TV card USB-2 or internal - install config

[gcontos]

TV card - USB-2 or internal - mains connect - configuration

My friend wishes to install a television card in her computer. We'd appreciate help to questions. We don't know much.

Her computer equipped as follows : Case is MT 300 Watts, AMD Athlon 1.5 gig 256 DDR ram, flat screen (refresh rate = 16 ms). Graphic card NVIDIA GeFORCE 2 MX-200 avec 32 meg + outlet TV and sound card, etc. Is this configuration good enough for a télévision card?

I understand these TV cards can be external (USB2 - easy to install) or internal to be installed at a shop. Is a USB-2 connected external card as good as an internally installed card ? Is the computer case of MT 300 watts adequate to power a TV card. If choose a USB2 card should it be one which is connected by transformer to the mains (wall electric outlet)?

We live in a big city, Paris France. Here normal TV rabbit ears are not perfect but okay. Would a computer TV card require outside antennae for the images to 'flow'.

Over here TV cards cost from 59 to 150 euros. For just ordinary viewing without fancy editing would the 59 euro card be enough ?

Checking out 'direct sales' reputable company 'Top Achat' there's a brand called «External Tuner/TV WinTV-USB modèle 589, USB, Hauppauge» Any good?
Thanks lots in advance,
G

[Play_The_0dds]

usually the external hardware cost more, but if the price is not a factor, buy the usb tv card. you will need to have a antenna,cable or sat connection just like you do for a tv to recieve channels.
the nice thing about external devices is, they have thier own power source, they dont hog the pci bus if you have alot of other pci cards, and if they produce heat it isnt in the box with the other heat generating devices.

[gcontos]

Dear Play_the_odds,

Wow! Great! You're big help. Thanks for rapide reply. Right on the button. Whot I really wanted to know.

Decision made for USB2 TV card - thanks to you!

When I go with my friend to buy the new flat screen plus TV USB card my friend benefits from my FNAC (Paris, FR) membership, which allows me minus 6% on Friday for all purchases with three months to pay (without interest) and first paiement starting April!

Thank you again,
G

[gcontos]

Dear Play_the_odds,

Wow! Great! You're big help. Thanks for rapide reply. Right on the button. Whot I really wanted to know.

Decision made for USB2 TV card - thanks to you!

When I go with my friend to buy the new flat screen plus TV USB card my friend benefits from my FNAC (Paris, FR) membership, which allows me minus 6% on Friday for all purchases with three months to pay (without interest) and first paiement starting April!

Thank you again,
G