A/V output from GeForce FX?

[PaulyT]

Hi! I'm getting tired of my ATI card/drivers instability, and am considering switching to a GeForce FX card (5200 or 5600 probably). I'm trying to figure out what cables I'd need to buy. Am I correct that these cards have only S-video output, and no audio output? So, since my TV has only basic RCA video + audio (L+R) inputs, I'd need an S-video to RCA cable - any problems with that? And then a cable that goes from my sound card to L+R audio RCA jacks; is it okay to split the audio out so that I can have sound on both the TV and PC speakers, or would the audio signal be too degraded this way? Other suggestions?

Thanks for any/all advice!

[PaulyT]

One more thing - any recommendations on the card manufacturer? There seem to be many 'flavors' of these cards - I guess nVidia makes the chipset, but the cards are manufactured by other companies, right? Any one better/worse than the others?

[jaminj]

I bought the fx5200 about a month ago and like it very much. I've got one of those svid to composite converters and hooked it to my fx5200. I've also got one of those mini stereo to RCA converters and hooked it to my sound card. Then I run a standard vid/R/L cable to my stereo receiver. The computer booted and displayed on the TV the first time and has never given me a problem.

I bought the PNY version of the fx5200 from compUSA because I wanted the option to return it if I had a problem. At the time of my research, I saw one version with a DVI+svid, one with DVI+svid+VGA, and the PNY had 2 VGA+svid. Since I have many VGA monitors and no DVI devices, I figured I'd use the dual vga outputs if I ever used the card for another purpose. I don't think the manufacturer makes much of a difference, but there may be people who disagree with me. I have since seen models online that do not have a fan, which may make a difference to you.

An added bonus to getting the nVidia is the nvDVD software that comes with it.

[cgwaters]

I thought the nvDVD software (MPEG-2 Decoder?) that came with the video card was just an eval version--one that timed out after so many days? Or is that just the version that is downloadable from nVidia's website?

I have the PNY FX 5200 Ultra (and a PVR-250); but for some reason, SS's Miscellaneous Settings > Preferred MPEG-2 Decoder only lists the InterVideo...for Hauppauge and the Ligos decoders. No nVidia entry.

[WillP]

NVDVD does not come with all nvidia based cards. I sincerely wish it did because I shelled out $40 just to use the decoder! It does seem kinda crazy but I had my reasons. I think it was mentioned on these forums that only eVGA bundled nvdvd with their cards. I cannot verify this (well I could but I'm too lazy), and by now more manufacturers may be bundling it.

Will

[RobertH]

eVGA is the only one ive seen that bundles it but it is kinda a "lite" version it nags you to upgrade to the fullversion each time you run the program, but the decoder works fine by itself

[haynes52]

i just picked up a 5200, made by pine, seems solid

one thing is that some manufacturers use a fan and others use a good heatsink (mine has the heat sink)

I wanted it as quiet as possible based on where the box is situated (beside the tv)

just a thought

i like the card, the decoder did not come with my card

i bought it at best buy canada ( $140) cad aprox 1104 usd

good luck