HTPC DVR

[valkylrie]

So I have a PC connected via HDMI to my big screen, it's great for web surfing watching downloaded movies and the such....

But we have decided to move, and our Internet and tv options no longer include FIOS, looks like Comcast for us.....

I have considered going with out TV service, and still might..what I'm looking for is can I add tv tuner card to my PC and turn it into the traditional cable box, as well as a DVR....

Could I also use that to stream content to another tv using something like a roku or Apple TV. could it also serve to watch different channels on different tv? Or am I at the mercy of the providers box?

[billofrights]

You need to get a cablecard from Comcast, and install it in something like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815706001

A regular TV tuner will only get whatever the cable box outputs but you can do most of what you want with one.

[ldivinag]

i have a WMC and a silicon dust HDHRcc3.

http://www.silicondust.com/products/hdhomerun/prime/

so using a USB OTA ATSC tuner plus this, i now have capabilities to record 4 shows at once and still playback another recorded show at the same time.

and this is using a cheapy emachine dual core amd computer.

i use a comcast cable card. and this took a good week or so to get things working like a charm. i was ready to return it back to frys.

suddenly everything was working like a charm.

recently, it was on WOOT for around $125 so i bought a second one.

btw, if you have an xbox 360, this will work as an extender. so setup the WMC machine in one room and then the 360 will function just like the computer. almost.

once i get job... i'll buy another computer and set it up as the total home DVR and setup a flatscreen and 360s in every room.

[ScottsBad]

Bottom line for me is that I hate Comcast. Hate their BOX, hate their company.

I liked DirecTV OK for awhile, but had to get a internet provider to go with it. Ditched it.

Tried Dish, too limitied for me and had to get internet provider. Ditched it.

Finally landed on ATT Uverse, which has worked out most of the bugs. Had it for 5 years.

I have explored the other options, some of which were discussed above. All of them require a lot of tweaking, and frankly, I'm tired of tweaking and keeping software up to date and backups, etc. I have an HTPC system which is OK for stuff off the internet, but requires work to set up and maintain. I don't use it as much.

I just want my system to give me a good picture, easy and effective recording with lots of On Demand, and movie options. Some extras for mobile devices, remote recording programming, and WHOLE HOUSE DVR.

I've been doing HT for many years, started with a $30,000 Vidikron projector and $$$$ Meridian system on 120 inch Stewart screen. Now, on JVC D-ILA projector. I've been around the block.

It just depends on whether you like to spend your time tweaking and maintaining an HTPC system or just getting stuff that works and enjoying the system. I'm in the latter camp.