DVR on Dell Optiplex GX260

[bluestrobe]

What I have now:

Dell GX260 Optiplex with 2.4GHZ Northwood and 768MB of RAM. Two open PCI slots and low profile AGP (Currently on board video). Has Windows XP SP2 as an OS.

What I want:

I want to be able to record shows onto my file server using this PC. I also want to watch previously recorded shows from the server on this PC through my TV. I do not need the ability to watch everyday TV through this computer (like a cable box) although I would need the ability to program the time, date, and channel of the shows I want to record. At this point I only need the ability to record one show at the moment although I might go with a two channel card for future expandability. I am currently looking at the Hauppauge PVR-500MCE although information is sketchy if it works with XP or not.


My main hangup is the capabilities of this card with XP. Otherwise does anyone see problems with the above information?

 

[jkresh]

the card will work fine with xp, but the software it comes with sucks and xp doesn't have dvr software built in, so you will need something like sagetv or snapstream beyond tv (there are free equivalents as well though they generally aren't as polished).

 

[bluestrobe]

Both software suites are $80. However, I'll get the card first and play with the software that came with to try it out.

 

[jkresh]

last time I looked at the free options (and tried demos of those two) media portal was one of the best (http://www.team-mediaportal.com/) probably worth taking a look at it. You could also consider a vista home premium upgrade as it includes media center (which is among the best if the not best in terms of pc based dvr's).

 

[bluestrobe]

Vista would drain this computer so I'm avoiding that option. As soon as newegg has the card in stock I'll go ahead and order it.

 

[bluestrobe]

I found out the Hauppauge PVR-500MCE won't work in the Dell GX260. Are there any shorter cards out there with the same capabilities?

 

[Slugbait]

Originally posted by: bluestrobe
Are there any shorter cards out there with the same capabilities?

I don't think so. But since you have two open PCI slots, you could buy two 150MCE low-profile cards, which would give you dual-tuner capability.

 

[themisfit610]

Or get something external?

Another vote for MediaPortal. It's the only media center software that give me what I need (directshow decoding, good customizability, and good performance)

~MiSfit

 

[bluestrobe]

The cards can be standard height (pci slot) but they have to be shorter front to back.

 

[Slugbait]

Originally posted by: bluestrobe
The cards can be standard height (pci slot) but they have to be shorter front to back.

Sorry, the "low profile" mentioned originally, and the complaint of needing a "shorter" card indicated to me that you had a low-profile case.

It that case, get one or two of the regular 150MCE cards. For another $12, you can get the version that has an FM tuner as well...

 

[bluestrobe]

Yea, I see where the confusion could be. I scraped the idea as I would need to make too many changes to this computer to get it where I want. I would still need to hunt down some type of video out card and the lack of PCI room was starting to kill the interest in using the PC for a DVR. I am building a new computer and will use the old rig (currently main one) to fulfill the DVR role as it will be more room to work with.