XCard: Forgive my ignorance...

[Steve05]

Guys and Gals,

I'm new to the world of HTPC's, so I've got a TON of rookie questions. I've decided that Sage is definitely the way of PVR software, primarily because of the great support. In building my HTPC, my biggest hangup is with video out. I've been looking at how to get video out to my Mits 65" HD Rear Projection tv. I'm thinking of purchasing an XCard because of the component video outputs and there seems to be growing support for it with STV. (The PVR-350 stability problems and lack of features compared to the XCard are a turn off.)

For those that use an XCard, what kind of configuration problems did you experience? What playback problems did you encounter? Anyone using STV and XCard with a HDTV?

I would like to get the best picture quality possible even though I'm not recording in HD. For that matter, if anybody else has any tips on good hardware decoders for the money, please feel free to post your opinion.

Thanks

[Opus4]

Originally Posted by Steve05

For those that use an XCard, what kind of configuration problems did you experience?

None, it just worked.

What playback problems did you encounter?

None, other than the fact that the UI wasn't visible on the TV until the new Xcard plugin came along. Oh -- and you can't use SageTV to play DVD's on the Xcard, though it might be possible with the plugin sometime.

Anyone using STV and XCard with a HDTV?

Not me.

BTW -- usually, people here use "STV" when talking about one of the interface definition files.

- Andy

[ErsatzTom]

I can say, as the author of the Xcard plugin, that there is a good reason it is still in alpha release. While some people, including myself, are now able to use the Xcard fairly reliably for mpeg playback with an OSD, others are experiencing a number of problems. Also, as pointed out by Opus4, there is currently no support for DVD playback and, for that matter, anthing other than mpeg2. Fixing the bugs and adding support for these missing features should all be possible and are on my list, but I work on it in my spare time (of which I have almost none). So, if you go the Xcard route, be forewarned that you might have problems.

I'm not trying to discourage you from getting an Xcard and trying out my plugin. Far from it. I just want you to make an informed decision.

t

[stanger89]

With an HDTV, especially a Mits, just get a nice video card. While I applaud and am amazed by what Thomas has done with his Xcard plugin (I'm tempted to get an Xcard just to try it), there are limitations with it, like only MPEG playback so far (Is that right still?).

I run a Geforce 6800 direct to my Mits 46809 via VGA breakout cable, and it's great. Plus it works now. And if/when Sage adds HDTV support you'll be ready to go. And there's just nothing like DVDs upscaled to 1080i especially with the new nVidia decoders.

[Steve05]

Originally Posted by stanger89

I run a Geforce 6800 direct to my Mits 46809 via VGA breakout cable, and it's great.

Hmmmm. Getting a Geforce 6800 is a bit steep. Which site, manufacturer, would you recommend? I'm curious about the VGA breakout cable, too. I didn't even know these existed. I take it that this allows for VGA to component video. Is that right? I'm also curious as to the meaning of this sentence:

Originally Posted by stanger89

Plus it works now

That's a loaded statement. If you don't mind me asking, what trouble did you run into?

I'm so glad to see another Mits owner representing in these forums. Thanks.

[Steve05]

ErsatzTom, I respect your honesty. Thanks.

I'm still intrigued with the XCard because of the value versus an entirely new video card. I'll continue to research. BTW, is this the XCard we are talking about?

http://www.sigmadesigns.com/products/xcard.htm

The one that you're working on with SageTV? Or is there another manufacturer that you would recommend? Thanks for your time.

[ErsatzTom]

That's the one. Most people seem to recommend Provantage.com as a retailer.

t

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by Steve05

Hmmmm. Getting a Geforce 6800 is a bit steep. Which site, manufacturer, would you recommend? I'm curious about the VGA breakout cable, too. I didn't even know these existed. I take it that this allows for VGA to component video. Is that right?

Well the 6800 is probably overkill, if I were buying today I'd seriously consider a Geforce 6600. Those have a couple nice features like WMV accelleration and native component output support (usually). For the 6800, I'm using a Gigabyte, it's fanless so it's perfect for my needs.

Re: VGA breakout, what it does is adapts from VGA to RGBHV connection (5x RCAs). Most TVs don't support that, they require YPbPr component, however if your Mits is like mine, it support YPbPr or RGBHV on the DTV input. FWIW, I got my breakout cable from BlueJeansCable. Double-check your TV before you assume it will do RGBHV, of course if you get a 6600, it shouldn't be an issue since those support YPbPr output.

I'm also curious as to the meaning of this sentence:


That's a loaded statement. If you don't mind me asking, what trouble did you run into?

Sage has, from the beginning, worked just fine with PC video cards, it was designed to use them. No offense to Thomas, but his Xcard plugin is brand new, and has limitations and for some bugs. My point is mainly this. For people with SDTVs, the Xcard is a great benefit (S-Video output quality), however you have a rather PC friendly HDTV, and as such, IMO it's much easier, and more logical to avoid the limitations of dedicated cards like the Xcard by using a standard video card.

I'm so glad to see another Mits owner representing in these forums. Thanks.

[mayamaniac]

Originally Posted by Steve05

Hmmmm. Getting a Geforce 6800 is a bit steep. Which site, manufacturer, would you recommend? I'm curious about the VGA breakout cable, too. I didn't even know these existed. I take it that this allows for VGA to component video. Is that right? I'm also curious as to the meaning of this sentence:

I agree with stanger89, go with the Geforce 6600GT if you have an HDTV. I bought a PNY 6600GT 128M for around $200, it has component out on it. I dont have an HDTV so I can't take advantage of it, but if the output quality is as good as stanger89 and others claimed, then this is the way to go. Hardware decoders like the PVR-350, Xcard, MediaMVP, etc, will always have limitations.

[Steve05]

Thanks, to all that replied. Looks like the 6600 is the way to go. Just have to get the wife on board.