yet another newbie question - input and output

[pheitman]

I'm just beginning to get an education on what it will take to put together an htpc. I want to put together a pc that can function as both an htpc (using sage) and as a game machine. If I understand the threads I have read in this forum, I can use two video cards, the pvr 250 for video input and the fx5200 for video output (to both a monitor and a tv screen). Is this correct? Since I'm only using the pvr 250 for video input, is there a cheaper card that will provide the hw encoding I need? I also need to be able to change channels on my cable box. What hw should I use to accomplish that? Is that something that is provided with the pvr 250 or a separate purchase? Any recommendations?

[jmeeks]

Input and Output is correct, but I don't know about the fx5200 specifically and if you can output to a monitor and TV at the same time.

Don't know of a cheaper solution. You can get the best deal as far as I know from Frey Technologies with a package deal. http://www.freytechnologies.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=SOS&Product_Code=STVPVR250&Category_Code=SB

You need an IR transmitter. It is a separate piece not included with a PVR250. http://www.freytechnologies.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SOS&Category_Code=IR