HTPC eliminates the need of a tivo?

[bleuless]

i haven't look into what this "HTPC" is yet, but ultimately i want a set up where i can play my mp3 on my 5.1 system, watch dvd movies, watch HD/tv, watch FTA satellite tv, on my projector and 5.1 system. and possibly occasional computer gaming or console gaming.

yes, living in a small condo tend to make you do everything on top of another.

share your ideas and setup, thanks!

 

[arod]

if hd is a real concern id wait until vista media center as it will support cable card. Currently only mce05 offers over the air HDTV.

I love the mce interface and actually prefer it to any tivo, replay or cable dvr. Plus the guide is free vs costing 10-15 for tivo etc.

 

[Winchester]

Would like some more insight as well!

 

[dabuddha]

From what I've learned (and I hope I'm wrong) you can record OTA HD signals but stuff coming through your cable is encrypted and you can't record it.

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: dabuddha
From what I've learned (and I hope I'm wrong) you can record OTA HD signals but stuff coming through your cable is encrypted and you can't record it.

Depends on your cable provider. You can get an HDTV card (or firewire if your STB has firewire ports) that will record HD cable, but only Clear QAM channels (almost all of TWCNYC's channels are 5c encrypted, the bastards). This isn't supported by MCE, though.