Time to build a new system with two WinTV-HVR-1600's

[reefboy]

First of all props to Sub for such a great program!!!

I've been using GBPVR with two PVR 150's for the last 6+ years. It is time switch to recording ATSC HD tv. I would like to have two tuners and based on my quick searches will most likely use the WinTV-HVR-1600 unless others have a better / cheaper tuner card to recommend. Since I'm in the early research stage is there any concern or limitations recording two HD channels at one time with two WinTV-HVR-1600's? Will I be able to use comskip still? What is a minimum CPU I should be using? any recomendation for a budget and energy efficient mobo and CPU? I would like to utilize a HTPC case to be placed with my other A/V equipment. Any input would be appreciated.

[Reddwarf]

I'm not familiar with those HVR cards, but with regards to cpu your current cpu should be sufficient for recording as that requires very little cpu power. Playing bach HD is another matter, with a DXVA capable graphic card the need for cpu-power is not great since the gr.card will take the load. But if you have to do the decoding in software I think a dual core at 3Ghz would be a minimum.

Another thing is that 200 gig of harddrive is not much when you start recording HD, you might want to replace it or add a larger HD.

[reefboy]

Thanks Reddwarf. I currently have 1.5 terabytes. Anything I build will have at least that much for recordings. I wasn't sure with the HD ATSC recordings being close to 5 gigs per hour (over 2 as much as before) if recording two and watching a show would be to much data streaming for the hard drive. No other input from others regarding a budget mobo / cpu combo? Any and all input is welcome.