Need some video card recomendations...

[Hani]

Hello everybody,

I'm building a system for my dad's friend. Every part has been decided, except the video card. I need some help picking one. He wants the computer to last for a long time, probably 3+ years. Anyway, he told me that the video card will be used mainly in 2D application, with a little bit of gaming (for his kids). He wants TV-Out so he can watch DVD movies on TV, and TV-IN wouldn't be that bad either. Also, he wants the card to have the Philips SAA7108 onboard DVD encoder chip or similar chip.

What do you think? Any recomendations will be greatly appreciated. Also, it would be even better if the card was available at NewEgg.

Thanks!

 

[Hani]

OK, so what do you guys think about the Gainward Geforce2 Ti500 XP VIVO Golden Sample? Costs 125$ from NewEgg, has Video-IN and Video-Out, and has the Philips chip (I think). Any opnions?

 

[Beater]

From all I've read no card has better DVD out than ATI. If budget is a concern a 7500 would likely be a good choice, if money is not a concern than a 8500 would have the best longevity due to its recent release. Unless he really needs the VIVO I'd pass on it cause it will add uneeded cost!

 

[Hani]

What about the 7000? It has TV-out and costs 45$. The 7200 has onboard DVD encoder, but doesn't have a TV-out (No such product at NewEgg.com).

Thanks

 

[bluemax]

Keep your eyes open for a deal on the "classic" Radeon 64MB DDR w/ VIVO (Retail - some OEMs drop VIVO).
They should be relatively inexpensive now, but any full Radeon (not VE or 7000) with TV-out or VIVO is perfect for this usage.
All-in-Wonder is cool, but more expensive...

 

[Hani]

Hmm, well, after reading several reviews, it seems that the Radeon 7500 is better at DVD play back than other video cards based on nVidia GPUs. I think I might get him that card. NewEgg has the card only for 99$, but according to people's feeedback, there's no DVD-Player included, and return, they can't use the onboard DVD encoder. Can this be downloaded? If not, I think it's better to get the retail version, with all the drivers/software/cables. Where can I get the retail Radeon 7500 w/ Tv-Out? Neither Directron nor NewEgg has them.

Thanks

 

[JBChance]

Pricewatch.com

Try here. Select video cards and select the card you need.

IMHO the ATI Radeon 7500 is a good choice.

Good Luck

Edit: There seem to be a bunch around $100.00 shipped

 

[Hani]

OK, Thanks a lot!

BTW, How's ATI Driver Support? Does it have any software-related problems.

 

[JBChance]

Ahh.............


That seems to be the tricky spot, although, I would expect, you'll find them to be pretty good.

ATi is a reputable company that's been making video adapters for a long time. I'm sure the drivers will be
okay. I think the nVidia guys (that's actually what I have) use the "driver issue" to futher their cause quite
a bit

Anyway the DVD playback/TV out should be great. My Dad swears by it.