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... for a good TV tuner in order to be able to stream video from my PC to the TV, but I"m not sure what exactly I should be looking for. The computer from where I plan to stream the video is a bit outdated, motherboard has PCI slots instead of PCI express, and maximum RAM for the machine is 1 GB, with this in mind what option would be better? a PCI card with AV output to install on the rig or a portable USB-to-AV output device similar to a flash drive? does anyone know which option is better?

Edited by intocomputing2
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I personally think you should really be looking to use a higher spec system for video, particularly if you wanna use HD. But as for using a TV Tuner card, I'm not so sure how much power one needs. One I saw the minimum requirements were 2GHz P4 and 256MB of RAM so you may actually be good.

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Sounds like you ought to be good then.

I do watch HD and even just 720p a little horsepower is needed so if you plan to start using a computer to watch HD content on a TV in the future, you will need to upgrade but not too much really. My 1.86GHz Celeron 440 laptop (based on a final gen Pentium) with 1.5GB of RAM that, and an Intel 945G M chipset handles 720p HD no prob (but I usually only watch on my Athlon X2 6000+, 4GB RAM, GeForce 8800GT system though :P)

Edited by Honda_Boy
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I think that tuner is to bring TV signal to your computer not send computer to TV.

Is the TV and computer close to each other? You could get a VGA to TV converter. Or if you have a new tv, most come with either a VGA or DVI input.

I don't think you need a really powerful computer my Apple TV is fairly slow spec-wise but does a great job with HD from hard drive, internet or streaming from itunes. I use to use my old ipod connect to my tv for video and that was more then acceptable quality.

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I think that tuner is to bring TV signal to your computer not send computer to TV.

Is the TV and computer close to each other? You could get a VGA to TV converter. Or if you have a new tv, most come with either a VGA or DVI input.

I don't think you need a really powerful computer my Apple TV is fairly slow spec-wise but does a great job with HD from hard drive, internet or streaming from itunes. I use to use my old ipod connect to my tv for video and that was more then acceptable quality.

well I wasn't aware it was to bring in the tv signal instead of sending it out, it's the first time I ever bothered to buy one of these so I'm still a bit confused on what to look for, the TV and computer must be separated about 25 feet, but I would like the TV to display that video that is being played on the PC at that moment. The rig which I'm planning to use for this does not have TV-out capability so I'm not sure to what extent would the VGA to TV converter work.

Edited by intocomputing2
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For streaming from your computer to tv there are now several options.

I am familiar with the sling catcher; probably the most expensive but also most versatile

http://www.slingmedia.com/go/slingcatcher

http://shop3.frys.com/product/5383748?site...CH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Pretty sure Sony (Bravia?) offers a similar device.

I also recall seeing something similar which does not do internet streaming for about $99

Looks like an Xbox can be used to do it too

http://computershopper.com/networking/howt...-pc-to-your-tv2

This offers some optons too

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2255155,00.asp

If all you need is software, try this google tool

http://desktop.google.com/plugins/i/mediaserver.html?hl=en

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