Get an HDHomeRun Prime CableCard tuner for $129.99
Turn one or more Windows 7 PCs into killer DVRs with this versatile network-attached TV tuner.
True story: The cable guy was over just last week, troubleshooting a signal-strength problem with our service. When he saw my CableCard-equipped media center PC, he said, "I've been wanting to do that with my computer, because Windows' channel guide is so much better than ours."
True dat. Windows Media Center offers a mighty sweet 10-foot interface, and when you pair your PC with a CableCard tuner, you've got everything you need for DVR awesomeness.
There are three such tuners on the market, and today's deal is for the most versatile of them. While supplies last, B&H Photo has the SiliconDust HDHomeRun Prime HDHR3-CC CableCard tuner for $128.99 shipped.
The HDHR3-CC offers three digital tuners that can pull down HD and premium channels alike. (Sorry, no on-demand or pay-per-view, though.) All you need is a CableCard from your cable company. The one I'm renting from Comcast costs me all of $1.50 per month; I think I was paying $13 to $14 for a DVR box.
What's unique about this particular tuner is that it plugs into your home network router, meaning you can share its tuners with multiple Windows 7-powered PCs: one in the den, one in the bedroom, and so on. (Ideally, however, you'll want a wired Ethernet connection between those PCs and your router.)
There's even a companion iPad app, though it's pricey at $17.99 and not very good.
My only real complaint is that you can't plug the HDHR3-CC into a single PC if you prefer that kind of configuration. (For that, look to the Ceton InfiniTV 4 USB.) But for multi-PC households, the HDHR3-CC is a steal at $128.99.
Bonus deal: Today only, and while supplies last, Newegg has the Kingston SSDNow V+200 KR-S3020-3H 120GB SSD for $69.99 shipped. That's after redeeming a $20 mail-in rebate (PDF). That's a killer deal on a spacious solid-state drive.
Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.
Curious about what exactly The Cheapskate does and how it works? Read our FAQ.