All,

I have myself a Comcast HD cable box (typical Motorola) sitting in my office next to my computers and am looking for the cheapest and most effective way of viewing it. (Incl HD, OnDemand, etc)

I see my choices as
1) Dell 2407FPW or similar PC monitor that accepts the component input / svideo
2) Similar <25" HD LCD TV
3) Continue to scour the world for some capture card that can pick up or directshow a 1080i signal (or whatever Comcasts HD channels are in and simply display it on a screen) (I am vaguely aware of all of the encryption / DRM issues here)

I have zero interest in recording channels, just figure as long as I am paying the 100 bucks a month for all of these cable channels, it would be nice to display them in my office instead of just my family and living rooms. And while I would love to do it without more hardware, it looks like I will have to ad some. As HDMI to DVI doesnt work and no one has a card that accepts and decrypts a comcast signal that I have ever seen.


Anyone have specific pros/cons on a PC LCD that can accept video in versus a small HDTV LCD?

MVS

If you have a Dell that accepts component connections and supports HD resolutions, I'd start there.

If you have a Dell that accepts component connections and supports HD resolutions, I'd start there.


Nope, have a pair of Dell LCD's right now, but neither accept component. I do have an old ATI 9600 All in Wonder in one of the PC's, but there appears to be all sorts of issues getting that to display S-Video in from the cable box. Unless someone knows a good trick to do that, I am down to at least one new piece of hardware.

So the question is, why would one buy a ~24" HDTV LCD versus a 24" LCD such as the Dell 2407FPW that accepts component? or vice versa.

MVS

If you plan to use it as a computer monitor, the Dell would probably be a good choice, I suggest you further research the Dell in the LCD Flat Panel forum.

Look for a sony LCD Multi Function Display, models MFM HT75W or HT95. I have the 75. It is a 17 inch pc monitor and HD tv in 6x9 and accepts component from the Motorola HD box sitting next to it. It may not be the very best of HD pictures, but is better than most. It has picture in picture where you can view the tv signal wihile working on the monitor, or you can switch modes to have a full screen tv with the pc still on.

I took the sound from the stb to the input on my sound card and run DB5.1 through the external speakers from the computer. Much better sound than through the monitor sound system.