Newbie Questions

[ratskin]

Hi Everyone,

The holidays finally gave me time to do some internet research and I came across this and other PVR sites. This technology is so cool and I'm game! I even told my brother-in-law about it yesterday and he's going to check it out too since he was thinking about getting Tivo for my sister.

We have a computer with cable modem in one room and the house is prewired for network connection in that room, the living room, and bedroom. So is it a simple matter of just buying a pvr card, MediaMVP, hooking everything up, downloading GBPVR, and being good to go? Does this sound right?

I'm debating on the Hauppauge PVR 150 or 500 and am not sure which one to get. We don't watch too much TV and the 150 is cheaper. Any thoughts?

I've also read some posts where people have said they have multiple pvr cards in their computers. What is the advantage of having say a 500 and a 150 or two 500s in one computer?

Thank you.

[elricfate]

I believe, correct me if I'm wrong, that the 500 series has two tuners. Which means you can record something, and watch something else at the exact same time.

Personally, I simply use a 150, as I don't listen to FM Radio, and only really watch three TV stations, most of which repeat shows if I happen to miss them due to scheduling problems.

As a personal thing, I'd get an internal 150 over an MVP, or anything else. And yes, it's basically install, config, add plugins, bla bla bla. And go!

[DeadRun]

It seems that you have some understanding of what you are wanting to do. Yes, it is almost as simple as you described. A computer with at least one (prefereably more 500 has 2, 150 has 1 tuner) running GBPVR. If you want to watch the recordings on a TV not located near the computer you will need a way to get the signal to the TV. That is where the mediaMVP comes into play.

Even though it is as easy as just described to get started. The devil is always in the details. The beauty and the challenge of GBPVR is the ability to use various plugins and skins to modify the way the way that it works to your individual liking. Then comes in commercial skipping and optimizing that process. An on and on.

But, based upon my experiences, the GBPVR forum usually has the answers to the questions that I have. But it does take effort and time to implement them and get it all fine tuned.

My family loves, so I suggest (if I haven't scared you off) to jump in and make TV viewing what it should be - commercial free and on your schedule.

[ratskin]

Thanks I appreciate the replies. I'll see how the set up goes and will probably definitely have questions later.