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DVR - Digital Video Recorder 
PVR - Personal Video Recorder

DVR Technology - Page T3

Basic Technology Overview - Continued

We continue on this page with a communication discussion.

LAN Card

Two considerations; 
1) Do you want your DVR connected to the internet? and 
2) Is there a LAN connection near your TV?

If you say "yes, I want to be connected to the internet", we are going to make the assumption that you have some form of high speed internet service, either DSL or cable.

If you say, "I am not sure if I want to be connected", let me take a sec to tell you why it is a good idea. 

The first reason is access to a programming guide. There are a number of choices. All of them help you to schedule programs you want to record when no one is around. And some will even let you do it when you are away from home.

The second reason is the internet itself. Since the DVR is a PC, you ca use your monitor as you surf the internet, play interactive games, listen to web radio, and now even watch some TV shows you might have missed.

And now the second question - do you have a LAN connect near the TV that will have the DVR connected to it? 
Probably not (if you do, you are one of the luck few).

So what to do? The answer - wireless LAN.

I recently installed a wireless LAN router and put a wireless LAN card in the DVR. Even transferring large files sizes took the same as PCs directly connect to the LAN with a wire. I bought the new Linksys Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster, and their Wireless-G Router,also with SpeedBooster. It was easy to set up, has great range, and is blazing fast. Another possible vendor is D-Link.

Modem Card

Think a modem is a think of the past? Not all the time. Here are two reasons you might want one.

If you do not have a LAN link near the DVR and don't want one, but would like access to a programming guide, you can still use a dial up connection to your ISP every few weeks. 

The other reason is to use the DVR as a phone answering machine. This capability is built into Media Center. In fact it even support caller ID.

Keyboard & Mouse

One last thing you might want is a wireless keyboard and mouse.  As you sit in your favorite chair or on your sofa, the DVR will likely be next to the TV, across the room. With a wireless keyboard and mouse, you can surf the internet from your favorite place. 

Microsoft Media Center Edition

If you choose MCE you should also make sure you have the MCE remote and IR Blaster. It makes it very easy to use your DVR and the IR Blaster really works without any problems. I got mine used on eBay.

If you have any questions, you can send them to the DVR-FAQ@how-to-build-it.com. We will not be able to answer individual questions, but we will have questions and answers posted on the FAQ page.

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