only rca, svideo, and rf outputs.
The Dell Configure page shows some TV tuner options.
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DXPS400F4V&s=dhs
But since they don't say what kind of tuner card it is,
it is kinda hard to say how good the thing would be.
A second option, is replace the standard LCD monitor and
use an LCD/TV instead (further along in the configuration
process for your purchase). That is an LCD monitor with
an RF input for TV.
Using a TV tuner card allows you to record the TV
signal and play it later. The LCD/TV means you can
watch TV, but without the ability to record.
The LCD/TV likely has a different aspect ratio than
a standard monitor - it could be wide screen, which
might make it possible to play DVDs on the computer
and view them in wide screen mode.
In my experience, a standard computer monitor has more
useful screen real estate than a wide screen monitor
(for normal computer use). I guess it really depends
on what applications you use, and whether the application
is flexible in the way it uses the screen area. I just
prefer a 1280x1024 screen instead of something closer
to 16x9. The LCD/TV could be a 16x9 device.
I guess one of the reasons I like to build my own
systems and add stuff to them, is being able to
read reviews and do research on the components, and
find out a bit more about them before buying. In
particular, I am pretty picky about monitors, and
I spent a couple weeks looking at LCDs before I
bought the one I have now. In the grand scheme of
things, it is nothing special (about $600), but it
does have a "crystal" finish, which is a glass plate
that fits over the screen. That makes it easy to
clean the monitor, just like my old CRT. It improves
contrast, but you cannot have bright lights shining
over your shoulder, as the lights would reflect off
the glass. (So an LCD monitor like this one, would
not be good in a room lit with fluorescent overhead
tubes.) If you go to your local Best Buy, you can
look at monitors, and at least see the things you
like and dislike about them. I didn't buy my monitor
there, but bought it next door
With the TV tuner option, you are more likely to
be viewing TV in a small window (either 320x240
or 640x480). The LCD/TV, being intended for TV by
design, is more likely to fill the screen with a
TV picture. But without more info about these
products, it is pretty hard to say anything definite.
I guess I'm not much of an "impulse buy" consumer -
the Dell level of info really irritates me
Also, with the conversion of the TV signal to a
digital bitmap, you need as much quality as you
can get from your video source. With my old TV
tuner card, I found pre-recorded video tapes had
good enough quality, while broadcast TV was barely
acceptable. I hope your Dish signal is good and
sharp, with low background noise.
Paul
