New setup questions

[tsu3000]

Hello

I’m am fairly new DIY PVR/HTPC’s but not new to PC hardware.

I'd like to build a home PVR system with similar functionality as a commercial box such as a Humax eg a system that allows me to hook up to my TV and watch/record Freeview. I will also add DVD playback/record functions later. I am not interested in games. Ideally I would like all these functions to be operated via a single remote control.

I have a few questions:

1) Will I need a tuner card with built in hardware encoding such as the Hauppauge “PVR” range of cards?
2) Is there a digital “PVR” card available? I think the PVR-150 etc are analogue cards – is this correct?
3) Will I need a separate graphics card?
4) Will I need a Hauppauge Media MVP box?
5) Is there a link for recommended motherboards/CPU combos that will be suitable?



Thanks in advance.

[reboot]

1.) Not necessarily. When you say "Freeview", you mean from an antenna on your roof? If so, a Hauppauge Nova-T is probably a better option for you. If you have a box (with remote) between the cable and your tV, then a PVR-150 retail with IR blaster would be a better choice.
2.) See above Nova-T.
3.) Yes, if you want to output the PVR's video to your TV.
4.) No.
5.) Not specifically. Post what you're thinking of buying, and lots of people can critique it. Most are running 1ghz+ AMD's, although there are quite a few Intel fans here too. Check at byopvr.com