Vista - What hardware do I need?

I just built a new core i7 computer with the intle DX58SO board and a EVGA GTS 250 Video Card and 6gb of ram.

I have time warner cable, just the basic channels up to 80 or something. I am interested in getting something for my computer that lets me watch the channels on my monitor. I would prefer something with a remote, but it doesn't really matter. Video quality is the most important. And it has to work with Vista Ultimate x64.

I wasn't sure if there is anything Nvidia based, but I would prefer that also.

Sorry to ask such a dumb question, but I wasn't sure.

Hi
I just purchased a new TV tuner card, since my old PVR-150 won't handle more than 4 GB of system memory; too old, I guess.

Anyway, it's an ATI TV Wonder HD 650 PCI. I was skeptical at first, however the price I paid for it was reasonable and was pleasantly surprise on the tuner's responsiveness.

I too have basic cable (no HD). This card can handle both; analog and HD-TV. It's also PCI-E (1x), so you can place the card in that slot if you have one. There's also a breakout box, allowing for composite and S-video A/V inputs; good for recording from an old camcorder and/or VCR, etc.

It comes with a remote, but I didn't try it, since I have an MCE as well as an XBOX 360 remote (which works with Vista Media Center via a registry edit). Once you install the card, install the drivers from the disk, which are adequate, but I wouldn't bother with the other software, since it maybe troublesome (you're choice).

Then open Vista Media Center, set up TV. It will find your card, then ask a few questions, such as; set top box, analog or HD, ZIP/Postal code. Once finished it will download TV listings for your area.

Details on the card: ATI TV Wonder™ HD 650 PCI (NTSC/ATSC) - Overview

I hope this was of some help and good luck!

thanks, I appreciate it. But after some internet reading, I have decided to stick with something NVIDIA based. Although from what I read, the ATI product is superior.

There is no chance an Old ATI Wonder will work is there? I doubt it is compatible with an x64 OS.

There are alot of other tuner card makers out there. Hauppauge and AVerMedia are two very good ones to consider when shopping.

Newegg.com - Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 Media Center Kit Dual TV Tuner 1213 PCI-Express x1 Interface - TV Tuners & Video Devices

Newegg.com - AVerMedia AVerTV Combo PCIe MCE ATSC/NTSC/QAM Tuner Card w/MCE Remote & L-P Bracket 7 95522 96066 5 PCI-Express x1 Interface - TV Tuners & Video Devices

Both these cards(and the one midfingr posted) will do analog cable, as well as unencrypted digital and broadcast HD. I personally have the AVerTv Combo and it works fantastically.

I agree with Stillhouse. The AVerTv Combo is probably your best bet. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a definitive answer concerning the Hauppauge 2250 and 4 GB or more of system RAM as I was seeing conflicting reports. However, from my past experience, the Hauppauge PVR-150 worked well.

And no problem, hondajt, at least we got the ball rolling, hoping for more suggestions.