ATI TV Wonder Elite

Pros: Compatible with MCE 2005.

Cons: Remote not compatible. Included software not as mature as MCE 2005.

Summary: Installation to Windows XP Media Center 2005 was a breeze. Installed drivers for card and was up and running in minutes. Just loaded MCE and started auto programming channels. Was able to record, pause, play, etc.. FM worked fabulous as well! The inluded PVR bundled software was very similar to the look and feel, as MCE 2005, however did not have all the functionaity as MCE 2005. The ATI PVR software does not allow you to play live tv, and browse menus at the same time, as MCE 2005 does. The included software is a very workable solution, for those who do not have MCE.

The included remote control only works with the ATI PVR software. It does not work with MCE 2005. You can however, use the remote to simulate a mouse. You can move the mouse cursor and select MCE 2005 options, however this is not pratical, and very painful to operate.

Neither MCE 2005 or ATI PVR software had the ability to view my digital cable channels. Both also lacked the option to manage my digital cable box. A feature that I feel is absolutly essential. My Tivo 2 has this ability.

My biggest problem was getting multiple monitor support to work effectivly. I have dual 19" LCD flat panels, and a 42" DVI/HDMI plasma in the living room. I wanted to use the pc as a home/work computer using the dual LCDs, and the media center/PVR with the 42" plasma. I was not succesful in getting the Microsoft Media Center Edition 2005 to use an alternative display, other then the primary display. Perhaps this is a video card problem. I tested with an ATI x600 128mb PCIe 16x Dual display video card. I was however, succesful in displaying the ATI PVR software on additional monitor displays. I just had problems with MCE 2005. From my testings. It seems as if MCE is designed to work with the primary display only. If you are in my shoes, you may end up having to use the ATI included software, or getting a dedicated MCE 2005 for your plasma, and a dedicated work machine, in your study.

I ended up not installing the ATI or any other TV Tuner card, to the PC. I will continue to stick with the horrible resolution, of the Tivo 2, for my 42" plasma. Perhaps someday I will purchase a dedicated MCE 2005 PC, with ATI technologies.

In Summary: ATI TV Wonder Elite with remote worked very well. It's getting all the technologies to work together that, I feel, needs additional improvement. It would be a great Tivo replacement, however I did not see support for digital cable channel support.