New HDTV, need suggestions

[Type82]

Ok, so I bought this:
http://www.skyvision.com/store/mi7800056.html

It has dvi inputs and I'm currently using composite tv out on my g400, which wasn't a problem on my 27" tv... but needless to say it looks pretty bad on a nice hdtv.

So I bought this:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...145-092&depa=0

My new card hasn't gotten here but I still have some questions that I just can't seem to find the answers to. I'm sure my problem is I'm not using the magic words in google... but I figured this would be a good place to ask.

Basically I want to be able to watch both regular directv using my haupage 250 with dvi output to my big screen. I'm assuming this would be a HUGE differnce than what I got now. I also want to be able to watch hdtv, even if it's without timeshifting and what not. What would be a good hd tuner for my given setup? It would have to have dvi inputs because I can not pick up any off-air hd signals. Are there any 'tried and true' hd cards that some other htpc users have had good expierence with?

Also, should I be able to just install my new video card and then hook up a dvi cable straight from my machine to the tv without damaging it on the first boot?

[noodleNT]

I can not pick up any off-air hd signals

If you can't get OTA signals there is nothing available for the PC yet.

[BajoBear]

Wouldn't this do it?
I don't think Snapstream supports this card yet though.

http://www.hauppauge.com/pages/products/data_hd.html

[nanook105]

Not sure if this is an issue or not, but it looks like your video card only supports DirectX 8.1. I think that you want something that supports DirectX 9

[theparanoid]

that card is software encoding, and it only those over the air hd channels. the 125 cable tunner is only for anlog channels. You may want to look at the new HD DTV DVR that just came out. I know Circuit City is carry it. But be fore warned it not cheap.

[Type82]

Originally Posted by theparanoid

You may want to look at the new HD DTV DVR that just came out. I know Circuit City is carry it. But be fore warned it not cheap.

I might as well buy a TiVO if I'm going to be a cunsomer whore

[Type82]

Originally Posted by nanook105

Not sure if this is an issue or not, but it looks like your video card only supports DirectX 8.1. I think that you want something that supports DirectX 9

On the Chaintech web site I found this about this card:

http://www.chaintech.com.tw/tw/eng/p...o=14&PISNo=308

"Complete support DirectX 8.1 and lower
DirectX 9 compatible"


Anyone know the difference between complete support and compatible?

There's always something I miss before I send them my money.... grrrr

[noodleNT]

Let me restate...

The only HDTV tuner cards for PCs are OTA. Untill Hollywood\Broadcasters get their thumb out of their asses and let us do what we want with the services we pay for don't expect any PCI HDTV tuners that will work with Satalite or Cable boxes.