[mythtv-users] OT: Recommendation on Nvidia Card

[Bill Williamson]

On Mon, Aug 31, 2009 at 12:17 PM, Greg Hermsen<g.hermy15 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Can anybody give me a recommendation on a low/mid level Nvidia card.  I'm
> looking for advice on something that:
>
> installs in Ubuntu/Mythbuntu through the standard synaptic package manager.
> doesn't require command line or compiling locally.
> supports s-video out.
>
> I recently upgraded the CPU/Mobo/graphics card and purchased purchased a
> GeForce 8600 GT because it was listed as being compatible with VDPAU.  I
> assumed that meant I'd be able to get it working in Ubuntu/Mythbuntu. I've
> uninstalled and reinstalled with ENV and synaptic in 8.04 and after
> upgrading to 8.10 and again after upgrading to 9.04.  I can't get the 8600
> GT working.  The best luck I've had with SVideo out has been old 5200
> cards.  Unfortunately, they are AGP and my new Mobo has a PCI-E slot, so I
> can't just swap.
>
> I looked on Newegg and they still have 5200's in PCI, but not in PCI-E.  In
> the PCI-E format, they list:
>
>    GeForce GTS 200
>    GeForce GTX 200
>    GeForce 9
>    GeForce 8
>
> I'm a little nervous about putting more money into something that may not
> fix my problem.  Has anybody had luck (ie: straightfoward install and
> config) with a newer generation Nvidia card?
>
> Thanks,
> Greg



Two seperate points:

1. My ASUS EN8400GS fanless supports svideo output and worked OOTB in
ubuntu 8.10 with updated nvidia drivers (I used JYA's repository).  IT
supports temporal 2x niceley on all resolutions.

2. What problems have you had?  An 8600GT should "just work" with
tv-out if you install the restricted drivers from the restricted
drivers manager and are using 8.10 or 9.04 (I'd go 9.04 just for
newness).  It DOES require installing the propriatary nvidia drivers
but a CLEAN (no random "nice-up-ubuntu" script crap installed) ubuntu
install will basically do this for you nicely.