Ok I know this has been asked and answered a thousand times (I've read the posts).
Still not 100% clear on what's the best option right now for Freeview|HD in NZ. Talking purely HTPC here - no gaming etc.
WinTV-HVR-2200 MC seems to be one of the better turners (twin hybrid tuner). Though can't receive full EPG over DVB-T.
I've spent the last 4 days researching what's best to getfor mobo/video/cpu to get.
Goals pretty straight forward and common:
* No Gaming
* Quiet / Low power usage
* Record at least two channels (two MUX's) at once while being able to play back previous recording.
* No playback issues with Freeview|HD, bluray, dvd's etc.
I've spent hours pouring over HQV tests, performance tests, power usage comparisons etc.
99% of people here on Geekzone are recommending the Nvidia 9400GT (preferably fanless).
Anybody successfuly using nvidia 9300/9400 integrated video chipset?
(Only seen 1 post from MrWestie stating it seems to be working? http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?ForumId=83&TopicId=30287)
Anyone else? How does it compare to 9500GT? Enough performance to enable all the same post processing?
This seems to be the only board in NZ... (GRRRR)
http://www.playtech.co.nz/product.php?action=showdetail&id=6656
Seems ok - except I'd really like SPDIF out. Would like sound over HDMI which is going direct to TV and an SPDIF cable to receiver and 5.1 speaker setup. So only option is an SPDIF bracket using mobo SPDIF header. Can't find them anywhere in NZ.
The ATI 4550's still a no go? (Seem to be very few in the country?!?)
And lastly really struggling to find a good 9500GT. Preferrably silent and with HDMI (preferably native) and SPDIF passthrough.
Asus EN9400GT SILENT/HTP/512M (no HDMI, need separate adaptor. Doesn't seem to have SPDIF passthrough?!)
Palit 9400GT Super 512MB silent (no HDMI, need separate adaptor. Heard has SPDIF passthrough but no cable)
Any video card mobo or igp setup anyone can recommend?
What are you guys using? DVI/HDMI adaptors? HELP HELP HELP!
Got a Panasonic TH-58PY700AZ
Thanks in advance.