Graphics card for HTPC

[Skandaluz]

Hi, I'm am currently building a HTPC and the final part i'm looking for is the graphics card. I think i've found the card i want but want to ask a few questions first. The card i was thinking of getting is the MSI 6600GT w/ HDTV out and VIVO. I'm primary going to be using this HTPC for viewing DVD's and maybe hook up satellite to it. My question is that, right now i currently have satellite tv (No HD or anything of that sort) and was wondering if i could run the satellite signal via rca cables to the graphics card via VIVO, and use some sort of software like fddshow or something like that to improve picture quality and then output it via HDTV out? Also, I'm goin to be using this to replace my dvd player too and what i wanted to know is that, with the software fddshow and others, should/would it improve picture quality better than a regular dvd player as it is sent out to the tv via HDTV out?

 

[Fraggable]

I'd get an ATI X600 AIW or an X800 series AIW if you can afford it. They're perfect for HTPC's - they're designed for them. They come with RCA in/out connections, and the X800 series AIW's come with HDTV outs too.

I couldn't be happier with my X800 XT AIW.

 

[kurt454]

ffdshow can be used to upscale DVDs, but I don't think you can use it to improve SDTV Sat signals. I am also partial to Nvidia for an HTPC card.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: kurt454
ffdshow can be used to upscale DVDs, but I don't think you can use it to improve SDTV Sat signals. I am also partial to Nvidia for an HTPC card.

You can use ffdshow to improve any source if you have the right software.

 

[kurt454]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: kurt454
ffdshow can be used to upscale DVDs, but I don't think you can use it to improve SDTV Sat signals. I am also partial to Nvidia for an HTPC card.

You can use ffdshow to improve any source if you have the right software.

I can't imagine that SDTV signals would improve that much with upscaling. Garbage in garbage out.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: kurt454
I can' imagine that SDTV signals would improve that much with upscaling. Garbage in garbage out.

Actually I wasn't just playing devil's advocate. FFDshow did a number (in a good way) to my analog S-Video/coax input. It's best for removing noise. I'm not sure what you specifically mean by "upscaling".

 

[kurt454]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: kurt454
I can' imagine that SDTV signals would improve that much with upscaling. Garbage in garbage out.

Actually I wasn't just playing devil's advocate. FFDshow did a number (in a good way) to my analog S-Video/coax input. It's best for removing noise. I'm not sure what you specifically mean by "upscaling".

Since he was talking about outputting to an HDTV. I assumed he wanted to use ffdshow for a resize from 720x480 to 1920x1080 resolution. Most people do this on DVD playback. I had never used ffdshow just for noise reduction.

 

[Skandaluz]

Yea, That's that i wanted to do. Use fddshow to upscale the resolution for dvd playback so i can hopefully improve picture quality a bit. Anyone happen to know the best resolution for the JVC HD-61Z575 61" TV? or would it just be better to do trial and error? Also, for the SDTV, If possible to improve quality, would all i need is fddshow or would i need some other types of software too?