Home Media Server

[Rakewell]

Hi gang,

Wasn't sure if this is the right forum, but here goes.

Searching Google (for me) has been fruitless on this subject, unfortunately. I don't think I'm using the correct terminology.

I want to build a home media server, and I have a couple of questions.

My wife wants to ditch the TiVo box, as well as the dvd player, etc, for one PC that handles it all.

Is there an app and/or hardware that I would to add to the PC so I can surf with an on-screen guide, as well as record TV shows, etc.?

I'd appreciate any links to decent 'how-to' sites, if you know of any.

Sorry for being a n00b.

Cheers-

Rakewell

 

[Modelworks]

What do you use to receive tv ? If it is satellite or cable then the DVR box is going to be the cheapest route. You can build a HTPC to do what you want but it isn't going to be cheap and you will need to learn quite a bit about codecs, remotes, etc.

 

[Rakewell]

What do you use to receive tv ? If it is satellite or cable then the DVR box is going to be the cheapest route. You can build a HTPC to do what you want but it isn't going to be cheap and you will need to learn quite a bit about codecs, remotes, etc.

Thanks for the response.

I use TiVo. Also, I bought this remote to use:

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/c...pping|57Y6336&

 

[Patranus]

If you decide to keep your TiVO (to watch TV), get (or build) a nettop running Window 7.
If you really want to get ride of the TiVo you are going to have to buy a CableCARD tuner which are expensive.

Here is a nettop that has built in DVD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883220050

I guess you could also do a nettop with HDHomeRun. They are suppose to come out with a network CableCARD adapter at some point.
http://www.silicondust.com/products/hdhomerun/prime/

If you want to build a computer with a built in tuner, look at the following

CableCARD tuner
http://www.cetoncorp.com/products.php
(Expensive)

Then just get a cheap core 2 duo system and throw that bad boy in it.

 

[Modelworks]

Thanks for the response.

I use TiVo. Also, I bought this remote to use:

What I meant was where is the source material coming from for the Tivo ? Is it outside antenna, satellite dish or cable ?

 

[vi edit]

You don't need a cablecard all the time, it's very provider based. And also based on your subscription. Most non-premium channels will come in over QAM which Win7 media center and a tuner will pick up just fine.

I run Win7 Premium, one of these tuners:
http://www.amazon.com/Hauppauge-1229.../dp/B001E2T6Y4

And one of these extenders:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Linksys-DMA2100...C_Drives_Storage_Internal&hash=item35af7eba95

And that does everything I need. The extender plays DVD's, and it also has a full guide onscreen that you tie into the cable guide for your areas provider.

It's not as fast responding as Tivo, but for $0 a month vs. $13 a month I'm happy with the choice.

 

[Patranus]

You don't need a cablecard all the time, it's very provider based. And also based on your subscription. Most non-premium channels will come in over QAM which Win7 media center and a tuner will pick up just fine.

I run Win7 Premium, one of these tuners:
http://www.amazon.com/Hauppauge-1229.../dp/B001E2T6Y4

And one of these extenders:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Linksys-DMA2100...C_Drives_Storage_Internal&hash=item35af7eba95

And that does everything I need. The extender plays DVD's, and it also has a full guide onscreen that you tie into the cable guide for your areas provider.

It's not as fast responding as Tivo, but for $0 a month vs. $13 a month I'm happy with the choice.

First off, CableCARDs are NOT provider dependent, that is the entire point.

Eh, really depends on your market.
In California you are only going to get ABC/CBS/FOX/NBC.

http://www.silicondust.com/support/channels/