I have an extra computer I bought and I was wondering what steps were needed to turn it into a DVR.

I searched old threads and saw some info, but most were over a year old. Couple questions.

What programs would I want to run as the interface? Sage, Myth, BeyondTv, other?
Is there a FREE guide service that I could access for program listings?
I know I need a TV tuner, what are good ones, well priced?
Would I need any other hardware, software?

My setup is,
AMD 64 3500+
512 Ram (Might upgrade depending on performance)
Onboard video (have to upgrade, but what too?)
160 GB hard drive(good start)
Vista or Windows XP, whatever is easier, I have access to both.

10/15/2007 2:53:46 PM

I spent a good number of hours on this, a little over a year ago...tried all the different software packages, even the ones you pay for, and decided that the TWC DVR box was a MUCH better alternative...for me it was the difference between trying to turn a general-purpose box into a DVR, as opposed as to using a DVR box which was built for that very purpose.

maybe the software has progressed to where the gap isn't as large as it was before, but I doubt it.

just pay the extra $7/month and be done with it

The only reason I would consider going with one of the custom setups is if I needed some of the remote access features that some of them offer.

10/15/2007 2:59:56 PM

The reason I asked about Free program guides is because I am trying to get away from recurring costs.

But that type of feedback is good, there is a decent up front cost. Would like to get away from monthly fees.

10/15/2007 3:08:03 PM

Snapstream's Beyond TV is pretty good. They have some combo kits with remotes and tuners and whatnot. I use it along with MediaPortal. With your RAM I would use XP though.

10/15/2007 3:16:59 PM

Quote :

"just pay the extra $7/month and be done with it"

10/15/2007 3:46:28 PM

Looking at this, http://store.snapstream.com/btv-hvr1600.html
plus a TV out video card. No fees, looks like a great way to get everything I need.

Any suggestions?

10/15/2007 3:54:59 PM

The power consumption cost of a TWC DVR versus a home built one made from desktop computer components will pay for the rent on the TWC DVR assuming that you leave your home built one on 24/7.

10/15/2007 4:02:04 PM

^ thats the truth

10/15/2007 4:12:45 PM

these arguments are only valid if all you want is a DVR though.

since mediaPC's can be used for a LOT more.

i have mine set to suspend and it doesn't consume that much power

i'd say though i mostly agree. a mediaPC is an enthusiast pc, not intended for the general public

[Edited on October 15, 2007 at 7:13 PM. Reason : /]

10/15/2007 7:11:46 PM

I am a jr. system engineer, so it is kind of a dork out thing.

10/15/2007 8:08:13 PM

I bought a Leadtek Winfast PVR a few years ago for something like $50. I use titantv for program guide. I like the ease of use, but need to figure something out about the audio/video sync problems I'm having.

10/15/2007 8:08:17 PM

if you have access to Vista, just use Home Premium, it has MCE built in and thus free tv guide, free media center app, etc..

as a free alternative on XP, use mediaPortal

mythTV is linux only i think, just fyi

10/15/2007 8:59:12 PM

My brother did this this past year and uses mythTv. It is pretty cool but he hasnt been able to find a digital tuner card so his card/box will not work when they switch the signal over.

10/16/2007 2:01:36 AM

I use BeyondTV with 2 Hauppauge tuners and it works great. Hauppauge defintely makes the best tuners out there and BeyondTV is only $70 with no subscription fees. I like it cause I use the remote access stuff all the time.

10/16/2007 10:04:07 AM

Got everything in last night and installed. Wow, really cool stuff. Recorded the Daily Show and Colbert Report for testing. The commercial skip is still a little off, but it does chapter right when they end, so if it doesn't skip one you can chapter forward and it is spot on. Watching it on an extra monitor for now, buying a new TV after Thxgiving, can not get a feel for the "quality". Plus my graphics card sucks balls.

Setting up the HD over the air antenna currently. Will let everyone know how that works out.

10/23/2007 5:00:05 PM

how are you going to hook it up to your tv? gonna place the PC next to the tv or stream it?

[Edited on October 23, 2007 at 5:03 PM. Reason : and what are you using for remote control]

10/23/2007 5:02:50 PM

^it loads windows with no login and then Beyond TV starts right away.

I was going to get a new plasma the day after thanksgiving and just plug it in dvi to dvi.

Figured that would be the easiest, unless anyone has any suggestions.

10/24/2007 7:59:55 AM

That is what my brother did i believe. he actually controls his whole tv with the dvr remote he bought and it has the wireless keyboard and stuff too for it.

10/24/2007 8:35:39 AM