Best Config for 64-bit Vista RC1 Media Center?

[Guest]

I'd like to set up a Vista 64 RC1 computer to use the Media Center with HDTV
sourced from a set-top digital cable TV box. My current belief after reading
the Vista community posts is that this goal is an unachievable dream.

Does anyone have a setup such as this successfully running? If so, what are
your components?

I gave it a stab with a Compaq Athalon 3500+ 64-bit computer. It has 1GB
memory and 200GB of disk. Vista RC1 64 is installed and works well in all
other regards. I bought an ATI TV Wonder 650 tuner, but I could not get any
64-bit Vista drivers. (ATI support told me that none were available for
their line of tuners.) It interfaces with the cable box via the RF output
connector of the STB. I bought a nVidea/EVGA e-GeForce 7300 GT graphics
card, but I can't get any Vista 64-bit drivers for it either. EVGA support
wouldn't even discuss matters with me when I revealed my OS. The graphics
card will drive my Philips 26 inch LCD HDTV/monitor, however. I have about 2
weeks in which to return the cards for a refund...

When I invoked Vista's MCE component and tried the setup task, it found only
one channel (channel 3). I have not installed the MCE remote control setup
yet.

So, who has a good VIsta 64 tuner and graphics card (WITH drivers) they can
recommend?

Thanks
Dave

 

[Guest]

I understand the Vista/MCE issues a lot better now. I especially liked the
interview with Microsoft's VP for Media Center at:

http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/02/the-clicker-a-sitdown-with-microsofts-joe-belfiore-part-i/

The bottom line is that we have to wait until AFTER Vista is officially
released AND the new device certification of "Digital Cable Ready" is also
marketed before we can hope for Vista and cable HDTV to work through Media
Center. If this capability is my goal, then I should NOT buy ANY new
computer systems or A/V hardware until the industry offers the above to the
marketplace.

Thanks, Dave