building a Media Center PC: Q&A

[paddyirishman05]

I am building a Media Center PC. I have two questions relating to Windows Media Center:

1) I can watch TV via TV card, but can I watch TV from another source such as HDMI or AV from my satalite reciever or PS3?

2) Can WMC work with a dual monitor graphics card? I would like to transmit the media center screen via AV to monitors & speakers, while being able to use the PC for other use via VGA connection.

Any help appreciated.

 

[Rhythm]

1) Don't know for sure, think it depends on the capture / tuner device you have. I have a ceton Infinitv and it only work for us cable not satelite etc. PS3 and XBOX can actually be used as media extenders for MCE allowing you to watch contents of your PC in another room through the game console....though not sure if that works in reverse.

2) Yes it can...I have a older TV and have to keep a regular monitor hooked up as well (in dual monitor mode) for fixing the resolution when the TV freaks and I cant see the whole screen anymore But when I hook it up to my LCD tv it just treats the LCD as a regular old monitor and works exatly the same.

 

[Heat7]

Like Rhythm said, PS3 and XBOX can be used as media extenders for your PC BUT, the xbox 360 (probably because it uses old hardware) as a weird problem with streaming ANY picture and video media. It naturally takes away some of the original image when streaming in a "zoom" type of affect even though you will have your settings in the normal aspect ratio setting, taking away from all 4 sides of your T.V. I have called xbox a few times and have confirmed this with them and they know the issue but i doubt they will do anything or care lol.

PS3 or any other media device I know WILL NOT do this.