Best Home Entertainment?

[Stormcrow]

So I've been wanting to do this for quite some time, combine my PC, television, and stereo all into a entertainment setup. Since prices have gone down, I could pull this off by shopping around and getting the best deals. But, whats the best way to go? I have a few old game systems I like to keep around, an old NES and Sega Genesis, along with a Playstation 2 and Gamecube. I plan on picking up a Wii, and possibly a Xbox 360/PS3 depending on the game selection over the next year and retiring the Gamecube and PS2. So I need both component and composite inputs.

Which would be better? A HDTV with the computer connected through the VGA or HDMI port, or a big monitor with a TV tuner in the PC? The HDTV's in my price range all seem to be 1366x768, which usually causes clipping and I've heard the response times for games isn't the greatest. However, the monitors usually don't have the component/composite inputs I need, but if theres an adapter box or something that would solve that. Also nice big resolution on those, but the screen size is significantly smaller then on an equal priced HDTV. Any input or suggestions with this?

[screwballl]

if it is primarily games with a little TV watching, get a ATI wonder card and a switch box to hook up the systems...

[Stormcrow]

So your saying go with a monitor? I'm not sure on this, the monitor provides a higher resolution, yet the HDTV has a larger screen size plus built in tuner. Would it be worth the trade off to have a larger screen with built in ports and tuner while being stuck with a resolution of around 1366x768 instead of 1920x1200?

[Hitman]

If this is still going to be your main computer I would go with the Monitor. If it's strictly going to be an Entertainment PC (HTPC) then go with the HDTV.

[Beetle Bailey]

But, by all means, please keep us up to speed on what you decide. And be sure to get some pics posted. Bailey.

[Stormcrow]

Ok, so browsing around I like this monitor here:
Newegg.com - Westinghouse L2410NM Black 24" 8ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 500 cd/m2 1000:1 Built in Speakers - Retail
24" inch screen, 1920 x 1200 resolution, 16.7 million colors as opposed to 16.2 and a good 8ms response time. Also has built in composite, S-video, audio and component inputs which is what I need. The price is right in my range as well.

For a TV tuner, I'm not sure what to look for, however this one seems like it fits the bill with being a combo tuner: Newegg.com - AVerMedia AVerTV Combo PCIe MCE ATSC/NTSC/QAM Tuner Card w/MCE Remote & L-P Bracket - Retail
That, and it's fully compatible with Windows Media Center x64, which is just what I need. Price is kinda high, but I'd rather pay a little more for something with good compatibility.

Any thoughts on these two?

[OCNoob]

I'm trying to do the same as you, considering every monitor Newegg has with composite inputs for the past few weeks. I was going to recommend you look at that same 24" monitor. MaximumPC said the screen had a mediocre picture, and it probably has a TN panel. However, they often over-emphasize how ugly a monitor might be. I bet for many casual viewers, the display has an acceptable image. For $400, you can't really argue.

If you're a stickler for detail and beauty, consider the 24" Gateway FHD2400. I haven't read any reviews about this monitor yet, but if it's anything like its bigger brother (the 30" monster that MPC loved), the picture should be excellent. Newegg reviewers note a lack of viewing angle, however, so be wary. It also costs a good $150+ more expensive, which is the price of a good TV tuner.

Speaking of tuners, you've picked a pretty good one. I'd also consider the Hauppauge WinTV-HVR 1800 (MCE version also available). Hauppauge generally has a larger following and greater compatibility with 3rd party DVR software. However, since you're using the card in conjuction with MCE, it hardly matters.

The best piece of advice I can give to you is to avoid the damn ATI tuners. Don't get me wrong, my ATI TV Wonder 650 is a good card, but support is non-existent and the CMC software is buggy.

Good luck!

[okron1k]

get a decent receiver with lots of inputs.. mainly components with a few composites and several hdmi's. and a couple dvi's or a dvi and a vga. go with a large computer monitor for better resolution and response. a newer monitor with hdcp and possibly an hdmi input. i'm not sure if newer dell's do this or not.

i have a dell 2405 fpw and it has component, composite, svideo, vga, and dvi inputs.

if you could find a good home theater receiver that outputs in dvi or vga.. you are in business. or as i said before.. and hdmi in on the monitor... as pretty much all receivers now have hdmi out. it would be stupid not to lol..

i have no experience with tv tuners. so i can't comment on that side. but my set up works well. satellite into svideo of monitor, big rig in the dvi, mac mini in the vga, xbox 360 in the component, composite is unused. that is all in my dell monitor. but i will be doing a receiver setup like mentioned above

edit: as for xbox 360 vs ps3... go xbox. game selection is amazing. just look at all the blockbuster hits that came out this winter.