Cheap tuner card that works with MCE?

[Hoop]

Hey guys I'm looking for a cheap TV tuner card that works with Windows Media Center Edition. My TV died and I'd rather save up for a HDTV than go right out and buy something I can afford right now. I dont need PVR capabilities or anything fancy, just basic TV watching with MCE.

 

[scarfase99]

if u don't need the PVR, why even waste ur time on MCE? u should just get a cheapo tv card, and use DScaler to watch

 

[KaosDG]

I know the Hauppauge WinTV PVR 250 works with MCE (and afaik the only card)
Its not necessarily cheap, though.

 

[Jiffylush]

MCE only supports hardware mpeg encoders (pvr250, blackbird, etc), so you will be lucky to get one for under $100 (even used).

 

[scarfase99]

not true, the Avermedia M150 works great & is under $70 at newegg

check out http://www.thegreenbutton.com for a full list of cards that'll work (you know the AIW 9xxx will now work as well)

 

[Hoop]

Picked up the WinTV PVR250. Said screw it, spend the extra $ now and it'll be worth it in the long run incase I really get into the HTPC scene in the future. Besides the Sopranos and sports I dont watch much TV though, but I still think it was a wise decision. Thanks for your input guys.

 

[DiscoStu]

the ATi E-home wonder will work too i belive ... they run about $70 or so on newegg.

 

[CrimandEvil]

For future reference: http://htpcnews.com/main.php?id=pvr_card_id_guide

If you do want to get into it more I would suggest first picking up another tuner and atleast DLing the trial version of SageTV. I have SageTV coming later this week and two 250MCE cards so I can start having some fun! Oh the reason I suggest getting another card is so that you could watch one channel while recording another, I know that comes in hand for me.