Seting up a HTPC what video card??

[imperfectcircle25]

Ok so I am setting up my computer for home theater use and will be using a 30in lcd screen. i want to be able to use my pc, watch dvds and digital cable all through this screen. What if any special hardware do I need?? Is an ATI x1300pro sufficeint for this application??
thanks

 

[1Dark1Sharigan1]

You will need a TV tuner card, either that or an AIW . . . and yes for video purposes an X1300 would be sufficient, though you'd still need a TV tuner card to go along with it . . .

I would suggest you get the AIW 2006 . . .

 

[Cookie Monster]

Gigabyte 7300GS passively cooled.

Perfect for a HTPC.


edit - X1300pro or AIW products.

 

[NeezyDeezy]

7600gt

7300gs doesn't support all the high definition purevideo features the 7600gt does

 

[Wreckage]

Originally posted by: NeezyDeezy
7600gt

7300gs doesn't support all the high definition purevideo features the 7600gt does

http://www.nvidia.com/page/purevideo_support.html

According to that, the 7300 does support H.264. However it may put a much higher toll on your CPU. You will most certainly want H.264 acceleration on that 30"LCD.

 

[NeezyDeezy]

inverse telecine and bad edit correction are NOT available on the 7300gs for high def content

 

[1Dark1Sharigan1]

Currently ATI and AVIVO are the superior option over nvida and Purevideo . . .

 

[imperfectcircle25]

So the x1300pro would be a good card for me??
thanks
Frank

 

[SpeedZealot369]

try a 1800 AIW card. If you ever want to game a little you can and it has everything you need.

 

[imperfectcircle25]

Well im asking about the 1300pro because i already have one laying around that I could use. I dont do any gaming at and most likely wont in the furture
so I think an x1800 would be a waste of money for me. From what I have read, unless your gaming there is no need for anything more than a 6600 or x1300. Any reason you would need something better if your not gaming?
thanks
Frank

 

[1Dark1Sharigan1]

Originally posted by: imperfectcircle25
Well im asking about the 1300pro because i already have one laying around that I could use. I dont do any gaming at and most likely wont in the furture
so I think an x1800 would be a waste of money for me. From what I have read, unless your gaming there is no need for anything more than a 6600 or x1300. Any reason you would need something better if your not gaming?
thanks
Frank

The AIW 2006 is basically an AIW X1300 Pro . . .

 

[A5]

Since you already have the 1300 laying around, it will be absolutely fine. If you want TV features, get a seperate tuner.

 

[imperfectcircle25]

I am going to be using a new MSI neo2 crossfire board for this setup, so i could always add a second x1300 if i need more graphics power.

 

[1Dark1Sharigan1]

Originally posted by: imperfectcircle25
I am going to be using a new MSI neo2 crossfire board for this setup, so i could always add a second x1300 if i need more graphics power.

If you're not gonna game, no need to bother with a second X1300 . . .

 

[imperfectcircle25]

Ive been thinking about getting into gaming a little bit, i havent played video games since the origional playstation, im really just curious to see whats out there these days. Would I be able to play games with a single x1300pro, or would i need to add a second one or upgrade to a better card maybe a x1600 or two?? What would be a good first game for me to check out?? Im a history buff so maybe a war game, any recomendations??
thanks
Frank

 

[NeezyDeezy]

Originally posted by: imperfectcircle25
Ive been thinking about getting into gaming a little bit

<admiral akbar> It's a trap! </admiral akbar>