PC A/V cards

[steve 9atx]

All

This is my first post. I hope I'm in the right forum. Here goes.

I am a A/V card newbie that is having a new computer (PC) built and need help selecting audio and video cards for my new machine. Here' s what I would like the new machine to do: play CATV through the computer video card or a dedicated TV card to allow HDTV broadcast to the computer monitor at 720/1080i via a DVI connection with video capture. Allow toggle between CATV and computer sources; that is, allow the monitor (22" Mitsubishi LCD HDTV) alternately to act as a TV or computer monitor. Play Dolby IIx 7.1 from various sources, computer, CD, DVD player, CATV via the sound card to satellite speakers and sub. Have at least one MIDI port for connection of a keyboard to interface with MIDI software like Cakewalk.

Questions: 1.) how many cards do I need? any recommendations to get me started?, 2.) do I need to have the CATV go through the cable box first before the video/TV card or can I get a card that will tune HDTV ? (my cable and internet provider is Time Warner if that makes a difference), 3.) do I need an additional amplifier for 7.1 sound card? recommendations?

Thanks for your help,
Steve

[itsplayed]

Since your looking for that all in one solution I'd say for your video needs, look at ATI 'All In Wonder' cards, you will not need the cable box. For Audio, the new Soundblaster X-FI units are getting good reviews and will provide you with an Audio/Midi interface. You will need a surround sound amplifier or powered monitors as well.

Soundcard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102189

Graphics Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Manufactory=&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=1299%3A9765&PropertyCodeValue=695%3A9635&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&description=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&SubCategory=48&Submit=Property

Speaker system
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Manufactory=&PropertyCodeValue=906%3A8154&PropertyCodeValue=0&description=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&SubCategory=60&Submit=Property

What is the make of your computer or it's specs?

[steve 9atx]

itsplayed

Thanks for the quick, informative, and concise reply. This gets me started. Just one more question for now: any knowledge or experience with "Hauppauge" video cards?

Thanks again

[itsplayed]

Your welcome, as far as Hauppauge cards go, they're TV tuning cards not graphics cards.