Windows XP MCE and Tuner/Capture Cards not Supported by It

[drstew]

I am interested in a small computer with S-video out for watching video on a TV. I am looking at an HP s7320n (I like the form factor and price), which comes with Windows XP MCE. This computer does not have an S-video output (has MB video with shared memory). It appears I might be able to add a Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-350, which has an S-video output, but this product does not support (or is not supported by) Windows XP MCE. Can I ignore the MCE part of Windows XP MCE and still operate a Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-350? Does MCE ride on top of XP? Can I do everything else I am use to doing in XP without MCE?

[redwudz]

Here's a list from MS with supported cards and programs for MCE:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=30e22722-a2bc-45a4-8f1a-f5750...displaylang=en

[rallynavvie]

Media Center is just an application that is integrated into Windows XP similar to how Internet Explorer is integrated. You can use Windows without even touching Media Center.

I wouldn't use the PVR for its output feature, I think it's limited in some way. Does the PC you're looking at still have an AGP or PCI-E video slot so you can put a cheap video card in it with more output options?

[drstew]

I'm considering an HP s7320n for its form factor and price ($450 after rebate). It has on-board video with shared memory, and one PCI slot that is occupied by a modem, which I would remove. It has a limited power supply, but one person reports success installing a Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-150 MCE. I'm wondering if I could install an ATI 7500 AIW VE or Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-350 (I don't know if either would work). I can't believe HP didn't include an S-video output for a TV.

[Doramius]

Do you already have your AIW card? I am a big user of these and have run them in all sorts of machines. The latest AGP AIW I've use is the 9600 and I just spent the BIG $$ for a PCI-Express X1900.

I take it you're buying you video tuner card separately from your PC. ATI tends to be supported and support more things than Hauppauge. If you decide to go this route, you'll probably have fewer issues. I don't think the AIW has an FM tuner on this card, if I remember correctly. The 7500 is also 1x, 2x, & 4x. I don't know what type of AGP the HP MoBo supports, but check to make sure it matches properly.

Personally, I feel the 9600 series runs better with 3d and runs very well with the TV support you're looking for.

[FulciLives]

The Hauppauge WinTV PVR 150 MCE has a lot of bugs.

However the Hauppauge WinTV PVR 250 MCE does NOT have the bugs that the 150 model has so I would get the 250 model.

Beware the 250 comes in a MCE version and a non-MCE version.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[drstew]

I have an ATI AIW 7500 VE, which is for a PCI slot rather than an AGP or PCIE slot. It has S-video out. The HP s7320n may only take a half height card, though. I'm told the Hauppauge WinTV PVR 150 MCE will fit (saw a post on another website). This wouldn't allow me to connect to TV, however. Any ideas?

[rallynavvie]

Use the AIW for your video output only since it supports the output method you want and you already own it. I hadnt heard that the 150 MCE had any issues, you can check out www.thegreenbutton.com for all the info you'll ever want about MCE. I haven't been there in months but they had some good reviews. I have a 250 MCE and would recommend it if you think it'll fit. Use the Hauppauge for your video input only. Hopefully MCE won't have issues with the AIW features.

[Doramius]

If you already have a video card and you are trying to use it so your TV can be the monitor, Try this: http://www.aitech.com/site2/products/maxview.htm

I think this is more along the lines of what you are trying to look for. I had the predecessor Pro PC/TV Plus box and that thing was awesome. This one has better frequencies and goes up to 1024x768 @ 60-70 Hz for resolution. And it's flicker free.

The one I have I used on a 36" TV and it's picture was phenominal for presentations. No Delay. AIWs tend to have a small delay.