TV tuner and video card for media center help
 

So I'm moving into my own apartment this weekend, and I've been putting together a small form factor media center PC to set up with our TV and surround sound in the living room. The thing is that the onboard video isn't cutting it with MCE 2005 (get an error and many options not available).

The only other thing missing is a TV tuner so I can record shows and what-not, but I found what seems to be perfect ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815116629 ) since it got really good reviews and is low profile...and affordable.

But what I would really want and need advice on is an ATI All-In-Wonder type card that is low profile and somewhat affordable. I don't think the ATI card comes in a low profile model, so is there anything that compares to that? I don't want to have to buy a seperate TV tuner AND a new video card.

Anyone have any suggestions or ideas?

I have a All In wonder 9600. My advice:


Dont get one.

I bought this card around a year ago, and just filed for my 3rd warranty service today for a dead TV tuner. Two new cards, same problem with all of them. Ive heard that PC TV Tuners arent AS reliable as standard tuners inside TVs, so im gonna get a new video card, and a seperate tuner card. That way if it dies, it will be cheaper to replace, and i wont have to go 4-6 weeks without a video card.

This is just my experience, and suggestion. Dont base your desicion solely off what ive said here, because i DO believe i just have bad luck with it. Good Luck with your own apartment, and in your quest to find a tuner solution!

Good PC TV tuning = Hauppenge(sp?) PVR-150, 250, 350 etc.

You can check reviews her -> www.htpcnews.com <- That site also is sponsored by PC Alchemy, which is a store that has all you need. Click on the ad to get there.

DarkRavenX - Well, I don't think the ATI cards are the slim pci cards I need, so those are out. But thanks for the info!

Dayvon - That's good to hear, because the card I've had my eye on is a Hauppauge PCR 150. Thanks!