You might have heard of Digital Video Recorders, or DVRs. It’s possible that you even have one. There’s a better way of doing things, especially when it comes to the DVR. You can build a DVR with an old computer. It costs about a few hundred dollars. This new DVR that you build yourself would have over-the-top functionality. This DVR would have so much power that it beats just about any standard DVR or Tivo. This DVR you build yourself wouldn’t even be called the DVR anymore. It would be called an HTPC. HTPCs are called home theater personal computers. They come with htpc software.
To get started, you’ll need a computer. The computer you use for this project doesn’t even have to be high-tech, fancy, or super powerful or anything, an older model can work just fine. At this step, you’ll have to buy some parts and probably HTPC software to go with it.
You need to purchase a tuner card. It’s one way for traveling signals to get through to your HTPC, so you’ll need it. This tuner card is like a cable box that your personal computer uses. It’s very simple. All you have to do is plug in the cable or antenna at the back of your new PC and you can start receiving TV right away on your PC. Along with your typical HTPC software, there are also High Definition choices for your TV on the PC.
After that you’ll have to find a way for getting that signal from the computer to the television. This means you’ll need a video card. A video card’s job is to do just what you need: make a highway for your signals so you can watch what you want on your PC. It is very likely that in addition to your HTPC software, you already have a video card. Just make sure that your video card is equipped with a DVI or an S-Video out, so that it is possible for you to plug the card into your TV.
Next, get your hands on some HTPC software to help serve your media wants. Mediaportal is a free program that is a nice option or Beyond TV could work well too. It’s an excellent commercial product. Sometimes Beyond TV even comes with a remote free of charge!
Finally, you’ll need a DVD drive, an internet connection, a really big hard drive, then you’re all set! Tivo is nothing compared to this!