All around great video card, but check out the G400!
Written: Nov 18 '99
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Excellent 3D graphics, TV In/Out performs flawlessly
Cons: Not as many features as the G400 series
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| adamtraidman's Full Review: Matrox Marvel G200-TV |
The Marvel G200-TV is an all around great card featuring fast 3D graphics, a built-in TV tuner, as well as TV output and video editing capabilities. Might seem a little overkill for the average PC user? Well, actually, it is quite useful in more ways than you might imagine. For instance, I often use the TV out in order to browse the web from my TV in the living room, and use the TV-in to record video from my camcorder, and then edit it on the computer.
The Marvel has excellent drivers for Win 9x, I have not personally evaluated the NT drivers, but have heard good things. The card is capable of AGP 2X, and is easy to install. It also comes with an external breakout box for connections to your TV Video in/out and audio interfaces. The card features standard composite video connectors as well as S-Video.
Disadvantages? Well, I would recommend this card for the cost conscious consumer, as today you can go and buy the Matrox G400 series. Personally I would recommend the G400 over the G200 series, as it is faster and has more features. In addition, it is wise to be cautious about G200 purchases as Matrox seems to have shifted all their focus on driver updates to the G400 series. If you can afford a few more dollars, grab a G400, if not and you want to save a few bucks, grab the G200's before they are gone. They are overall a great card, and have great features.
The TV tuner input is great, and the Matrox TV viewer tool is also excellent, featuring an on screen remote control, and it can function as a full digital VCR as well. The TV out looks great, even better than a similar ATI card I had. Incidentally, one feature of the ATI All-In-Wonder series that I like that the Matrox lacks is the ability to put the TV input signal in the background of the desktop and then use programs on top of it. Matrox doesn't seem to think this is a neat idea, so they never implemented it in their drivers/software, despite my suggestion. :)
Overall: Great combination 3D Graphics and TV In/Out, but if you can afford it, get the new G400 series.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 179
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Epinions.com ID:
adamtraidman
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Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 6 members
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