Video card for HDTV?

[Super_Geo]

I'm going to be building a mini-PC (or small-form-factor, call it what you want) for use in the living room and was wondering if there are video cards that allow for HDTV inputs.

Basically I'm looking to skip out on a $750 HD-PVR unit from Shaw (or $400 from eBay). Is there an All-In-Wonder ATI card that will act as an HDTV receiver? Or am I going to need a HD receiver no matter how I go about it?

Thanks!

[Oz-]

Shaw doesn't support this or Cablecard, you need 6416 (PVR) or 6200 series units to watch their HD channels. Sometimes they have some decrypted HD channels when they are testing, but you are SOL.

[codetrap]

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[asuth077]

Originally posted by Oz-
Shaw doesn't support this or Cablecard, you need their HD unit to watch their HD channels. Sometimes they have some decrypted HD channels when they are testing, you are SOL.

This is correct, unfortunately Canadian companies are behind when compared to what is available in the states. If you want Shaw's HD input you will need their receiver.

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by codetrap
http://store.snapstream.com/tvtunercards-hdtv.html

That'll only work in US as they have OTA HD. Canadian don't. If you llve in southern tip of Ontario, you may have a slight chance picking up US signal. Calgary? Shaw receiver + firewire will do the trick.

Don't know about Bell. I think they have their receiver locked down so tight that you can't get digital stream out of it.

[codetrap]

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[Oz-]

Originally posted by codetrap
How about this?

http://store.snapstream.com/btv-pvr150.html

Still won't work. Shaw requires you to have their unit for HD channels. There is the odd time that they are testing new HD channels and you may be able to pick one up, but that is a short lived channel.

[codetrap]

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[Xtrema]

Pointless because PVR150 isn't HD. What you capture will be SD.

BTW, this forum is best for these discussions:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=40912