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Going to build my own DVR. Anyone here have experience?

Navy Chief

Navy Chief

Senior Member
A few weeks ago I rebuilt my system. I kept the old parts, because I plan to build a DVR.

All I need is a case (suggestions welcomed!). There is freeware software available to "capture/download" programs I want to record.

Anyone here have experience building their own DVR?

I never watch tv because of the commercials. So being able to record, and then play back a program (and ZIP through the commercials) would be awesome!

Thanks.

NC
 
I don't know how to do this...but if you find out, let us know....

Might be something to take on.
 
Nice little project there NC! Good Luck to you!
We have had a DVR now for at least 4 years and I can't imagine ever going back and watching commercials.
DVRs are awesome!
 
From what I have read, it isn't a big deal. I have a great motherboard with plenty of RAM. A decent sized hard drive, power supply, and a couple fans. All I think I need is a case.

NC
 
I'm in the middle of this myself, but I'm having a friend do it since he's already done it. The main thing apparently will be the capture card - he's recommended hauppage, but you may want to pick a capture program first to find out which cards are supported.

I say "apparently" because we're going in steps, so right now what I have is just a computer that hooks up to the tv and allows me to watch hulu, etc. on it.

So I'm interested in what others have to say about this too.

Brian
 
You are going to need some type of capture card.

I have a very cheap Hauppauge PCI card it cost about $20 US. They make USB models as well now. I am not sure which way would be the better way to go. PCI in a dedicated machine might be faster than USB but I am only guessing at that.

All of the capture cards will come with some type of software. The cheap ones will not record in HD. You will need to get a real good one to do that.

http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=47&name=TV-Tuners-Video-Devices

There are lots to choose from. I don't have any suggestions on which one to use.

Good luck
 
very cool project, NC :salute:
have you considered setting this up
in the new SOH Projects area?
might be easier to keep track of your progress
 
smilo said:
very cool project, NC :salute:
have you considered setting this up
in the new SOH Projects area?
might be easier to keep track of your progress
Click to expand...

I will do that! Anyone have suggestions for a inexpensive case?

The motherboard I'll be using is a DFI LANPARTY nF4 SLI-DR.
 
I got a few cases with power supplies collecting dust, I need a box to ship it to you
pm me your address
 
Can DVRs be made to automatically not record commercials? I like not having to watch commercials too, but even FF'ing through them is a hassle. Dang, am I lazy or what? :icon_lol:
 
PRB said:
Can DVRs be made to automatically not record commercials? I like not having to watch commercials too, but even FF'ing through them is a hassle. Dang, am I lazy or what? :icon_lol:
Click to expand...

Don't think they can. But sure would be nice!
 
PRB said:
Can DVRs be made to automatically not record commercials? I like not having to watch commercials too, but even FF'ing through them is a hassle. Dang, am I lazy or what? :icon_lol:
Click to expand...

Nope, not at all PRB ! I don't have a DVR but I sure as heck channel surf during the commercials...up and down the satellite! I seem to remember, back in the early days of VCRs that there was some gadget that you could attach to the VCR that would somehow detect when a commercial started and when it ended and then pause during that period. Whether or not it worked, I dunno, but I do remember reading about it.

At any rate, if someone did create a method to not record the commercials, they would only move them onto the bottom of your screen like they do with those "here's what yer watching now" and "here's what's on next" spots where the characters walk onto the screen! Also under study is putting infomercials on a crawl-strip that will run while the show is playing....ack.
 
I vaguely remember that VCR feature, too
but that's all I got...a distant memory.

commercials, commercials, commercials, argh.
it can always end up like NASCAR
where the commercials are constant.
 
I have a DVR and a few weeks ago at blockbuster they had them at $50 And a TVO for $100, I almost bought a second one.
They record comericals, but they have FF and FF-X2 (FF= Fast Forward)
 
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