How to turn my computer into a TiVo?

[over_c]

I would like to be able to record shows and maybe even skip commercials using my PC. What will I need to do this?

I assume I'll need a TV tuner card, a big hard drive for storage and possibly some software (for skipping commercials).

Can anyone make any recommendations? Thanks.

P4 2.8C
Asus P4P800
2x512MB Patriot PC3200
BFG 6800 OC
Seagate 7200.7 120 GB HDD

 

[Crashman]

If you'd like to do it on the cheap, <A HREF="http://www.softwareandstuff.com" target="_new">http://www.softwareandstuff.com</A> caries a $30 tuner card with a remote. It tunes standard (analog) cable and antena signals, plus it has composite and s-video inputs.

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[tluxon]

If you're going to want to skip commercials and stuff, look into BeyondTV at <A HREF="http://www.snapstream.com" target="_new">http://www.snapstream.com</A>.

Tim

 

[Bruxbox]

Try the Windows XP Media Center Edtion 2005, I mean the OS, not necessarily a new MCE computer.

It looks like the pc parts you have will do just fine.

With Windows MCE, you can time shift and skip recorded TV programs (in 30 second leaps), using just any TV tuner card that is supported in WMCE.

You can buy a copy of Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 online; as it is considered an OEM OS, some online stores might require you to buy some other pc part to make the sale valid.

A new installation on a clean hard drive is highly recommended.