HDTV / HTPC Q's

[cnelson87]

Wow, where to start. I'll just ramble on and see where I end up. I'm putting together an entertainment center in the rec room. Already have a decent Kenwood SS system. DVD player is kind of a cheapo, I'll either upgrade soon or just use the computer for DVDs. Recommendations?

I'm ditching Comcast and any type of pay cable/sat in general. Too much $ for too much crap.

Without cable, I figure I need an OTA SD and/or HD tuner card, HD being priority. Need to be able to watch and record at the same time. I've seen some that have FM as well - nice but not necessary.

I just built a computer, dubbed an HTPC becuse that's what it will be used for. DVDs, video encoding, music, gaming (FPS junkie), etc. 3.2ghz Northwood, Radeon 9800, Asus P4P800, XP Pro sp2, blah blah blah, 6 months ago it might have been considered top of the line. Not the point, just mentioning specs for reference. Plus, it was fun to build it myself.

OK, 1st Q: what is the "best" (I'll get flamed for that for sure...) HD tuner / capture card and software? The ATI HDTV Wonder and Haupage 250 come up a lot, and I've seen mention of a Divco(?). Of course I know "best" is subjective, I'm just looking for opinions related to my needs.

2nd Q (and the more complex): computer monitor or LCD HDTV? My current TV is a 10 y/o 26" CRT so whatever I decide will be an improvement. I really like the Dell 24" widescreen, currently on sale for $879 shipped. 1920x1200 res aint too shabby either. But while 24" is nice for a computer monitor it's small for a TV. So, LCD TVs...? HDMI or DVI/HDCP for future compatibility is a consderation. I don't have room for anything bigger than 32" IF the speakers are removeable or on the bottom (like Viewsonic). I was looking at the 26" Olevia Syntax but it's too wide with the side speakers. (of course, I suppose I could trash the old entertainment center and buy a new one, $igh). And what the hell is with most LCD TVs weird res of 1366x768? ATI cards don't like that res, or maybe I have just enough knowledge to really have no idea what I'm talking about.

end ramble.

[Baldrick]

i recommend http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=26

[Treebeard]

Also Try http://htpcnews.com forums

[dphirschler]

The Dvico card you refer to is their Fusion HDTV line. I have the Fusion HDTV3 T/Q (T=Terrestrial OTA, Q=QAM cable). They currently have a version 5 of this card. I am very happy with the card.

Not sure about your solution for monitor hookup, but here is what I am doing. VGA output from the PC is split and run to one VGA monitor and one LCD Projector. I can use the VGA monitor for general use and casual TV viewing. When I want to watch movies or something special, I fire up the projector.

Look around and see if you can find a nice LCD or plasma display that accepts VGA. The other option would be to get a VGA card that outputs component video (as long as your display also accepts component video).

Anyway something to think about. Hope I was able to help. Good luck.


Darryl

[pfh]

Couple nice links Baldrick and Treebeard. thanks