as well. (for Blu-ray / DVD / HD DVD / Consoles)

I'm not sure if something like this exists, so if someone could point me in the right direction that would be great.

Thanks

 

[MegaVovaN]

No such thing as HD games...

Buy HD TV Tuner to be able to watch cable on your PC.

The same TV tuner may be able to play non-HD cable, else buy non-HD tv tuner.

For HD/BluRay, buy an HD/Bluray drive from LG (kinda like DVD burner but can play both HD and bluray...costs $300 I think).

Perhaps console has DVI output? In that case just connect monitor directly to it.

I do not know if device like KVM exists (which would allow you to connect your console and computer to it and switch output from either one with a flip of a button - FLIP, monitor shows console, FLIP - monitor shows PC output).

 

[airhendrix13]

Hi MegaVovaN,

Instead of spending $300 on a new drive, I was thinking something more along the lines of an input box that I could connect the outputs of my DVD, HD DVD, and Blu-ray player that I already have and connect that into my monitor.

Anything out there like that?

Thanks again.

 

[secretanchitman]

Originally posted by: airhendrix13
Hi MegaVovaN,

Instead of spending $300 on a new drive, I was thinking something more along the lines of an input box that I could connect the outputs of my DVD, HD DVD, and Blu-ray player that I already have and connect that into my monitor.

Anything out there like that?

Thanks again.

the $300 player is sata and reads both high def format...so all you need is to set your monitor to the pc input (hopefully its dvi/hdmi!) and you're set.

 

[LostPassword]

i think hdmi switches
are what you're looking for?

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: secretanchitman

Originally posted by: airhendrix13
Hi MegaVovaN,

Instead of spending $300 on a new drive, I was thinking something more along the lines of an input box that I could connect the outputs of my DVD, HD DVD, and Blu-ray player that I already have and connect that into my monitor.

Anything out there like that?

Thanks again.

the $300 player is sata and reads both high def format...so all you need is to set your monitor to the pc input (hopefully its dvi/hdmi!) and you're set.

If I understand correctly, he already has the necessary hi-def players. He doesn't want to spend $300 on a redundant drive, he just wants to connect his existing player straight to his monitor.

 

[MegaVovaN]

DSF & airhendrix13:

Sorry, I didn't realize OP already has the players.

 

[airhendrix13]

Thanks for the responses guys.

Yes, I already have the players and stuff. Basically I want to be able to view HD movies and stuff with the blu-ray / HD-DVD players I already have, but monitors don't have as many input connections as TV's, so I need to something to resolve this issue.

I found this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824113012

It has quite a bit of ports, but can I switch inputs VIA the monitor like on a TV or can I only have 1 thing plugged in and running at once?

Thanks again,

Ryan