TV tuners

[dunk182]

you have one? does it work well? is it worth the investment?

 

[RESPAWN]

I've had ATI All-in-Wonder video cards in my last couple of computers. At the time I felt it was worth it, but that was back before DVRs became so ubiquitous.

I watch so little TV these days that I find the TV tuners don't do much work for me. I guess it all depends on how much money you're spending...

 

[Pizza Steve]

If you want to set your computer up to record shows for you then get it but make sure you have a few hundred gb of space if your recording in HD and not deleting after watching.. If you want it just for watching TV on your computer and already have a TV it probably not a good investment you'll end up watching your TV more than your computer for your sshoews.

 

[Jubei]

I have one - it's nice! The wife can work on the PC next to this one and watch tv.... or she can take the laptop downstairs and watch the tv from there... hmm - maybe we don't really need one afterall - but hey, its paid for and at this point it would be a pain to take it out.

 

[HoosTrax]

I have one - an ATI HD650. Turns my LCD TV that would otherwise be obsoleted by the changeover to ATSC into an HD-capable TV. Also, the HD recording ability is a definite plus. The media center program that comes with it I found pretty lacking and not very stable. Windows Media Center works well with it, OTOH.

 

[NightHawK]

I have one but, i don't use it anymore. cause i have a tv now.

 

[Crashman]

If you don't have a TV near your computer or want to record shows with the option of editing out commercials, I would say go for it. I had an All-In-Wonder several years ago (before HD) and it was kind of nice being able to watch TV in a window while doing other things (surfing the web, etc). Having a tuner in your PC could also be a nice way of watching HD content if you don't already have an HDTV but keep in mind, not all TV tuners support HD, and also, you won't get an HD signal from your cable company unless it's part of your service plan. Also, a lot of tuners have video "inputs" as well so you could hook up a 360, PS3 or whatever (just make sure it has the right inputs for your system).

 

[OODA Loop]

It depends on how much tv you will be watching/recording, sometimes its easier to just buy a tivo

but if you are serious about this, buy an external hard drive if yours doesnt already have half a terebyte or so of memorey