Cheapest options for component video HTPC + DVR

[scotu]

Is there a way to have a computer output 1080i video over component as its main display? I think some old graphics cards used to be able to do this, but I'm not sure how to find out which ones can/can't. I'm looking for the cheapest way to do this. This is for an HTPC, but the target TV only does 1080i and doesn't have HDMI.

Also, what's the best/cheapest way to capture video from either component+spdif or HDMI in 1080i with 5.1 audio from a cable box to make a computer act like a DVR?

Thanks

 

[rwpritchett]

To find the cards that have component out, go to newegg.com and filter the video cards in the "TV-Out" power option to all of those that say "HDTV". Like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=Property&Subcategory=48&Description=&Type=&N=100007709&IsNodeId=1&srchInDesc=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&PropertyCodeValue=696%3A53938&PropertyCodeValue=696%3A33099&PropertyCodeValue=696%3A9641&PropertyCodeValue=2328%3A14103&PropertyCodeValue=2328%3A14100&PropertyCodeValue=2328%3A14201&PropertyCodeValue=3200%3A22195

For the capture of 1080i plus 5.1 from a cable source, the only way to do this that I'm aware of is to use either a Hauppauge Colossus or Hauppauge HD-PVR. Both do the same thing but one is internal and the other is external. They use an IR blaster to change channels on your set-top-box and capture video via analog component.

 

[scotu]

Best answer selected by scotu.

 

[scotu]

Ok, thanks for the help. I was hoping there would be some cheaper options, but this might still fit in the budget

 

[rwpritchett]

If you have digital cable (not satellite), you could also bypass the set-top-box completely by using a CableCard tuner. Just another option to ponder over.

Ceton InfiniTV 4
Silicondust HDHomerun Prime

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey