how do I upgrade older computer to media center pc?
January 2nd, 2009 | 
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geri4gears asked:
I have a 3 year old dell and I want to add components to make it a media center pc. I want to use my tv as a monitor, record a few shows. Possibly play a pc game.
Do I need to purchase microsoft media center software or will software come with the video cards?
In addition I would like to use my tv as a monitor.
I have a 3 year old dell and I want to add components to make it a media center pc. I want to use my tv as a monitor, record a few shows. Possibly play a pc game.
Do I need to purchase microsoft media center software or will software come with the video cards?
In addition I would like to use my tv as a monitor.
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if the cpu is fast enough you’ll just need a good video card with tv out and you can get a decent one for about 100 clams
get a new system.
your computer is outdated and I would doubt your mobo would support a tv video cards. you could buy a new system for about 1000 bucks
The MCE interface is excellent for TV watching and recording. If you’re willing to live with the menus that come with TV tuners, then you don’t have to install MCE. MCE is only available as an OEM disc. Last time I checked, Newegg had it for around $100. I suggest that you try to evaluate the TV listings and menus that are provided with the tuner cards when selecting the card you want to use. Assuming you want to do time shift recording, you’ll want to make sure your card comes with an IR blaster to control your STB, unless you’re going to use an antenna. If you’re going to use an STB for cable or sat, you’ll want an NTSC tuner. If you’re using an antenna, you’ll want an ATSC tuner. You’ll also want at least a 500GB drive. TV files are big. If you want to hook-up your computer to your TV, then you may have to add a video card with an HDMI or DVI output. Otherwise, you can use your VGA output.