Need advice on building a DVR

[BigPete]

I recently put together a new computer and handed my old one down to the wife, so now I have a P4 2.0GHz box sitting there not doing anything. Instead of getting a TiVo or any of those other DVRs from the cable company, I would rather buy a few parts and test this computer out as a DVR for a couple of months. If it all goes well, upgrade and turn it into a MONSTER DVR.

The computer is pretty much complete with the exception of any kind of video or sound card (it does have onboard sound, not sure if this is good enough?).

Do I need to get both a video card and a TV Tuner? If so, what role does the video card play? It wouldnt do any of the actual encoding/decoding would it? As I understand that would be a job for your PVR card (I'm considering a product from Hauppage but I am not sure which one would fit the bill).

Basically, we want to be able to use the computer like a TiVo with the added benefit of internet access. So what do I need to make this work? We just want to test it out for now and if we like it and find it worthwhile, I will upgarde it in a few months. If giving a price point helps, I would like to be able to get everything I need for around $300 bucks. Thats preferable and not firm, so any suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

 

[BigPete]

Someone? 🙁

 

[farscapesg1]

Well, for the Tv-card, I would recommend going with the Hauppauge PVR-150 or the PVR-500 (dual tuner). The 150 replaces the old 250 card and is cheaper with the same or better recording capabilities. The PVR-500 is basically two 150's on one card.

You will need a video card to output to the TV. What kind of TV do you have? What connections does it have? If possible, component (not composite) or straight DVI (if it has it) would give you the best picture possibilities. If not, then the next best thing is S-Video.

If it is a SDTV (standard TV), then getting the text for internet access will be hard to make readable. If it is a SDTV, then you might be able to get away with a FX5200 to try it out.

Also, check out www.htpcnews.com for help in their forums. They are a great bunch that can provide you with lots of information.

 

[BigPete]

Thanks for the comments and that link! :beer:

I have a 36' Sony WEGA HDTV and it does have DVI as well as component. I thought the Hauppage 150 did software decoding while the 250 did it via hardware? So for the video card, should I just get something cheapo with DVI out?

**EDIT**
Was just looking over that link you sent and I see that the 150 indeed has a hardware decoder, cool! Anyone have personal experience with this card?

 

[farscapesg1]

I've got one in my main system that I have been playing with. The recording ability is supposed to be the best available for analog recording. You will definately want to get the Nvidia Decoders, they may a world of difference. You will also need some software to view and record TV. I recommend Sage or Beyond TV, both have free trials on their websites.

I am in a similar situation as you. I've been piecing together a system to set up as a HTPC (Athlon 2500+ based), but I haven't gotten a video card yet. I've got a Radeon 9800 Pro in my main system that I am planning on using if I ever upgrade it 🙂 However, in the meantime I think I am going to have to try to locate a cheap FX5200 with 128 MB RAM (and a 128-bit bus, instead of the common 64-bit).

Forgot to answer your question about the video card 🙂 A lot of people have been recommending the Nvidia 6600's if you have the DVI output since they suppost NVIDIA PureVideo. Of course, $200 may be a little much to spend on a video card for a "test" project 🙂 A lot of people get by with the FX5200 and FX5700 cards. Just make sure to stay away from any SE or LE versions (usually crippled versions) and try to make sure the card's memory bus is 128-bit at the minimum.

Now if I could only get a decent TV 🙁 My main TV is an older Sanyo 27" (manufactured in 1999). I just can't get the wife to splurge on a better one :|