So, I wanna build a WinXP-based PVR

[SUOrangeman]

No need to buy a TiVo if you've got hardware laying around, right?

I've been scouring the AVS Forum for a few days. They can offer help on the A/V side, but I had to come here for the PC side.

Here's what I want to use (i.e., already own):

Abit BH-6
Celeron 366@550
Creative SB Live! 5.1
4.3GB WD HD for OS
3Com 10/100Mbps NIC
?Deskstar 60GXPs? for video capture/archive (if a Desktar dies here, it's not as serious a loss as an OS drive)
WinXP Pro (mostly for non-PVR reasons)
Dolby Digital/DTS Receiver with built-in DVD player (will accept S/PDIF input, no need for DVD playback from PC)
TV (coax/RCA inputs only)

PC itself will be headless, unless you count the connection to the home theater/TV. Programming/recording controlled via web or remote desktop display (home network) ... unless the video capture card has a remote.

When not in a PVR mode, I'll be running an MP3 server for local playback through stereo or streaming over web. Occasional scanner and print server use as well.


What I don't have:

Video card (TV-Out/DVI, if the price is right; gaming a plus but not mandatory ... given the rest of the hardware)
Tuner/Video capture card (MPEG in hardware?)
RAM (probably 256MB, PC100 given the mobo)
Purty black desktop case, if I integrate with rest of home theater ... and must be fairly quiet
...

So, with the equipment I have, can I build an effective PVR?

Is a Celeron 550 enough horsepower? (I may have a more-powerful Athlon system if the Intel can't handle it)

All-in-Wonder for both display and capture? (Doesn't like dScaler. Not-HD capable and software-based encoding, right? Will the Celeron be enough?)

What video card, if not AIW? DVI output for a future with a high-def display? ATi/nVidia?

What tuner/capture card? Creative? Leadtek? Hauppage? Aver? Other?

Only three $$$ solutions for HD capture right now (HiPix, AccessDTV, Hauppauge)? Too expensive for non-HD capture now, right?

Any other thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

-SUO

 

[InsaneMorphius]

Id go with the Hauppage WinTV PVR, its capabilities are great. I am using one and love it

 

[LarryJoe]

I would just buy a TiVO. I do not think you have enough horsepower and by the time you buy the PVR card and/or video card, you will have spent about the same amount. Especially if you already have a DVD player and don't plan on using the PC for it. It sounds like a fun project, but it doesn't make sense. The best software available is PowerVCR and even though it is nice software, it is not nearly as easy to use as a TiVO in terms of scheduling and remote control.

 

[SUOrangeman]

I understand your points, LJ. But I think the PC route will be a litle more flexible.

Let's throw out the high-def side for a sec. I still need a video card (keeping TV-out for a moment) and a tuner/capture card. I think I should be able to get everything there for under $150 (being generous). If CPU is still an issue, I do have a K7S5A system that I can slap a fast/cheap Duron or AXP on it (currently using an MP 1600+ which I've included in other plans )

At present, I don't really care for the subscription fees for the programming guides. I believe that TiVo and friends require the subscription just to get the unit to work, whereas the capture card offers this feature as a "nice-to-have." Programming my home-built PVR by hand is a much smaller price to pay (for me) than a subscription.

One of my ultimate goals is to get rid of my VCR. So, let's say I finally record something with my PVR that I'd want to archive. A non-TiVo solution *should* offer the flexibility to move shows (removable drive or network) to my main PC where I can burn them to VCD/DVD-R/whatever. At that point, playback goes through my DVD player. Only the new ReplayTV units with network ports *might* give e such an option. Have you seen the prices on those things?

I am willing to spend a little bit of money with flexibility and some longevity will come out of it.

-SUO

 

[LarryJoe]

I see your points. The only reason I have not gotten a TiVO is because of the monthly fees. It seems outrageous in this day and age of free information, that you have to download a program guide.

I use my PC as a TiVO, but don't have it connected to the TV. I use an Avermedia TV Studio($85) with PowerVCR and when I really want to watch something on my TV, I burn a VCD. However, VCD quality is not as good as VHS, so beware. I would keep the VHS hooked up. Also, the Aver card I have is very good for the money, but not anywhere near DVD quality. I haven't seen the Hauppauge PVR, but the specs seem pretty sweet with the hardware decoder/encoder onboard. This will run you $200. As far as video out, definitely get an ATI or Matrox card as results will vary accross brands.

As I said, this sounds like a fun project, so keep me posted. I do think in the end, that the ease of use will no be up to snuff for your family to tape their favorite shows with ease.

LJ

 

[IndyJaws]

Check out this thread in Hot Deals where they discuss the Leadtek TV2000XP TV/FM Multimedia Card. I guess there are some XP compatibility issues with some of the cards on the market and this one supports XP with no problems. Interesting thread - it might help you out.

Have fun! I have a Tivo, but would like to have a PC-based PVR as well for burning to VCD (or DVD when I get a burner in the future).

 

[SUOrangeman]

OK, I think I've figured out what I'm gonna do.

With the plans for my main PC (see bottom of this rig), I think I will ...

1. Snag 40 & 80GB Seagates from NewEgg & Dell ($165 shipped after $25 rebate)
2. Ghost/dupe my IBMs onto the Seagates (no more living on the edge? )
3. Snag a dual Athlon MPX board and second MP CPU (probably an updated Tyan or Gigabyte, if Epox continues to agonize the masses)
4. Snag the Leadtek PVR package (Win2K is main OS on this PC, no longer concerned about XP)
5. Use IBMs as video archive and MP3 backup (if they die, no big loss ... I hope)
6. Use the BH6 box as my 24/7 MP3 streaming server with printer and scanner accessible via network

Aside from my wallet, everybody wins!

-SUO