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DVR - Digital Video Recorder

DVR Quick Start - New System Upgrade

On this page you will find the details to build your own system, followed by specific product recommendations based on the DVR I build two months ago. 

There are links taking you to major vendors in case you want to purchase the products today and start building your DVR in a few days.

Since you are buying from the major vendors directly, you will get all the discounts available at the time of purchase. (This is done with affiliate marketing - see the Money Web section of this site if you want to learn more, via the home page).

System: The system you want as the base for your DVR should have the following attributes:

Processor Speed: Should be 2.2GHz or faster, either Intel or AMD.

Operating System: Media Center - its great and does a lot more then record programs

System Memory: Should be 512MB or more

PCI Slots: two open slots

PCIe or AGP Slot: Should have one (PCIe preferred) for your vidoe card

Free Disk Space: Should have at least 150GB

Additional Cards: 

Capture Card: this is the card that is connected to your cable source and records the programs. 

Video Card: this is the card that connects the DVR to the TV. And, an advanced card with its own processor and memory can support games, allowing you to use the TV as a giant monitor. 

DVR Recommendations

Here is everything you need to build your own DVR with links to major vendors. 

PC

eMachines Media Center Desktop with AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3500+ T6524

Model: T6524

This eMachines system has what you need to build a DVR, including: 

• AMD Athlon™ 64 processor 3500+* with 64-bit platform; 2000MHz system bus with Enhanced Virus Protection for Windows XP SP2, and HyperTransport™ Technology
• 1GB PC3200 DDR memory for multitasking power, expandable to 4GB
• Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL media; 48x maximum speed CD-ROM drive
• AMD64 technology provides simultaneous support for 32-bit and 64-bit computing, including today's 32-bit and tomorrow's 64-bit software
• 512KB L2 cache memory for efficient system processing
• 200GB hard drive (7200 rpm)
• ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 graphics with PCI Express expansion slot and up to 128MB DDR shared video memory; Dolby 5.1-channel support (6-channel sound)
• 7 total high-speed USB 2.0 ports, including one in the integrated 8-in-1 digital media manager; also supports CompactFlash, SmartMedia, Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and Microdrive
• 2 IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interfaces, front and rear accessible, for fast digital data transfer and easy peripheral connectivity
• Built-in 10/100 Mbps Ethernet networking interface with RJ-45 connector; V.92 high-speed data/fax modem
• Multimedia keyboard, 2-button wheel mouse and amplified stereo speakers
• Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 operating system preinstalled; software package included with Microsoft Picture It! 10, CyberLink PowerDVD, Nero 6 Suite and more

• And a lot more..... 

The system is the low cost alternative to a high-end, feature rich DVR. If you want a DVR, this is the base system you need. Just add the capture and video cards, and you have a fully functional DVR. How great is that?

When you are ready to order, use the link above, next to the picture. It will take you to Best Buy. 

By using the link above, you get the same deal as anyone else going directly to Best Buy site. And your use of the link will help us keep this site going, with all the the free information.

If you are not sure the system recommended above is the right one for you, take a look at the other systems offered by Best Buy, using the link below.

Great Deals on Computers at BestBuy.com!

Capture Card

A great low cost deal from Buy.Com is available today. Click the buy link below to learn more or make a purchase. 

Hauppauge WinTV-PVR 150 MCE - Personal Video Recorder WinTV-PVR-150MCE brings live TV, FM radio and TV recording to Windows XP Media Center Edition Add TV and FM radio to your Windows XP Media Center Edition PC with the Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-150MCE. The WinTV-PVR-150MCE has the best video quality of any Media Center TV tuner, plus adds FM radio. Use up to two WinTV-PVR-150MCE's in a Media Center 2005 system:. Watch one TV channel while recording another by installing two WinTV-PVR-150's in a Media Center system. If you already have a Media Center system with a Hauppauge WinTV-PVR, you can add a second WinTV-PVR. From Buy.Com

Video Card

You have two possible choices, AGP or PCIe. 

PICe (e for extended) is the new card type and is some what faster, but either choice will work for a DVR. One benefit of the card is the ability to play PC games and use your TV as a giant monitor.

There are significant savings on either of these cards, so act now.

ATI Radeon X700 Pro, 256MB PCIE ATI's RADEON X700 PRO brings a richer visual experience to all your favorite PC activities - 3D gaming, watching movies and streaming video, Internet browsing, viewing and processing digital photos, or home office applications such as preparing multimedia presentations and spreadsheets. Whether upgrading or buying a new PC, the RADEON X700 PRO will easily handle today's visual entertainment and workload with plenty of power in reserve for tomorrow's possibilities. From Buy.Com

ATI RADEON X700 PRO 256MB AGP ATi's Radeon X700 PRO brings a richer visual experience to all your favorite PC activities - 3D gaming, watching movies and streaming video, Internet browsing, viewing and processing digital photos, or home office applications such as preparing multimedia presentations and spreadsheets. Whether upgrading or buying a new PC, the Radeon X700 PRO will easily handle today's visual entertainment and workload with plenty of power in reserve for tomorrow's possibilities. From Buy.Com

Not sure about the products we have recommend? 

Take a look at the other possibilities available from Buy.Com, one of the price leaders in on-line shopping.

$15 OFF $200 Coupon in our Computer, Software, Home Networking, Digital Camera and Electronic Stores! New Customers Only! Exp 12-31!

Or take a look at TigerDirect.

If you decide to use the Quick Start suggestions, it is still a good idea to review the rest of this site, especially the Technology and Connections pages, to see the component details and how to connect it together. That way, if you go the Quick Start route, you will have a hassle free experience.

© 2005  JR Harman
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