Need help on nVidia MX GeForce2 with tv outs

[patmandu]

I sort of inherited this card and am trying to figure what all it might do. I have downloaded the XP drivers but would like some docs and have no manual. Anyone know where I can download one? Can't ssem to locate one online. Is there one that comes with it? I did hook it up to my TV aux input and tried it once, but I don't understand all the other features of the card. All I can find is a 2 pg .pdf sort of describing it (from the nVidia site.) but no manual.... It has a VGA out, an RCA connector, and an S-video connector. How can they be used?

1) Can this card be used as a tv tuner card to receive tv from my cable connection?

2) How can I use this card to record from other sources to the HDD or DVD burner or....

Man I sure wish I had a manual

3) What software can I use it with to employ the functions I can get from it?

thanks...

Pat in OKC

PS: I'm not really stupid, I just haven't done this particular stuff on a PC before. I am an Audio enthusiast and have built my own computers for years. duh

[glc]

1. No.
2. Probably not - the RCA and S-Video jacks are most likely just video-out. The RCA is composite video.
3. All functions it's capable of are probably covered by the Nvidia driver package.

You have a old video card that can be used to feed a TV as an alternate to your monitor, *possibly* as a dual display, that's about it.

You would have to determine the exact manufacturer and model of the card to get the right manual. Different manufacturers implement things differently.

If you want to do the things you describe in (1) and (2) you will need to get an ATI All-in-Wonder video card, or a separate tuner/capture card.

[patmandu]

Thanks glc ! I know that my questions about this old outdated card didn't exactly invite any quick responses from the forum members. I have searched the posts and am trying to learn what I can w/o asking many questions and can see there is a lot to know about this.

I started a couple of yrs ago with these parts and have given up several times due mostly to a problem of the Mobo locking up on me and only yesterday discovered the bus speed jumper has always been set wrong.....DUH.... it ran w/o a hitch running mp3s in Winamp all day yesterday and all nite long . Great!

Now I know I may end up just getting new parts, but will play with it today to see what my new generic (compUSA) tv tuner card and new DVD writer will do. I will probably just get new parts and build a faster machine 'cause the sdram, the video card and the Athlon slot A processor isn't going to cut it with what I have read on your forum.

What is the minimum starting lowend mobo, processor type, Ram, and video card that you guys would suggest? I am sorta on a budget, but don't want a junky un-upgradable system.

Thanks for your time !

This forum is helping me very much. Lots of info here !

-Pat in OKC

[glc]

Well, before we can advise you on "low end" - exactly what do you want this computer to be able to do? Give me an idea, and a rough budget, and I'll move this thread over to the BYOPC forum.

Sounds like you have a pretty well matched older system there - I wouldn't trash it, it will still make a fine websurfer and general office box. It's only gonna choke on games and multimedia.

[patmandu]

Thanks, glc for your time and effort to help !

My original goal with these (now old) parts was to build a machine to hook up to the surround sound system in the living room. I have a high end SONY surround sound system with all the options. ( optical inputs and all the others, subwoofer output and other good stuff....lots of watts...) I wanted to set it up to play mp3s and had bought a new 120 GB hdd for the mp3s. I just had sort of traded for the nVidia card (which is old now and probably only will display to a tv... I don't have to use it (it's AGP anyway).

Now.....I usually stay back a little way from the cutting edge new parts to save a little money and can build a new system which is sufficient for a little less cash. (you know).

But in addition to the above goal now I have the urge to put together a machine to use to record TV and other video stuff. It would be nice to watch tv shows from cable sources (IO have a digital cable tv connection with Cox Cable) The lower channels are analog and don't use the box which converts the digital ones (you now). It would be nice to use it like Tivo and listen to the movies when I have the time. It would be nice to record them to DVDs later, if possible also. SO....

Thinking of doing this I just bought also a Generic CompUSA (Norwood Micro) TV Tuner with a remote IR controller. It is not expensive and inside of two weeks, I can return it if it is trash. it is here:

http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...pe=rv#moreinfo


I also bought a "HI-VAL" 16X internal DVD burner (rewritable, dual format, double layer) It's supposed to handle all the current formats. It is here:

http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...L_DVD_RW_Drive

Both of these can be returned in the next two weeks if trashy.

-------------
I'll (like you said) just use this old stuff for a net surfer or for book keeping or trade it off.
(because the other older parts listed at the top are now obsolete and the video is AGP 4x anyway.) (and the ram is sdram.) (the Athlon was a slot A XP 1500+ running at 1.35Ghz ) Slot A is old now too.

-----------

So with the goals above and the new TV tuner card and the new DVD burner, (If you guys think they'll work) I still need:

1) a new MOBO
2) a new sufficient but not too pricey processor
3) enough new ram (how much) to match the board
4) and a new compatible video card (I think AGP is out now right?)

Your suggestions are encouraged. I'd like a mother board known for easy setup and reliability as well as one that has room to be upgraded (some extra slots and stuff) But now outrageously priced (maybe one of those bundles you can get from Tiger or New Egg or.....)

Any suggestions guys? I'm not planning to do great amounts or video editing or anything tough, but what do you think?

Thanks for all the help !

-Pat in OKC

[glc]

I wouldn't bother trying to upgrade that machine - and those parts you bought at CUSA are not so hot, I'd return them. I'd do a full fresh build for what you want to do. Come up with a budget, and post your desires in the BYOPC forum - don't even mention that you have this older system.

[patmandu]

I installed the TV tuner card and realize I sure need more Ram and, yes, the software is cheezy and the whole interface is labelled and described by some Asian who knows little English. (Nothing against Asians, but the English versions need to be able to be understood) I'll sure take the TV tuner card back.

Is the HIVAL DVD unit trashy too? I'll take it back if it is. I sure want to know the truth.

-Pat

[glc]

No way to know if it's trashy - Hi-Val is simply a reboxer. It may be a decent drive, or it may be junk. You don't know. Either way, it's overpriced considering a known quality drive can be had online for 40 bucks.

[patmandu]

I will look online and see if i can find a Sony or an NEC. I cna't get the tv tuner to set the correct resolution to display the picture. I know I need more ram, but the software is crazy. I'll just take both units back tomorrow and see what I can find elsewhere.

Who do you buy from online anyway?

thanks,
- Pat

[glc]

Newegg.

Here's my choice in DVD burners:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106017 (black)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106018 (beige)

If you want a GOOD tuner card that is also PVR-capable, look at this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815116625

[patmandu]

glc: Thanks.....I'm gonna go take this junk back and will check out these you listed.

You guys run a very good forum here and help a lot of people.

-Pat

[glc]

CompUSA may be convenient, but unless you catch something on sale, their stuff is either overpriced or suspect quality. If you want to buy stuff locally, you are better off paying the premium and getting stuff from a mom and pop store that cares about quality and name brands.