I've decided to ditch cable and get my HD fix via OTA. The only problem is that I really miss my DVR. I had a thought, and wanted to run it past you folks to see if it's viable or if I am missing something:

I would use my Mac Mini (Core Duo 1.6Ghz, 2GB RAM) to record shows via antenna, using an Elgato Hybrid 250 (I am open to other suggestions, also) to an external hard drive connected via USB 2.0. I would then have the EyeTV software export the recorded shows to iTunes. I already have my 360 set up to play material from iTunes via Rivet (similar to Connect360), so I'm thinking I could play the exported HD material the same way. The 360 is wired to my gigabit Airport Extreme and the Mac Mini is connected to the same AE via .11g wireless (could be wired if needed for increased bandwidth).

My questions are:

1. Is this viable or an I missing/forgetting something?
2. How much quality will I lose when exporting from EyeTV's proprietary format to something that is playable on the 360?
3. Does anyone have a better suggestion?

Thanks for any input!

I've decided to ditch cable and get my HD fix via OTA. The only problem is that I really miss my DVR. I had a thought, and wanted to run it past you folks to see if it's viable or if I am missing something:

I would use my Mac Mini (Core Duo 1.6Ghz, 2GB RAM) to record shows via antenna, using an Elgato Hybrid 250 (I am open to other suggestions, also) to an external hard drive connected via USB 2.0. I would then have the EyeTV software export the recorded shows to iTunes. I already have my 360 set up to play material from iTunes via Rivet (similar to Connect360), so I'm thinking I could play the exported HD material the same way. The 360 is wired to my gigabit Airport Extreme and the Mac Mini is connected to the same AE via .11g wireless (could be wired if needed for increased bandwidth).

My questions are:

1. Is this viable or an I missing/forgetting something?
2. How much quality will I lose when exporting from EyeTV's proprietary format to something that is playable on the 360?
3. Does anyone have a better suggestion?

Thanks for any input!

I'd also be interested in hearing more about this. Is there any reason why you are not watching the shows directly off of your mac mini to your tv? I'm assuming the only way you can watch content is through your 360?

How is Rivet? I use Connect360.

I'm planning on doing exactly what you are doing minus streaming it through the 360. Those Elgato tuners are pricey

Jesse - we're still using the Mac Mini as our main computer, and it's in the office next to the living room (where the TV is). The easiest solution would just be to buy a new iMac and move the Mac Mini to the living room, but that's more money than I want to spend right now :) Hence the reason for streaming via 360 (which I already have).

Rivet is fine. I've never really had any problems with it. I have watched some video podcasts and some DVD rips on it with no problem. Music works well too, but I don't use that as much. I don't think there's an advantage of it over Connect360, but Rivet was on sale when I bought it :)

The Elgato tuners are a little on the pricey side, but if they do what I want, then it would be worth every penny :)