virtualbox.org

any way to change a virtual machine to recognize more accurately the hardware actually in the computer? maybe get it to see my real video card (or what i was really thinking was putting a video card in the machine just for virtual box guest machines) ? or passing through a tv tuner or something?

Short answer is no, not at this time.

not to be obstinate but whats the long answer? is it a feature that's coming? is it remotely, difficultly possible?

Type (2) hypervisors are dependent to the primary OS and use translation programs to do some of the work.
With version 3.0.x we see that passing information to the video card directly is possible but here again still experimental.
While I do not know the VBox todo list and time line, I can see a trend that makes me think that since progress is being made in this area it could be achievable in future versions.

you're the man, perryg, thanks for the info.

Check out for Intel VT-D
http://www.intel.com/technology/itj/200 ... lusion.htm

and AMD IOMMU:
http://developer.amd.com/documentation/ ... 06101.aspx