TV Tuner cards

Am interested in installing TV capability into my Gateway 5408 PC, running WIN Vista.... need some recommendations rel to internal card vs USB input; ease of install if internal; brand vs quality of pic; if no remote how tune channels;.... Tx

 

For anything you decide on, check that it is Vista compatible.

I was going to get wizzbang card , that I could connect everything to, etc, make sure it had good reviews, etc, but when I went to my local computer parts supplier he had a run-out model at less than half the price of any others. After few minutes of decision time, I was taking it home (if it was junk, the price was worth the risk).

It is a little fiddly to install and configure, but has worked fine as a basic "system ". It might be a little hard if I wanted to, say, record my old VHS tapes, but I think I could do it.
I now have HD TV with 4 channel stereo at a cost that would make someone buying a "mediacenter" cry

Check that it does actually have high definition. Does it work by terrestrial or satellite? What inputs and outputs do you need?

A lot of the high-end cards give you more "user friendly" software. If you are a little technically minded, the opposite will tell you a lot about how it works when you set it up.

The minor problem I have is that I have my television is connected on the same cable and if not set up correctly it causes problems with HD.

USB, not too much different from what I have heard, but you would not want heavy cables hanging directly off a USB port. From memory, the satellite type need a good aerial/antenna.

Look into the Compro brand, they get good reviews (if they are available where you are).

As I said, the expense may be in the software unless you are looking for specific input/output.

Matt

 

Mattman, Tx for your response.... after much investigating/forum searching, found that: 1) many diverse opinions on the user forums..... 'specific cards work great to don't work at all...'; also found card manufacturers (ex: ATI) deceptively advertise product (I purchased & returned ATI 650 card..... stated on package card was '...XP compatible, VISTA certified ready..' After going on WIN Media Ctr site, found that this expensive card was not functionally incompatible w/ WIN VISTA apps)... am now tunerless, and awaiting some provider to accept responsibility and provide the consumer with technically acceptable solutions!!...) Tx