TV Card

[Inevitable]

Looking to get a tv card but need to know a few things. I want to use my old P4 PC as a media centre so planning on using old media centre XP or just Nero with the media centre app. Want to be able to record Live TV especially DSTV. Is it possible to get a card that will record 1 channel while I watch another?

 

[auriga1000]

you will need card with 2 tuners. hauppage brand? excuse spelling

 

[ColinR]

Yup, grab a WinTV-PVR-500.
But you'll need either Dualview, or Extraview enabled.

 

[Inevitable]

so will I also need the special LNB to have dual view?

 

[ColinR]

Yes, I believe so. I'd go with 2 x 1110 decoders in xtraview setup.

 

[Inevitable]

will I need a special TV card to just be able to record dstv shows. Will my pc be able to pick up the program lineup?

 

[ColinR]

The PVR-500 will be able to receive the RCA output from the two decoders. The Microsoft remote control that you'll need to control your media centre has 2 IR transmitters that will control your two 1100's independently.

You can get guide information from www.mceguide.co.za for program lineups, series recording, etc.

 

[charlie_82]

Don't forget your TV license when you go to buy it

 

[labratza]

lol yeah otherwise long trip home again

 

[qu1k_sh0t]

Out of interest what is the quality like? Taking a normal PAL TV stream up to 22" res? Doesn't it look horrific?

 

[ColinR]

I take mine to 60", and its watchable, obv movies look better than TV - but thats not the Media Centre's fault.