PVR advice

[imported_SoulCatcher]

HI guys, im looking to add pvr capability to one of my systems, and I have some questions about the hardware, and software.

First of all, what I want to be able to do is schedule my tv recording, so I am looking for something that has good encoding hardware, and I am wondering if it is possible to record mutiple channels at once, 2-3 channels would be possible on some evenings. I hardly ever watch tv when the shows I like to watch are actually on, I prefer record and watch when im ready.

SO basicly im looking for advice on what type of card I should get both brand and features, and looking for advice from someone who has experience using the programing or whatever I need to schedule the recording. Is it possible to record more than one channel at once? is my major question.

Thanks guys

 

[Dragonbate]

I like my Hauppauge pvr 250 which has hardware encoding. I don't think they are shipping anymore however and I have read of some issues with the 150 that replaced it. Guess you could go with the 350. As far as recording multiple channels I believe you will need multiple TV cards for that as well as software that can handle that. If you have a good robust system you might get several wintv-go type models that dont have hardware encoding but can be found for like $20 each. Link to $20 dollar card I believe this unit gets decent reviews for a card without hardware encoding.

 

[rise]

i got the diamond 550 which is hardware encoding. it was like $60 on sale plus a $10 rebate. includes a trial of snapstream/beyond tv program for 60 days. it's very easy to use once setup, kinda quirky installing, altho maybe thats just the driver cd i got.

as far as recording more than one channell at a time, i think i can but i haven't really looked at it as i have no interest/need. snapstream has some info on their site and a trial offer too. i don't know if i'll continue with snapstream after my trial, i need to look for other programs more, but i think snapstream is well regarded for ease of use and features. the subscription is $5/mo, $28/yr or $60/life IIRC (ballpark #'s)

i would definitely go with a hardware encoding solution tho. look around and i bet you can find some on sale.

 

[mcveigh]

get a pvr500 from hauppauge it's a dual tuner card. hardware encoding

as for software the best bets are sagetv (my fav) and beyond TV.

windows MCE2005 is great but you have to buy the whole thing, about 130-140

 

[imported_SoulCatcher]

thanks for the advice guys, does anyone know for sure how if a single card can record multiple channels? if Tvio can do it, I cant see why a computer couldnt, but I want to get this right when I start buying things

 

[mcveigh]

Originally posted by: SoulCatcher
thanks for the advice guys, does anyone know for sure how if a single card can record multiple channels? if Tvio can do it, I cant see why a computer couldnt, but I want to get this right when I start buying things

NO

get tivo only does it on the models with 2 tuners.

get the PVR-500, it has 1 cable input but 2 tuners.

http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.php/cPath/21/products_id/161