Anyone use a PC instead of Tivo?

[jimfath]

I'm entertaining setting up a pc to act as a DVR instead of getting Tivo... Does anyone out there currently do this?

[Gass]

Sure do, great thing about this is that you can readily burn to DVD if you wish to keep. Make sure to get a dual tuner video/tv card so you can watch one and tape another. Maximum PC magazine has great info and how to start building your own.

[Frank Vu]

It's the way to go.

That way you can easily convert your shows and stick'm on your ipod or stream'm to a TV.

[leo]

Strange, I'm planning to build one of these in a couple weeks (new apartment, new vices, new ways to waste time!) That said, I'm looking at building a Linux PVR using MythTV and a Mini ITX (yes, I'm one of those IT geeks). Anywho, if you or anyone else is interested in how long it took me and how much it costs and all that other crazy jive people are interested in, let me know.

[Becca]

Leo, I definitely want to know how long it takes and how much $. Keep us posted! Would you help me make my own computer-DVR? Or, um, can I pay you to make one for me? :)

[Chip]

I had this going on for a bit. It could only record off of analog cable, though, not digital. Has this changed?

The card lasted a few months and then stopped working, so I abandoned the effort.

If they make cards that can record off of a digital signal 1) I'd be surprised, but 2) that'd be worth investing in possibly.


I did notice problems with audio sync when recording, back when it was working for me. I'm gonna guess that had more to do with the recording format than the card, though.

-Chip