Hi Everyone,

No real problems (for a change) just a querie.

Can someone please explain what a tv card does when it is put into a pc? I've been lead to believe that I can watch television (where does the signal come from?), and even record the tv and radio progs it receives.
Does it have it's own memory or would it rely on my pc's RAM?
I occasionally liten to the radio over the net (although it gets broken up a bit sometimes), but I've been told that since I don't have broadband, I can't expect much. Would my lack of broadband be a problem with receiving tv/radio progs with a card?

Regards to everyone

A very confused Graham
:confused: :confused: :confused:

Here is some info about TV cards.... (http://www.comprousa.com/support/faq/tvcard.htm)

As I understand it, you have to have some sort of antenna or cable/satellite connection to receive the signal like you would with a TV. The card is generally going to use your computer resources to run, but I don't think they require much unless you do record programs. You web connection wouldn't make any difference since it is TV signals that you are receiving, not web material...

I have an All-in-Wonder Video Card that comes equipped with the ability to tune in television similar to a straight up TV card...

You do need an ouside source (antenna, cable, etc.,) to provide signal...

The card uses your HDD on which to record. I would guess, as on mine, most would have the ability to set the recording quality to maximize HDD space.

I use mine extensively while on line...mostly has to do with the fact that my family "hogs" the TVs and I would need dramamine if I attempted to watch the TV my wife watches...She is capable of keeping track of up to a minimum of 4 programs simultaneously by switching back and forth...

Nope, you don't need broadband...just some sort of external antenna...

Thanks very much folks, much appreciated.

Saw some second hand ones for sale, have you heard of any of these, or have any thoughts on them?

Mm201pctv tv/ Video Capture Card + Teletext + Webcam

ATI 128, pro 32 mb, Tv graphics card

Tv Wonder VS Tv tuner and video capture card

Cheers folks.:)

The second one looks like an older ATI All-in-Wonder video card with built-in TV Tuner. That would replace whatever video card you currently have, not to mention you'd need the original programs CD that came with the card, so that's something to consider.

I've never heard of the first one, but the capabilities are impressive. I guess it would depend on how "substantial" it looks. This involves seeing how much stuff is on the PCB. :p

The third one I've heard of, or at least the company. TV Wonder is still around, I think, so you might have the added benefit of a bit of support on that one.

The value or usefulness of any of these cards includes the interface (you want PCI), the software (preferably the original CD that came with the card), and the connectors it offers (it doesn't help you any unless you can plug something into it!). By the way, how much are these going for?

The 128 Pro still has drivers on ATI's site. I have one on spare machine (without Tv out option) and downloaded the drivers for it less than two weeks ago.

Has anyone ever used the Connect 3D Radeon All-in-Wonder 9000 Pro with 128MB ??

It is coming on a pc I hope to get. I want to capture analogue video from old vhs tapes and write tthem to dvd (for preservation)

my proposed new system is p4 2.4 with 512 ddr.
thanks, Anto

I've got that ATI card The 32Mb All In Wonder 128 pro one.. Had it for years & its a great lil card that does all. Bit outdated when compared to the new fangled ones that ATI do now but I cant afford a second morgage to buy it.. so mine will do nicely for quite a while yet. Heartily reccomend it :)

As for your question anto... The All In Wonder cards will definately do what you want. Connect it up as though it was your usual TV... & just record the video to your PC as you watch it. Then you can manipulate it as you see fit.

I can manage it on my (much older) ATI card and get good results. From what I have heard the new ones are much, much better.