Video card for home entertainment computer??

[cnwk64]

I am think about building myself a home entertainment computer next to my tvset.
I will be use the computer to surf, recored TV, play music, and games.
but surf on the web and recored TV will be the most important task for me.
Any suggestion on the Video Card and software for this kind of function?
BTW, I will not use CRT monitor at all (besides setup process), so I need to be able to boot up from TV.

 

[zsouthboy]

RADEON ALL IN WONDER is perfect for what you need, except I don't know if you can use just tv out as your monitor when you boot. Other than that it provides PVR functions, etc. that are just perfect for an entertainment center.

zs

 

[cnwk64]

I guess the computer will be turn on 24*7 so as long as it doesn't crash
it should be fine.
does AIW come with software for recording?

 

[zsouthboy]

Yes it does(or should) as long as you buy the retail boxed version.

zs

 

[rbV5]

<< I will not use CRT monitor at all (besides setup process), so I need to be able to boot up from TV. >>



If you were to use a TV only, if a game or application you are using changes the video resolution to anything above 800x600@60hz, you will lose your display and wont be able to reset the resolution without hooking up a monitor.

Also, there is not a TV-out solution other than perhaps a high quality scan-converter that will enable you to surf the web, or do anything text based with your TV-out(some upcoming video cards will change that.) It is strictly a FPS gaming, movie solution.

 

[zsouthboy]

Yeah I forgot about that. Thanks rbV5.
I thought the AIW would do regular windows stuff on the tv out too, though.
Perhaps I wrong (wouldn't be the first time)

zs

 

[rbV5]

<< I thought the AIW would do regular windows stuff on the tv out too, though >>



It'll do it, you just can't see it clearly LOL.

 

[cnwk64]

Thansk for the info.
so which new video card you think will be able to surf on tv.
I mean, there is WebTV out there for a while. someone must want to build this kind of device for a while.

 

[rbV5]

WebTV is not the same, but if you insist on using your TV to surf the web, it may be your best bet. Since Radeon cards have arguably the best TV-out quality, your not going to get it with a TV-out video card, the upcoming radeon 8500 with component-out will not be restrained to 800x600, so with a digital TV, and plenty of money, you may be able to go that route. Otherwise you'll be looking at a scan converter(do a search) My understanding is that a high quality unit will provide acceptable text on your TV, thereby allowing web surfing etc. Beware that the quality varies greatly, and cost is a factor.

 

[cnwk64]

I guess, I will put the project on hold for now.