Cable/Satellite into computer

[subdismal]

A friend of mine has a Hewlett Packard setup he bought from BestBuy (some multimedia seutp) and he is able to run his TV through his video card somehow. I haven't looked at how it works really, so I figured I'd ask the experts here at Anandtech for the best way and best hardware to do this. Some sort of special video card?

Also, what would I need to run multiple monitors on my system?

 

[chocoruacal]

It's called a capture or TV tuner card. Check em out at Newegg.com, it should be obvious how they work. Leadtek makes nice, beginner friendly cards.

For multiple monitors, obviously you need a card that has dual monitor outputs or you need to put another video card in your system.

 

[JenniAMDCHP]

Some programs like current versions of WinAmp will let you see streaming feeds of tv shows. It's hard to find a spot/opening (Since the feeds are limited bandwidth, hosts usually allow 10-30 people on each feed maximum, or something). I've seen Family Guy, Futurama, etc - this way.

To watch live tv channels on your computer, you would probably need a tuner card. Here's an example..
http://registration.hauppauge....e/hardware.asp#pvrusb2

Though you can probably get one for way cheaper. That one just has a lot of bells and whistles. I'm not sure if you can just route your tv channels through a current video card - I don't have a lot of knowledge on this area. I do know that there are tv tuner cards though.
-Jen

 

[subdismal]

Great advice, from both of you.

I'll probably check into the dual monitor output card, but you say that if I install another video card it would work as well, right? Do they make video cards for PCI slots? I have a seperate AGP card since my mobo doesn't have onboard video. =(

I'll definitely check into the Leadtek stuff.

 

[LtPage1]

they do, but pci cards will be crap for any gaming whatsoever. go with the dual monitor card, all modern video cards have multiple connectors.

 

[subdismal]

Hrm, well I have a nVidia GForce 3 Ti200 128MB video card now, which I don't think has a dual output. I bought it a little over a year ago. >_<