A friend was going to help me do this, but he's been really busy. I know it's not difficult, I just need someone to tell me how and give me some suggestions. I have an old computer (1.4 Ghz Athlon and 512 mb of ddr) that I can use for this. It is online (via high speed through cable of course),and runs xp pro.I willinstall a largerhard drive for extra storage. Other than that, I think the only things I need involve software, right? I have digital cableand a set top dvr box in the house (used in family room). Ideas? Please, only give input if you really know how.

 

windows xp media center or vista home premuim ought to do it for ya.

 

A TV-Tuner or a VIVO capiable video card

 

and the software. LOL


Google "tv tuner review" and it should list some good sites that compare them. Also check the date at which the article was written so you're not looking at 2 year old technology.

 

How's this one:
http://google-cnet.com.com/tv-tuner-...-30973967.html

Is there a way to do this with software alone? If no, why not?
Other suggestions?

 

just wondering why ur trying to build one instead of just buyin another? or payin the extra couple bucks a month?

 

^^^So that I can actually have the files. On my dvr box, I can't do anything with the files.They areonly available on the box (80gb hd) and when I get enough new, ihave todelete the old. I considered hackingthe box, but I'm worried the cable company would give me **** about it.

 

ahhh, i get it now. never thought of that one before.

 

If its a newer DVR it should have a esata link on the back of it and should beable to pull the files off of there. A coworker and i have been playing with the dvr's we have in the office, Esata is the best way we found out how.
2. Buy a external dvd burner ( tv type dvd burner ) go from the dvr to the burner then to the tv works fine.

3. windows media center

 

Just to let you know. If you ever want to update it from xp to Vista. I believe the ATi pvrcards wont work. Microsoft screwed ATi on how to make drivers for them.