[sshaw66]

Before I get chastised for reading the rest of the posts in the forum, I've spent over 8 hours doing so. I'm looking for advice on what my best option would be. Here's what I'm trying to accomplish. I have an older 65" mits RPTV sans tuner (just inherited this with a new home purchase). I'm looking to set up: (1) a tuner for the HDTV; (2) the ability to record and re-watch (nominal amt., say 30 hours max.) ota broadcasts; and (3) the ability to watch online shows wirelessly (have a g router in the home) is not absolutely necessary but would be a plus. We have no cable; receive ota tv only, and am happy with that.


Originally, I was looking at the DTV PAL DVR, but since I've been reading the threads here, I'm looking at whether or not something like a zino, revo, or dedicated i3 processor (self-built, even though I've never done that before) with a tv tuner card may be a better route to go.


Any advice or suggestions for futher reading would be most most appreciated.


Thanks in advance.

 

[potts.mike]

Get an aspire revo 3610 and a hd home run.

 

[Servicetech571]

Revo 3610 isn't compatible with his TV. (No easy/cheap way to get component output) 3610 must use also use USB tuner for OTA. This is the problem with all the newer "mini PC's", no easy way to get component out. They are fine for newer sets that have HDMI.


What you DO need is a basic PC with component output and a ATSC tuner. The Avermedia duet is probably the best bang for the $$$ right now. You will also need a video card that has a "component dongle" to hook to your Mits TV. The Nvidia 8000/9000 cards will be the most common w/dongle. I'd go ahead and get a 1TB drive, they aren't much more than smaller drives. HD recoding uses about 6GB/HR, plus you will want to put other stuff on there.


FWIW I have the same setup, OTA with a older Mits RPTV. I tried the DTVpal DVR and while it did work, functionality was limited. Decent plug & play option if you don't want to mess with a PC.

 

[potts.mike]

Did not think about the component out.......

 

[sshaw66]

Thanks, guys. My TV has component and DVI, if that clarifies things, or does the DVI in help matters?


Servicetech: When you say basic PC, can you clarify? I've got an old Dell 4600 with a P4, could I make the upgrades you suggest and set that thing up?

 

[Servicetech571]

Does your Dell have DVI out? If so hook it up to the TV and give a try. If you can get decent video out of it you may just need to add a tuner card. If the PC doesn't have DVI out you may need to pick up a video card.


Component video @ 1080i is "Native Resolution" for our TV's and will get you a slightly better picture than using DVI. Color seems to be more accurate through component inputs. My set is the WS65513.

 

[ArtosDracon]

I'll second the HD Home Run for ota, it doesn't get much easier and it doesn't take up any space near your TV, just put in next to or near the router.

 

[Servicetech571]

I have 2 issues with HD Homerun:

1: Costs double what an Avermedia duet does.

2: Another box/wall wart increases power consumption.