TV/Video record to PC

[mscher]

Looking for a "high tech" way to record the upcoming Ken Burns documentaries, plus I have VHS and 8mm tape to convert to a more modern format.

I have seen this item, pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us/Products/Consumer+Products/PCTV+Tuners/PCTV+Analog_Digital+PVR/PCTV+HD+Pro+Stick.htm
Seems like a plan, as the local PBS broadcasts in HI Def, plus the other local analog channels, which we already use daily. Not priced too bad at about $120. Might use to record programs on a regular basis if it work really well.

Anyone have any comment or can suggest a similar product?

Thanks

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: TV/Video record to PC

You are looking for a TV Tuner card. I have been using one for years, and love the one posted here.
I record the shows on my PC for later viewing,and watch them in DIVX format when I get the time. Hauppage is the most dependable out there. Most others have issues with WIndows Drivers, and hardware conflicts. I've been using this one for 3 years in two different systems without a hitch.

 

[mscher]

Re: TV/Video record to PC

Purchased the Pinncacle PCTV Pro stick and it does the trick.

If you want to experience HDTV for next to nothing, check it out.

I get 11 digital channels, with the included antenna and I'm 25 miles from the nearest station. Schedule and record programs and write to disk or directly to DVD. Even comes with a remote control.

You do need a PC with some pretty decent nuts to get good results, however,but now days you can get a really good multimedia PC, for less than a cheap HDTV.

$80 at Best Buy.

 

[ThumbPkr]

Re: TV/Video record to PC

I have been using a Hauppauge capture card since the mid ninties.It has been in three different computers,Hauppauge has the best tech support and supports their products with drivers and upgrades better than any other mfg as far as I know.I would always consider them first for that line of hardware.Ron G

 

[orion25]

Re: TV/Video record to PC

If you are going to record in HD then get a BIG hard drive..........

 

[rogerwa]

Re: TV/Video record to PC

HD = 10Gb/hr

Earlier this year I built a DVR using components handpicked by me and running Ubuntu Linux and Mythtv (all free software).

Currenlty this thing has three tuners (1 Hauppauge 150 and a Happauge 500 dual tuner). This is a dedicated HTPC (home theater PC) that is connected directly to my PC and is controlled by remote control.

The Mythtv software downloads program listings everyday and has a plugin that allows for web based access. Via the web at work or on my blackberry I can setup my recording schedule or check the status of recordings.

While the Linux/Mythtv setup is not for the technically squeemish, you may want to check out BeyondTv. BTV is a nice application that will give you enahnced capability over the bundled software including web based program listings and setting up your recording schedules.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: TV/Video record to PC

I've been using BeyondTV for a couple years now. We LOVE IT. It's a very easy to use and well supported product. It has a good WAF (Wife Approval Factor). I bought a Dell Optiplex desktop PC which it about the size of an old VCR and fits nicely under the TV. I'm using a nVidia dual tuner card which allows me to record 2 shows simutaneously. We never watch anything real time anymore and never see commercials. It's great. I highly recommend it.