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Binkerton

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Mar 21, 2014
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I am looking into building a PC which will function like the XBOX One. I would like to run all entertainment items (Wii U, Cable, other gaming systems) through the PC and select which one shows on the TV via Windows 8. Basically a XBox One... PC.

- Does windows 8 have the capability?
- Would I need a capture card, particular Video Card, TV Tuner?

Please advise. Thank you.
 
Solution
nukemaster
You would need HDMI or Component Capture cards(one per device.).

I would highly recommend against this idea because capture cards add delay and Windows 8 is not designed to do this type of thing. They do not even have built in media center DVR any more it cost extra and needs Windows 8/8.1 Pro.

What makes things worse is that HDMI has copy protection that very few computer cards will be ignoring.

Your best bet is just to get an HDMI switch with remote to swap among devices and have a decent gaming system attached to it as well. This will remove the delay that would be added with many capture devices.

It is not as nice, but it does the same job(and is how the Xbox One does it, it is a built in HDMI switch and the console can control...
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nukemaster

nukemaster

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Nov 23, 2004
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You would need HDMI or Component Capture cards(one per device.).

I would highly recommend against this idea because capture cards add delay and Windows 8 is not designed to do this type of thing. They do not even have built in media center DVR any more it cost extra and needs Windows 8/8.1 Pro.

What makes things worse is that HDMI has copy protection that very few computer cards will be ignoring.

Your best bet is just to get an HDMI switch with remote to swap among devices and have a decent gaming system attached to it as well. This will remove the delay that would be added with many capture devices.

It is not as nice, but it does the same job(and is how the Xbox One does it, it is a built in HDMI switch and the console can control it).

With some programing you may be able to use something like an IR blaster to have the computer tell it(the HDMI switch) to swap inputs for you from a remote or keyboard shortcut. This would require some programming and maybe even a controller of sorts.

If your HDMI switch has audio out(optical or coaxial) you may be able to route sound into the computer as well(but chances are it would be one device at a time + computer audio.).
 
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Tom Tancredi

Tom Tancredi

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May 9, 2013
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UHmm.. realistically you CAN eventually (when all is done) be paying MORE then for buying a XBOX One outright. I would suggest, as you want a XBOX ONE, then you need to BUY a XBOX ONE. TV Capture cards came in too flavors cheapo and unreliable, or BROADCASTER quality and cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars and are used in TV/Movie Studios, very technical that you would really need to be a Engineer to understand HALF the options, because the manuals / Interface are written for Engineers by Engineers.
 
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Binkerton

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Mar 21, 2014
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I had contacted Microsoft with the inquirey but I think the rep was more concerned with a sale. He stated that Windows 8 was capable but never replied when I asked what apps/programs/hardware was needed.
 
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nukemaster

nukemaster

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Nov 23, 2004
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Honestly it is not worth it.

Best way would be a splitter that the computer could control(this would stop the possible quality loss issues and HDCP problems that a capture card would cause.). The switch would also remove system overhead because the computer would not be dealing with the video in any way.

Problem here would be no overlay or any computer to connected device interaction. It would be the same as just switching HDMI inputs on the TV.
 
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