What do I need to watch cable tv on my lcd?

[rizorith]

I'm about to get a Dell 2005fpw mostly to play games but also to watch cable tv. Right now I have cable (no cable box) and I want to hook it up to my monitor.

What would I need to get so I can view cable? I will be purchasing a new video card (something along the lines of x800/6800gt) - anything in particular I should get?

One more thing - if I get a 5.1 thx surround sound speaker setup what will I need to use the 5.1 for dvd's on the computer? I'll also need a soundcard so I'm guessing there is something in particular I can get - I just don't know what it is.

thanks in advance!

 

[Sureshot324]

You need a tv tuner card for your pc. Of course this means you have to have your computer on while watching, not sure if there's a way to go directly to your monitor.

 

[Cheesetogo]

I would get a tv tuner card. However, if you can find the x800xt all-in wonder (it has a tuner built in) for a good price, you might want to condsider that.

 

[rizorith]

Originally posted by: Cheesetogo
I would get a tv tuner card. However, if you can find the x800xt all-in wonder (it has a tuner built in) for a good price, you might want to condsider that.

That's exactly what I was thinking. Is the all-in-wonder good for overclocking and things like that? I'm just wondering if there are any downsides to getting one of those instead of a separate video card and tv tuner card.

 

[JBT]

no there is no downside to getting an AIW. They are the same thing as the normal cards.

 

[Cheesetogo]

Originally posted by: rizorith

Originally posted by: Cheesetogo
I would get a tv tuner card. However, if you can find the x800xt all-in wonder (it has a tuner built in) for a good price, you might want to condsider that.

That's exactly what I was thinking. Is the all-in-wonder good for overclocking and things like that? I'm just wondering if there are any downsides to getting one of those instead of a separate video card and tv tuner card.

sometimes the all in wonders are slightly slower, but in this case, it is just as fast as a non alw. Still, the x800xt runs a bit hot, so you would probably want to get aftermarket cooling. There are not really any downsides other than when you replace your video card, you'll be replacing the tv tuner as well.