PC as DVR?

[Kishan]

Alright so I just want to record the Apprentice or another occasional show on my PC. Don't really need all the features of XP MCE, something simple that will work. Remote is not a necessity, but if it isn't too expensive, why not? If its 50 bucks for a remote, it seems better to get a wireless keyboard. My rig is:

A64 2800 Newcastle
DFI Lanparty
1 GB Corsair XMS PC3200
NEC 2510a
Seagate 200GB HDD

I will be watching via TV-OUT and will be sitting about 7-8 feet away.

Thanks,
Kishan

 

[DaveSimmons]

Hauppage PVR-150, $80-100 (don't get "150mce" version).

Hardware encoding (much more reliable than $50 software-based cards. Comes with remote and VCR software.

search "hauppage" and/or "HTPC" for more threads on this.

 

[Kishan]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Hauppage PVR-150, $80-100 (don't get "150mce" version).

Hardware encoding (much more reliable than $50 software-based cards. Comes with remote and VCR software.

search "hauppage" and/or "HTPC" for more threads on this.

Hey thanks for the info Dave. Are you referring to this one?

Thanks,
Kishan

 

[Kishan]

after reading some reviews, it says that it needs a sound card? I'm using onboard sound. Can anyone clarify this for me?
Thanks,
Kishan

 

[Pandamonium]

Onboard sound IS a sound card, AFAIK. This latest PVR series (150, 150MCE, 250, 250MCE, 350, 500) is supposed to take sound directly from the PCI bus, without needing the line-in jack. (And most motherboards provide that jack anyway) You shouldn't have a problem at all.

 

[DaveSimmons]

You need onboard audio or a soundcard for playback. The card has audio input for recording.

For playback to a TV you also need a video card with TV-out, the Hauppage just has video input.

Yep, that Circuit City link is to the right card. You want a retail version like CC sells, a "white box" or OEM version is probably the 150mce (which is missing software and the remote).

 

[Tanner]

has anyone used the PVR500? That thing looks like a bad mamajamma!

 

[magomago]

does he really need hardware encoding? I mean he dos have a 2800+....this isn't the day of 1.5Ghz P4s and T-birds......

 

[Tanner]

s'tru...but according to mythtv it's "better" that way They even setup a system w/ a p4 in it... 2.4 I think...