new video card for HTPC

[sathyan]

I currently have an ATI Xpert99 video card which I want to upgrade.
The new card must be AGP, with SVGA (CRT Monitor) and TV output, 32MB
or more, stable WindowsXP drivers. I already have a TV card so that
does not need to be integrated into the video board. Modern gaming is not a
concern. TV out quality (for video playback: DVD, SVCD,
WMA/RealVideo/Quicktime, Divx, AVI, M2V; slide shows; powerpoint
presentations) and 2D quality on CRT monitor (office tasks, web, photo
editing) are important. Any suggestions? Budget=US$150

What do you think of the ATI Radeon 7500 AGP (64MB, SVGA/DVI/TV,
Hydravision)?

thanks,
sathyan

pc specs: http://home.columbus.rr.com/sathyan

 

[max105]

If you don't care for gaming and such, I think any Radeon would be fine. With a budget of $150, you can get almost any Radeon card out there now. ATI has an HDTV component adapter that you can use for your HT, but I believe someone said it only works with their AIW line. But then again, you already have a tv-tuner so you probalby don't wanna pay extra for that. Other than that, a 7500 or maybe an 8500LE sounds good. They added the Video Immersion II on the 8500 series. I don't know how much quality difference there is between the 7500 and 8500LE, but either one seems to be a nice choice since the 8500LEs can be had pretty cheap nowadays.

 

[rbV5]

Take a look at the new ATI 9000 series cards. Even the pro model will run you less than $100 the regular model at around $70. Excellent performance and great multimedia features. It'll do everything you want and more.

 

[Goi]

Yup, basically if you don't do much gaming on your HTPC, any Radeon would do. I'm using a Radeon VE on my HTPC and it works great.

 

[Apex]

The Radeon 9000 has the added advantage of having 10 bit colors, so if and when you get a display that can utilize this (ie. JVC G150CL), you'll be set.

 

[Auric]

Go for the 9000 for $70 or whatever so that you have all the bells and whistles as others mentioned (dual display, adaptive de-interlacing, 10bit color, component video adapter compatible, etc.). You can spend as little as $40 on a Radeon 7000/VE TVO but the price difference versus features makes it less attractive when you can get the best for half your budget