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General discussion

Need new computer; pvr to dvd capable

May 16, 2005 1:21AM PDT

What I'm hoping to do is record tv and burn dvds from a new computer (children's shows for my kids to watch in the minivan, entire seasons of shows, etc.). I'm looking for a computer with this capability - right now, it looks like there is an HP 7060 and a Gateway, both around $1000 at Bestbuy. It seems like a lot of people on here don't like the configuration of the HP. Anyone know how it will work for what I plan on doing? Other than what I just listed, I'll be making dvds from a minidv camera, downloadinging and photoshopping photos, and the internet. Not much gaming (xbox and soon xbox 360 for that).

Suggestions? HP or Gateway or other? Bestbuy? Looking to spend about $1000.

Discussion is locked

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A TV capture card. . .
May 16, 2005 11:03AM PDT

or TV tuner card is all you need for your PC. It'll come with the software you need. Do a Google search on TV tuner cards.

I have a USB unit that makes my PC a TIVO, and included the software to burn DVDs.

Then again, maybe you really want a new PC??

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a TV Capture card AND a DVD Burner...
May 16, 2005 11:38AM PDT

goto www.newegg.com
pick out a GOOD tv capture card from Hauppage or ATi (others exist, but i can't think of them off the top of my head, so go with those because i know their good companies)

avoid anything under around $40
especially with ATi
i'd personally go Hauppage (heard better things (i have an ATI, it's horrible, but it's their cheapest model so i didn't expect miracles)


the second thing you'll need is a DVD burner
get one that burns DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW and DVD-RW
some DVD players prefer + and some prefer - (not sure about that as much now, a while ago it was more common)

but the way to check which plays better in your DVD player is to get 1 RW of each
and test it out

i'd suggest just doing that
also
makesure your current PC has a fast processor, and at least 512MB of RAM (if it doesn't an upgrade might be in store for it) because moving the video around will be so horrible on anything less (The capture card probably wouldn't work on a slow CPU/low RAM)

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Second Idea
May 16, 2005 11:40AM PDT

just buy a freestanding DVD Burner device...about $300-$400
probably easier to use than a computer with capture card
just put the disc in
source in whatever you wish to record
and go
saves you $600-$700 over a new PC
and saves hastles of the system crashing/not having enough power to handle capture (if you upgraded your system)