PVR on the cheap?

M

majorDad

New Member
I was wondering...

I'd like the functionality of a TiVo or ReplayTV system, without paying the silly subscription fees, dealing with a bunch of ads or having it record things I might like. I can schedule my own recordings, and so I don't really need the whole feature set. I like the idea of storing off-air recordings on a HD for later viewing, and have been keeping my eyes open for the right thing.

Recently, HP released their media center computer, complete with a TV tuner and a PVR function. Maybe that's what I need; but without the expensive computer wrapped around it.

So, the Question: Does anyone know of a minimal hardware set and low-cost "video file management" type software, that I could put something together for this that would be serviceable?

Thanks in advance!
 
Kruz

Kruz

Moderator
Staff member
just get a good TV tuner card, and a big ass hard drive.
the tuner card will have software for recording to disc.
 
Neo

Neo

Administrator
Staff member
happauge and the ATI all in wonder are great. I used the AIW card a few years ago and loved it. We also use it at work.
Havent personally used the happauge but friends tell me its a decent card.

couple of items:


PROS

• Excellent FM radio tuner
• Able to burn recordings to CD-R/W from program
• PVR interface highly accessible
• Customizable channel suites
• Remote control

CONS

• Does not support multiple monitors
• Takes up PCI slot
• Does not decode MPEG video



ATI 9000 AIW

check this out might be a little happier and less money.
 
Gonzo

Gonzo

Infinitesimally Outrageous
Staff member
The other option is to go with DishNetwork. They have 2 models of PVR, no-subscription as long as you're a Dish customer.

One model is straight PVR/dish receiver & the other is a dual tuner PVR/dish receiver. Watch on echannel & record another-both from the satelite.
 
M

majorDad

New Member
Thanks Kruz, Neo, Gonzo. I'll look into the ATI.

And thanks for the tip about Dish. I'm hoping for Dish to pick up the NFL package. I understand that won't happen until '05 or later.

-md
 
chcr

chcr

I have no idea!
Sorry, I haven't been over here for a few days. I built one. I don't think you can do it without the computer, because you need to run the PVR software. Mine was originally a PIII-450@558, but it had some trouble encoding video, so I dug thru some spare parts, upgrded my main rig, and ended up with a t-bird 1100. I run an old ATI All in Wonder rage 8MB card (it only has to output 640X480 16bit color although if you're in Europe I think you need 800X600). The card came with the PVR software and hardware DVD support. I also put an old 8X burner in there, so I can save stuff to a VCD if I want. So now I have my PVR, DVD and a VCD player all in one box. It runs Win 98SE, has an IR keyboard with a built in mouse, and the ATI software included a program guide, so I can one click schedule recording, and I have it hooked into my home network so I have cable internet. It's cool. The Hauppage card also comes with excellent software, so it is certainly an alternative. I already had the ATI card. Oh yeah, biggest drive you can conveniently afford.
 
M

majorDad

New Member
Gonna try it with a K6-2 -400; but am learning I'll need a big honking drive to make it work right.

Thanks!
 
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