Graphics Card and also Antenna use

[supergokougt]

1st question:
I have been using my machine and think a new graphics card might create a better experience.

My current set up:
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit
8gb of Ram
Intel Core i3 cpu 540@3.07
ATI Radeon HD 5450

When using the tv as a monitor i see the digits are not as smooth as I would like. And playback in media center is a little slow.

Can you recommend a card that fits and would be an upgrade? Or did a set something up wrong?

2nd question:
Can I use an HD antenna with media center and if so can I record programs using a guide?

Thanks!

[newfiend]

Nvidia and AMD cards are available for HTPC use..
I use Nvidia.. The Nvidia GT430 or GT640 are good cards for HTPC use.

As far as Question #2, I don't see why you can't use a HD Antenna and run through MC setup for your Tuner .. It should scan for available channels and set up your guide.
newfiend~

[kc10boom]

I use nothing but nVidia cards. Mine is an eVGA GT430

[Mike88]

I use an older antenna with an OTA HD tuner card with WMC7 and it works great.

[TeddyR]

I use an older antenna with an OTA HD tuner card with WMC7 and it works great.

Yup. Though finding OTA tuners that are reliabe may be hit and miss (drivers wise) but they are out there.

Personally I use an older model SiliconDust HDHR-US for OTA stations (2 tuners with 2 antenna inputs) [plenty avail on ebay ]. The HDHR3-US (Daul, 2 tuners one antenna input) is the current "new" model for OTA from silicondust. I also like the Hauppage HVR-2250 as well (2 tuners that can do: NTSC, QAM, ATSC,FM) but only one TV input and one FM input so I currently use it for cable input (NTSC/QAM) and FM.

[Mike88]

I have two AverMedia Duet dual tuner cards. They are discontinued according to their website, but I contacted AverMedia & they said "MTVHDDUET will be an ongoing model but it's in shortage at this moment". I chose the Duet cards because they were quite a bit cheaper than the Hauppage HVR-2250 cards. NTSC is gone & I didn't need the FM feature.

[foxwood]

1st question:
I have been using my machine and think a new graphics card might create a better experience.

My current set up:
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit
8gb of Ram
Intel Core i3 cpu 540@3.07
ATI Radeon HD 5450

Take the ATI card out and just use the built-in graphics on the 540 - it's perfectly adequate for Media Center use

Posts are free - if you have two different questions, post 2 different topics. You're more likely to get useful answers to both questions.

[Mike88]

Newegg has this HD 6450 on sale for $14.99 after rebate & with free shipping. I don't know if it will help you, but it's the same one I bought & it works for me.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 27584-L08C