Newbie Questions and Set Up Advice

[zoomzoom9]

I did some searching but finally decided to put all my questions together to see if I could get the answers easier. A little history: I've been using DVRs for years, multiple providers, including TiVo, and decided I was tired of the monthly fees so I want to set up my own DVR. I have an IT background but have been mostly out of IT for quite a while now. I feel comfortable building my own computers, but have no idea what's good anymore.

Here's the setup I want:

• Two HDTVs
  
• Ability to record 4+ shows at once, all in HD
  
• Don't want OTA, just through cable company
  
• Ability to watch recordings on either TV
  

What exactly do I need to accomplish this? Advice on specific hardware would be appreciated. Not afraid to spend some money but would like to keep it reasonable.

Here are a few extra questions:

• How do I set up multiple tuners, do I need a cable splitter and run multiple cords?
  
• If I have to run multiple cords, do I run one from the wall to the cable box, then to the splitter, then to the PC?
  
• Will I be able to switch between recordings and watching live TV without an issue? I want it to work as much like a normal DVR as possible.
  

Thanks!

[mvallevand]

There probably needs to be a FAQ on this. Another TiVo user started a similar thread my here was my response http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php...post430768

For the second set of question in the US I expect the growing trend is cablecard devices especially if you want 4+ HD shows. It's just one cable to the tuner and none to the PC (unless you have the internal tuner). Ceton http://cetoncorp.com/ and Silicondust make 4+ tuner units. AFAIK NextPVR is the only multi-PC system that allows switching LiveTV and recordings from these new DVR devices. There is Windows Media Centre but you can't use multiple PC's as clients. Before buying a DVR you probably should ask some more questions so you know what you are getting.

Martin

[zoomzoom9]

Thanks Martin. Do you know if I can still use the NextPVR software with the InfiniTV solution?

[mvallevand]

There is no native support in NextPVR for the Ceton's but using the NetworkRecorder plugin and SageDCT it is possible. It is not a solution here in Canada, so hopefully a user who has done this can provide a bit of feedback.

I am not sure how much research you have done on the DVR's, but you will only be able to record channels marked "Copy Freely", so you can watch premium only in WMC or on an xbox connected to WMC.

Martin

[Grampz]

Don't want OTA, just through cable company

I use OTA and get a strong HD signal but do not get the many stations offered by cable. I believe HD via cable is only available through an STB.

I do not have a setup like this, but can't he have 2 htpc's with 2 tuner cards each and the Network Recorder plugin? He may not get true HD, but a basic cable package here in Kansas City offers 76 channels. I had a pc in the office that had a cable connection to the tuner and WMC for years with excellent audio and video quality. The main TV had an HD DVR STB from Time Warner Cable with zillions of channels, most never used..

Just some food for thought...

Greg

[mvallevand]

I do not have a setup like this, but can't he have 2 htpc's with 2 tuner cards each and the Network Recorder plugin?

There's lots of way of putting 4+ tuners on a single PC with NextPVR, the issue is the choices of what channels you need recorded (WMC is needed for most premium), and whether you want PC's, laptops and NMT's for multi-room playback or if you want only xboxes as you clients.

Martin