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09/19/2007 07:55:50 PM · #1 |
It's amazing at the lack of information about there about options for building/buying a HD DVR that is capable of recording over-the-air signals. Is there some cable cabal (nice play on words there) that I don't know about that hunts down this information and destroys it?
I want to build a HD DVR (or I guess they are called PVRs these days) out of a computer that can record OTA signals and allows for playback with remote, etc. Any underground people out there willing to stick it to the cable man?
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09/19/2007 08:00:10 PM · #2 |
It's Hollywood's influence on the issue that has stifled this particular tech toy. The EFF was doing training sessions on how to build an HD DVR back when the broadcast flag was being challenged and fortunately overturned.
I think your only option is going with a Linux based system like Myth or Freevo. |
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09/19/2007 08:10:02 PM · #3 |
I found this builders tutorial. It seems fairly straightforward for someone who isn't too technically averse. I'm itching to try it soon.
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09/19/2007 08:18:17 PM · #4 |
I know nothing about this. My partner Joe is a computer geek. We have a HP media center (computer) hooked up to our tv and digital cable box from the cable company. He set it up so he can record HD. If you like, email me and I will get him to try and explain it to you. No taking apart computers at all, but perhaps it only works with the cable box we have? Not sure.
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09/19/2007 08:21:41 PM · #5 |
You can buy a "Media Center PC" or you can build the PC yourself (with proper tuner, disk space, memory, video card, etc) and then simply install the Media Center software (with is part of Vista Home Premium or Vista Ultimate).
If you want to stick with XP, there is the XP Media Center PC edition.
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09/19/2007 08:26:22 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by DrAchoo:
I found this builders tutorial. It seems fairly straightforward for someone who isn't too technically averse. I'm itching to try it soon. |
Go for it, that seems like a pretty decent way to go about it. You can do it for a lot less than what he must have spent since all he uses (aside from the base machine) is pretty high end hardware. When you're ready to buy, I can recommend some relatively cost effective parts.
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11/02/2007 10:26:59 AM · #7 |
I stumbled on this older thread, but I bought a Mac mini back in July as my HD DVR and the ElGato eyeTV hybrid hardware/software combo ($120). It̢۪s been one of the best purchases ever. The eye TV software in conjunction with the FREE titian TV listings are an outstanding combo. I can even go online while at work and have it record something at home. I did need a larger external HD, but I got one of those cheap 500GB Western Digital my books at Best Buy for $120, so I figure the whole system will pay for it self in less than two years now that I don't have a satellite bill. PBSHD Rocks!
Also the Mini replaced my DVD player, DVD burner, CD player and iPod dock so that instead of tons of cables going into my home theater receiver the only connection to the receiver is the optical digital cable and the only cable connected to my TV is the HDMI to DVI cable connected to the mini.
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11/02/2007 12:02:26 PM · #8 |
If you want to learn Linux and spend the rest of your life tinkering, there's these guys. I set a non-HD one up and had it running in the living room for a couple of years. Everyone in the family was happy with it, but it took all of my free time to keep it running.
The problem with building a HD DVR is that it takes some pretty high end hardware to make it work, so it's not going to be cheap. I found it was cheaper to just get a Tivo and pay them the monthly fee for the schedules. Then I actually had time to watch the thing, too. |
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11/02/2007 12:07:35 PM · #9 |
Well, I'm going to take the plunge over the next few months. I actually got a Comcast DVR becausee they were having a deal, so that gives me some breathing room.
In some strange, twisted way, I think it's fun to do stuff like this.
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11/02/2007 12:33:19 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by AperturePriority:
You can buy a "Media Center PC" or you can build the PC yourself (with proper tuner, disk space, memory, video card, etc) and then simply install the Media Center software (with is part of Vista Home Premium or Vista Ultimate).
If you want to stick with XP, there is the XP Media Center PC edition. |
I built a Windows XP MCE 2005 (OEM from newegg) a couple years back... still kicking like a champ. Have Vista Home Premium here to upgrade it to...but if you know anything about ATI (Now part of AMD) and how they couldn't write a driver to save their life... it is better to stay WinXP MCE 2005 at this time.
ATI HDTV Wonder, AverMedia TV/FM tuner, Windows Media Center Wireless Keyboard and remote.
I get about 12 OTA HD Channels here in Sandag.
ED: start here: //www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx to see what antenna you might need and what channels are available.
Message edited by author 2007-11-02 12:35:32. |
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11/02/2007 01:25:13 PM · #11 |
I bought one of these with the DVR docking station, and I record tv shows or movies and watch them right on the 4 1/2" screen while on the go, or plug it in to a tv and watch on that.
Plus, I keep a digital photo portfolio with me, surf the internet (wifi), store backup stuff, and record video with my helmetcam. Not bad for an Mp3 player. :-) |
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