Using your PC as a DVR

[Gustave]

I was considering the idea of setting up my pc to take over the duties as my DVR. Does anyone have any experience with this? I currently working on a gaming build for 14 and figured I could setup the desktop to handle the task.

What hardware would be needed/ best? I didn't see many capture cards with HDMI ports except this one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815100049

What software would you recommend and what functionality does it have? I also hate when I leave my house and forget to set up a recording. (I was at college gameday this weekend and realized I forgot to set my box to record!). Is there any software that would allow you control my Charter Motorola DVR ?
(Edit: Well I just bumped across "Cable card" from Charter. This might be exactly what I'm looking for)

With the increase in HTPC's I'm surprised this is not a hot topic.

Any ideas / comments?

[fishstix]

it's mostly all about software, some hardware won't allow for 3rd party software to record forcing you to use the bundled. you'll just have to look up reviews and info for the hardware you're looking into, unless someone has a card they'd recommend. idk anything about dvrs though, and the last time i used a tv tuner card, it was pci and 2002, sorry cant be more help

[xerodok]

As the post above says, it's all software. If you're going to stream it from your PC > TV and record from your TV > PC its going to use a lot of bandwidth.

Rather than hanging up your desktop. Why don't you just get a DVR from your cable provider? They are moderately inexpensive, integrated into your cable box, and do their job.

[Mellema]

Here is a write up on eHow. From that and other things I've read, you want an independent computer dedicated just as a DVR if you want good and consistent recordings.

Since you already have a DVR, what are you hoping to achieve setting up your PC as your DVR?

If it's remote programming (from your phone), from what I've researched only Dish and DirecTV have that feature.

If it's more storage space, google the PDF of your DVR and see if you can just attach an external HDD.

With the increase in HTPC's I'm surprised this is not a hot topic.

Any ideas / comments?

I was thinking of setting up an HTPC this past year, but with the advancement in many devices lately it's been easier to go about it differently now.

Many people already have a ps3 on their network, so with that you can stream netflix or other services, and you can play movies that are on your PC over the network also.

I looked into getting a WD Live TV Plus. Basically the same as streaming to ps3, but also lets you attach an external hard drive, so you can have all your movies saved there. Having the movies on another HDD has the advantage that you can still use your PC at the same time and not worry about lagging the playback.

I ended up getting a new Sony Bluray player instead. Same features as the WD Live (streaming, netflix, can attach HDD, etc.) with the benefit of playing Blu/DVD for only $20 more.

As for my DVR, HD programming takes up too much space, so I was having to just erase too many things before I was able to watch them. Most cable companies won't tell you or help in any way, so do some research to see what can be done with the equipment you have. I was able to attach a 1 TB eSATA HDD to my DVR. The DVR's memory syncs with it, so the HDD can't be used for anything else, but being able to record 12 football matches this weekend in HD to watch throughout the week is well worth it to me.

[Gustave]

Yea I use a DVR from my cable provider atm (charter). I just thought I could possibly get more functionality from using my pc. I see there is a few cards that will allow you to use your pc as a "Set top box". I've been doing some researching and reviews but I may just trash this idea.

[volcanicweather]

That ehow article is a piece of crap... here's the real way:

1) Buy this: http://www.amazon.com/Hauppauge-1212.../dp/B0018LX0DY

2) Get a receiver, HD preferred (NOT A HD-DVR - you don't want to pay DVR fees)

3) Hook up the Hauppauge device via component cables to your HD receiver and to your PC via USB

4) Install the Hauppauge software on your PC

5) Launch the software, click record and you're done

$180 might seem like a lot to spend up-front but honestly it's around 1 year of DVR fees and then you get it DVR capabilites for free with no restrictions, plus you can use it to record you PS3, 360, pretty much anything which will accept the component connection