[mythtv-users] Another HW Question

[Daniel Agar]

> I need to build a general-purpose file server and am moving towards
> building it out as a myth-tv box.
>
> I've got a Celeron D 3.5Ghz.  Key items I need are the tuner and gfx
> card.  I'm debating the following scenarios:
> * Hauppauge PVR-350 - ~$130 - Serves both purposes.  Integrated video
> for the monitor.
> * XFX GeForce 8500 GT 256MB PCI Express ($60 after-rebate) and PVR-150
> (~$65 on ebay).  Total $125.
>
> Close enough to be a wash on price.  I only have 2 PCI and 1 PCI-e
> slots.  No HD right now but the capability of the GeForce 8500 GT to
> do HD sometime in the future is nice.
>
> Still, I was having a lot of trouble finding PCI or PCI-e cards that
> were much cheaper than $60, even used on ebay, which support S-Video
> or composite out.
>
> Is this a reasonable platform?  Better to do something different?
> Suggestions?  Cost's a factor of course...
>
> Thanks!
>
> Bryce

I'd go with the nvidia video card and a pvr 150. For SD content any nvidia
card with tv out and the ability to control overscan (geforce 4 or newer)
is perfectly fine. I do hd out through dvi on an FX 5200.
I'm not sure where your located but tigerdirect.ca has an XFX Geforce 6200
pci express for $18. It looks ideal for myth
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2844188&CatId=1558