How's a V3's TV-out? (compared to a Radeon 8500)

[brinstar117]

I've been playing around with my new retail Radeon 8500 and I am enjoying the novelty of TV-out. It works great for watching movies and music videos on the WEGA TV in our living room. However, I wouldn't recommend it for desktop and gaming purposes.

However in order to have that setup, I have to relocate my computer to the living room and back to my room when I'm done. I don't find it particularly convenient. Also, if my family wishes to watch a movie, then my computer will be indisposed... (meaning no gaming for me!)

Thus, I was considering the option of building a computer (or at least upgrading the family computer) with a Voodoo 3 3000 AGP with TV-out. Then I could have a permanent computer system for video entertainment purposes.

Don't worry about the video files actually being physically on the entertainment computer. All my video files are on my file server and can be streamed to all the computers on the family network. (Works great! Go Pentium 1 power!)

I'd just like an objective comparison between the two video cards' TV-out capabilities. I have never had a V3 with TV out, I want to know if it can muster 640x480@60Hz and look decent on a TV. If not, what cards would you guys recommend? I want to keep it cheap!


EDIT: massive typographical errors (well... two)

 

[Frolic]

ATI and Matrox do have the best TV-out quality no doubt.

I?ve had a V3 3000AGP with TV-out and I wouldn?t recommend it. Especially in darker areas in movies it?s hard to see any details, not so fun when you watch a thrilling night-action scene and can?t really see who?s who.

My friend has a Matrox Millenium G450 with excellent tv-out, cheaper ATIs also have good tv-out as you perhaps know. Why not go for a Matrox Millenium G550? Not to expensive and very good tv-out.

 

[rbV5]

I'd get a Radeon Le w/tv-out, or one of the other Radeon's with TV-out. For about $70 on up at Newegg, they'll have nice TV-out.

 

[SeventySeven]

I can't compare the two cards, but I can comment on the V3 3000 AGP. I have one that boots straight to a 27" TV, set at 800x600 - 32 bit. Windows apps aren't too sharp, which isn't the cards fault, but games and videos look very good!! Sharp, clear, and very smooth. There are color settings (plus gamma, brightness, contrast) in the 3dfx tool panel which can be adjusted for the tv... and I have no complaints with mine.

Do you already have one of the V3 3000's? I'm assuming thats why you're considering it, because it would be alot easier, and not much more money to get a 'newer' card.