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Dell desk/lap top with Media Centre & TV Tuner

  • 04-01-2007 9:54pm
    #1
    Mboy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15 ✭


    Hi,

    I'm looking to purhase either a desk or lap top with Windows Media Centre installed. One of the main features of Media Centre that I would like us is the ability to record TV (I don't want to use a PVR or DVD recorder); I have previously bought Dell PCs and would like to do so again as I think they are good value. However, having looking pretty extensivivly on the www.dell.ie website I cannot find either

    1. a desk/lap top with an inbuilt TV tuner or
    2. the option to buy the TV tuner as an accessory on www.dell.ie or
    3. a recommendation on www.dell.ie on where to purhase a TV tuner

    The only reference of relevance that I can find on www.dell.ie is for example:

    "3 Media Center live TV functionality requires TV Tuner for PC and minimum desktop system requirements of 512MB RAM. May not be compatible with all cable systems and local broadcast signals. Recording TV in Media Center requires Internet connection for full functionality."

    Has anyone else encountered this problem? I have emailed Dell Support and will give them a call shortly but thought I might check here first. I know I can buy a TV tuner elsewhere but am a little worried that there might be compatibility issues if Dell are not currently selling their PCs with inbuilt tuners. Any thoughts?

    Thanks & regards,
    Mammysboy


Comments

  • #2
    8T8
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,757 ✭✭✭8T8


    Dell do not sell the tuners in the systems it seems at least for some of the laptops or desktops I checked. I'm not sure Dell actually sell dedicated media centre PC's they don't really go the full distance by including the remote or tuner.

    If you are looking for a good system with MCE on it try the Dell Inspiron 9400 line see the one priced for €1409 go with that, the only change you need to make is on the Vista upgrade but make sure you tick the box for the MCE to Vista Premium upgrade.

    As that will allow you to get a free copy of the next version of MCE when it is released at the end of this month (well February by the time Dell sends it to you.)

    If you want something a bit cheaper any of the Inspiron 6400 line running MCE should do as well.

    If you want a desktop system get a Dimension E520

    After that you will need a tuner I assume this is for recording analogue TV or the output from a set top box (Sky, NTL, Chorus) so for the Dimension PC get this or for the Inspiron laptops get this.

    You will also need the MCE remote.


  • #3
    TheGreatest
    Closed Accounts Posts: 249 ✭✭TheGreatest


    how about choosing a Dimension C521? I think that would suit the sitting room better than Dimension E520:)

    is AMD sempron good enough to be HTPC processor?


  • #4
    8T8
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,757 ✭✭✭8T8


    Does the C521 accommodate full height PCI cards haven't seen one myself so I wasn't sure as you would need that for the internal tuner.

    But yeah it should do as well just be aware if you have other things in mind for the system besides media centre the C521 doesn't have much in the way of expansion space.


  • #5
    subway
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,131 ✭✭✭subway


    dell do sell tv tuner cards in some machines.
    i think you may have to call in and ask for it to be added in.
    they also include remotes, but again, i dont know if it can be configured on the site


  • #6
    Mboy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15 ✭Mboy


    Hi,

    Many thanks for the replies. Since posting my original query, Dell Support have emailed me back to say that they do indeed sell a TV card, I need to give them a call though to get the details.

    Either way, I'm almost decided on the E520 I think. Seems a better speced machine and more upgradeable as pointed out although slightly more expensive. I'm willing to pay about 1000 Euro for whatever configuration I chose, including a set of 7.1 speakers. Any recommendations welcome particularly for the speakers...

    Unfortunately, I don't seem to be able to buy the E520 on line without a monitor as my intentions are use my HD TV as the monitor. Again though, I'll check this out when I am talking to Dell (hopefully someone knowledgeable!).

    Another question if ye don't mind...I should have explained but yes my intention is to record from NTL analogue primarily which I receive via cable. However, I'll probably shortly go with NTL digital also. If I don't buy a Dell recommended card would the AVerMedia AVerTV Single MCE PCI referenced be suitable for recording both NTL analogue and digital? As well as recording to hard disk I intend burning DVDs.

    Thanks again for the help.

    Regards,
    Mboy


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