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Building a DVR?

1K views 4 replies 2 participants last post by  rodo05 
#1 ·
Hello Everyone,

I am planning on building a DVR any suggestion on what hardware and software to use that would best suit me on this project. Thanks in advance any suggestion will be greatly appreciated.
 
#2 ·
A couple:

Silence is golden, sounds you wouldn't normally notice become annoying when your trying to hear what is being said on the movie your watching.. Use a quality silent model power supply, don't go overboard with fans, use a fan controller, use a Zalman heatsink. (make sure you get a micro-atx board that the Zalman fits on!)

Lights are distractions, don't cover the case with lights, use lighted fans, cold cathodes, etc.. The less light the better. Choose a case that looks right for it's planned enviroment, if the enviroment is in a wooden entertainment center then choose a case that looks like normal A/V equipment.

Use a hardware encoding tuner card. The Hauppauge PVR series is the most supported by all HTPC applications (be aware that drivers are a bit confusing the way Hauppauge ships them). Software cards work with some, but miss important features, and use up your CPU encoding.

Software: I have built several media center PC's, on some I've used Windows MCE, on some I've used Meedio, SageTV, BeyondTV, MythTV, and some I've just used whatever program came with the card. I've been most pleased with Media Portal http://mediaportal.sourceforge.net/
, but it requires a DirectX9 capable video card and a fast machine to run best.. Every program offers different features and drawbacks, so look for what suits you.. Be aware: MCE records in MS-DVR files which are a bit more difficult to convert and burn to DVD.. If you can't find a program that suits you, there are front ends that allow you to "build your own" solution such as Xlobby and Centrafuse. http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=60

Oh, and get a MCE remote.. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16880100853
It's supported by most every HTPC program, and it makes life simple..
 
#3 ·
By the way.. I built three using this case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811190017

really a great deal for the money, looks great in the entertainment center.. At first I was leery of the power supply, but it's made by TTGI with over/under voltage protection, and runs a overclocked Athlon64 2800+@3400+ with a 9800pro with ease.. The wattage value on it is way under-rated.
 
#4 ·
Forgot to mention, on that case I pointed out. The black plastic wrapped around the front is invisible to IR light, so if you dremel away some of the white plastic from the black, you can hide your remote's receiver inside the front. When you mount the optical drive, use two screws on the number 5 holes..
 
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