I have a directv HD receiver - instead of buying their DVR I have decided to look into buying an HD tuner card and use Windows Media Center or something like that instead. I use Vista Ultimate, my computer is a q6600 based self-built system, it flies. I already run it to my 46" LCD via HDMI, so that part is taken care of. Basically I need a couple suggestions on - what's a good HD tuner card (I have the budget for anything within reason) - how does the card connect to the directv receiver - basic stuff like that. I am totally lost in this field and would appreciate all the help I can get. Thanks a lot!
Scratch that Idea and use their DVR. I tried what you are talking about, and if you want HD with AC-3 surround, you'll have a tough time making your own PVR with those specs. You'll end up spending a lot more $$ than the $5 -$10 DVR monthly rental fee, and you won't be as happy. Most of those HD tuner cards can copy "Over The Air" HD only. The only thing I know of right now that can copy 1080i HD with AC3 is the Hauppauge HD PVR, but it is pricey compared to the DVR. This is just my 2 cents. Let me know what you end up going with.
very glad you replied! it would be nice if there was only a dvr rental fee to worry about though. I'm under the impression that there is a 2 year commitment if you buy the HD DVR for the discounted rate of $100. Or you can buy it outright for $500 and waive the commitment. Problem is, I've already been with directv a little over 2 years so I've fulfilled my original commitment, might be moving soon, and don't want to attach myself to another commitment if I can help it. Plz let me in on any suggestions you may have. Thanks a lot.
I got the Hauppauge 2250 dual tuner HD card for $119 and dumped my HD DVR from Comcast. Pays for itself in less than 10 months. I have fewer HD channels now though. I get the local SD and HD channels plus a few others, 14 total. The 2250 can only be analog or digital, so I have a second analog card and divided the 2250 so I have 2 analog tuners and 1 digital QAM. I have full surround sound too through Denon home theater. The MCE quide and search blows the comcast guide out of the water. no comparison.
sans> If you use SD instead of HD, you could make yourself a nice DVR that works close to the DTV's one. The only issue I had when I used my computer as a DVR is watching one channel, while recording another. You actually need two set top boxes to make this happen, while the DVR you get from direcTV does it with ease. If you want to go with HD, look into hauppauge's HD PVR. The only issue going this route is, I believe anyway, is it will cost you more money than just buying (or renting) the one from direcTV. I think that BeyondTV is supporting the hauppauge now too. Anyhow, here are a few links if you want to check any of this out. Support thread for hauppauge: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/710870 Product page for hauppauge HD PVR: http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hdpvr.html BeyondTv software page: (I think this is better than most, not free tho) http://www.snapstream.com/
