Video to TV Choices

[classic2step]

Yes, I am new to both this forum and to video capture and processing so forgive any mistakes. I did a search of all forums and could not find help in the following area.

I recently purchased a Sony 60" DLP (KDS-30A2020) and want to set up an extra computer as a recorder. I live in a very wooded area and can only receive Analog satellite (DISH). I also can pickup 8 HD Over the Air signals very good. I cannot get Local Channels on the DISH because to the trees so a DVR is out. I also want to be able to transfer some old VCR tapes as well.

I will have the computer behind the TV and will use a wireless mouse/keyboard combo to control it. The TV has a 15 pin RGB Connector and an Audio connector designated as the computer input.

The computer is a Pentium 4 @ 3.06GHz with 1MB RAM (I am upgrading to 2MB Ram). I have one 160GB HD and can drop in a 2nd if needed. The OS is Vista Home Premium.

I have a Pinnacle PCTV HD Capture Card (PCI) that seems to work ok. I set everything up next to my office computer and checked out the capture from Over the Air HD. I am not overly happy with the Pinnacle software but the card seems to work alright. In order to watch a recorded program I have to burn a DVD or use the monitor. I need to be able to go direct to the TV.

My next purchase will be a video output card. After looking over information from many sources I am completely confused. Almost every card seems to come with a nice description for Gamers but not much for my situation.

I have one PCI Express slot open and am ready to move forward. I do not need to really know what is the best card but do need to know what to look for. Also, what to avoid.

Thanks, Walter

[redwudz]

With Vista, you definitely want 2GB RAM. And it's fairly cheap at present. If you only have the one hard drive, you want to add at least one more, 300GB or bigger. Video really eats up hard drive space.

It sounds like your TV has a VGA input (15 pin D type connector), the same as most computer monitors, so cards may not be so hard to come by. If the TV uses DVI, HDMI or Component inputs, a little harder. But many video cards have DVI output in addition to VGA. If you pick up a card with DVI and VGA, many come with a 'dongle' that converts the DVI to VGA for a second VGA output.

Others can suggest specific PCI-E video cards.

And welcome to our forums.

[classic2step]

redwudz,
Thanks for the fast reply. Although pretty good with computers this Video stuff is real new for me. Yes, the Sony has the standard monitor 15 pin input as well as 7 other types of inputs available. The VGA is fine for my use. Even though I do not plan to leave videos on the hard drive I do plan to take your advise and drop in another drive. I have several sitting around.

I'm still playing around with the Pinnacle Capture card while waiting to finish my system. The time shift feature works pretty good although the record direct to DVD does not.

I am really looking forward to getting some PCI-E card information. That area has me really baffled.

Walter