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A Non-Star Wars Question for all the A/V Experts Here...

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I could ask this in the off-topic section, but most of the best Audio-Visual people can be found here.

My question is this: since I live in a college dorm, I'm thinking of clearing up the clutter, such as my TV. I know there are TV tuner cards that can be bought for PCs, but in addition to using my computer as a mere television, I'd also like to be able to alternate between viewing my TV, VCR, and Playstation 2 on my monitor...if it's possible, that is. I have no idea if it is, and while I could've went on a wild search through Google or Yahoo, I decided I'd see if anyone on the forums could answer my question. So, is there an A/V item (or items) that would allow me to plug in my TV, VCR, and PS2 to my computer, for the purpose of viewing them through the monitor? And what do these products typically go for?

Thanks for your help!
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Get a TV tuner card (I love my ASUS TV FM card) and get an AV switcher. Use the TV tuner to get video from your PS2, VCR, anything. Thats my setup. I have my VCR, and all my game systems hooked up to my PC, so my wife can use our main house TV as she pleases.
What do you mean there's no ice? I gotta drink this coffee hot?!
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I was hoping it would be that simple, but I was figuring it wouldn't be for some reason. Thanks, Pemdawg! I appreciate it!
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What he said...

A tuner will work fine for what you need. Just make sure it has the right amount of places.

Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here, this is the war room!

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Originally posted by: Galahad_Skywalker
I could ask this in the off-topic section, but most of the best Audio-Visual people can be found here.

My question is this: since I live in a college dorm, I'm thinking of clearing up the clutter, such as my TV. I know there are TV tuner cards that can be bought for PCs, but in addition to using my computer as a mere television, I'd also like to be able to alternate between viewing my TV, VCR, and Playstation 2 on my monitor...if it's possible, that is. I have no idea if it is, and while I could've went on a wild search through Google or Yahoo, I decided I'd see if anyone on the forums could answer my question. So, is there an A/V item (or items) that would allow me to plug in my TV, VCR, and PS2 to my computer, for the purpose of viewing them through the monitor? And what do these products typically go for?

Thanks for your help!


I have one and use it for my LCD Projector - The video processor that's built in is a MUST!!!

THIS is what your looking for......

IF you want to watch your DVD player on your PC Monitor - BUY THIS NOW -
ViewSonic NextVision N4 video processor

Bring high-resolution TV to your desktop with the NextVision N4.

The ViewSonic NextVision N4 video processor turns your LCD, CRT or projector into a TV and multimedia center quickly and easily. Simply plug your display or projector into the N4 for TV and multiple video entertainment connections. Adding a DVD player, VCR or digital camera is as easy as plugging into the N4. The NextVision N4 comes with everything users need to get started, including cables and a remote control. The ViewSonic NextVision N4 video processor offers a convenient, cost-effective way to add TV and multimedia capability to your desktop.






Specifications

Freq Range: 55.25 - 801.25 MHz

Numbers of Channels: 2-69 off air 2-125 NTSC cable

Input Signal Type: RF, S-Video, Composite (RCA), RGB Pass-Through 3.5 mm Mini Stereo Audio In, and RCA (Left/Right) Audio In

Video Output Bit Performance: 24-Bit RGB 700mV±10% (Excluding RGB Pass-Through)

Output Mode Resolution Refresh Rate: 640 x 480 @ 60Hz 640 x 480 @ 75Hz 800 x 600 @ 60Hz 800 x 600 @ 75Hz 852 x 480 @ 60Hz 1024 x 768 @ 60Hz

Audio Output MTS: Mono/Stereo/SAP (Available in RF Mode)

Power Adapter Input: 120 Vac, 60Hz

Power Output: 12 VDC, 1.2A

Connector Signal: F connector for RF, 3.5mm Mini Stereo Jack for Audio In and Audio Out. RCA left/right for Audio In, S-Video, Composite (RCA), 15-pin Mini D-Sub for RGB Input and RGB Output

Remote Control: 28-Key IR remote control, Power, Volume =/-, Channel +/-, four navigation arrows, Select, Menu, Exit, MTS, Mute, Input, Res, Scan, Recall and 10 numbered keys

OSD: Contrast, Brightness, Color, Sharpness, Hue, Volume, MTS, stereo, SAP, mono, OSD Language, Resolution, Refresh Rate, Input Signal, Sleep, Channel Add/Remove, and Reset, Tuner Input, OSD transparency level.
Regulations: UL, cUL, FCC Class B, ICE SD03

Features

Experience high-resolution TV on your LCD or CRT display
You can now enjoy high-resolution up to 1024x768 TV at full screen in full 24-bit color. Simply connect the NextVision N4 to your antenna or cable feed. Enjoy full-screen high-resolution video entertainment with or without a PC Simply connect a DVD, VCR, gaming console, digital camera or camcorder to the NextVision N4 and enjoy favorite movies or pictures in highresolution. The NextVision N4 provides S–Video, composite (RCA) video connectors, audio passthrough and associated cables.

Precision video processor converts standard interlaced video into progressive scan eliminating flicker and increasing picture quality.
RGB computer pass-through Watch TV or enjoy your DVD movie without turning on your computer.

Compatible with CRT, LCD, plasma and projection displays.

“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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I would rather get the Nextvision N6 to support progressive/ HDTV, but thats just me. Galahad would most likely not need something like that.
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Originally posted by: miochza
I would rather get the Nextvision N6 to support progressive/ HDTV, but thats just me. Galahad would most likely not need something like that.


True but the N4 is $59

“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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Thanks a lot, Rikter! I appreciate it! I'll take a look at these, especially since it looks like I won't need to have an AV switcher with this device.
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I have one and I dig it for the $70 I paid

VERY VERY well worth the money + No PC nessasary + you can imput 3 video sources at once Composite (Yellow), S-Video, Coax (F-type connector - regular cable) + PC but that doesn't count

“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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You also could run everything through a Stereo Receiver. That way you could have everything into that and that output into your computer. If you didn't want to get a switcher and are interesting in bigger sound.

Just a thought.

“You know, when you think about it, the Ewoks probably just crap over the sides of their tree-huts.”

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Originally posted by: Mackey256
You also could run everything through a Stereo Receiver. That way you could have everything into that and that output into your computer. If you didn't want to get a switcher and are interesting in bigger sound.

Just a thought.


It works PERFECT for that

“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK