My g/f is on to me for not being able to record Lost - sigh. So, I have been looking to get a DVR. My equipment: Pioneer PDP-4360HD (has cablecard and firewire - although I'm not sure if it has video out on the firewire port), XBOX 360, Oppo Digital 971H, and a Vista Home premium PC in other room (wireless connected to XBOX 360).

My first action was to pick up a DVR (Atl. Sc 8000) from Time Warner Cable. Thought that was the easy route only to find out I have not a component input left on my Pio telly. So, that thing is on the tv upstairs for now but will go back to TWC as soon as I have a solution.

My next thought is to get a HDTV Tuner PC card for my Vista system and then watch it over my wireless network through the Windows Media Center. On this great thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=615224 I see there are several of them. Do I need a CableCard in the PC tuner? Or can I record encrypted and then my Pio (w/ CableCard) will decrypt again? Has any one experience with PC HDTV tuners?

Lastly, I still like the thought of having a DVR in my living room. However, then I need to either remove my Oppo DVD player and get a combo DVD/DVR one, or somehow get an input component switcher.

Any one any thoughts in this? Really, I would appreciate any recommendations.

My first action was to pick up a DVR (Atl. Sc 8000) from Time Warner Cable. Thought that was the easy route only to find out I have not a component input left on my Pio telly. So, that thing is on the tv upstairs for now but will go back to TWC as soon as I have a solution.Why would you use component instead of HDMI? Get yourself a $15 HDMI cable from Monoprice.com, if TWC doesn't supply one for free. All cable companies have DVRs with HDMI, because the law (FCC mandate) requires it.

My next thought is to get a HDTV Tuner PC card for my Vista system and then watch it over my wireless network through the Windows Media Center. On this great thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=615224 I see there are several of them. Do I need a CableCard in the PC tuner? Or can I record encrypted and then my Pio (w/ CableCard) will decrypt again? Has any one experience with PC HDTV tuners?Current PC tuner cards are only suitable for receiving locals on most cable systems. To receive other cable channels, you will need to wait for the Vista systems with OCUR (http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=2662&p=2) coming soon.

Thanks for the response.

Although my TV has 4 inputs, one component is on the front of the media box (and therefore, for esthetics, is not prefered), one is just composite and the other two can either be HDMI or component. As such, I am one "HD" input short. I guess a HDMI switcher would work for me as well.

That ATI unit is very interesting. Any idea when it will be available?