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View Full Version : Recording TV to my Comp



Scola
03-19-2010, 04:56 AM
Hi guys, I'm trying to find the best way to record video (tv/cable) to my computer. I always end up missing shows I wanna watch and don't want to go the Tivo route. I really don't need anything fancy or in super high res, I would be satisfied with 480x640.

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I currently have thee computers available :
*A Netbook, I bought this one recently and I would be willing to sell it to finance this project, could probably get around $300 for it.

*A Laptop which is the main computer I use to surf the web. Around 4 years old, Specs are : 1.8 Ghz, 1 GB RAM, 60 GB HD, Integrated Video (128 MB). I really don't want to invest any more $ in this computer.

*A Desktop (eMachine T5010)
http://www.emachines.com/support/product_support.html?cat=Desktops&subcat=T-Series&model=T5010

Mainly used to surf the web, around 5 years old, Specs are : Intel Pentium 4 (2.93 GHz), 512 MB of RAM (I could upgrade to 2GB or 4GB if I decide to use this comp), 200 GB HD. I believe the video & sound are integrated, It uses 'Intel GMA 900 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 3.0' (GMA900). Intel 915GV Express Chipset. I'm not sure if the motherboard has an PCI Express slot, I'll try to open it up tomorrow and check.

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It seems like I need some more Ram, a Video card that works with my Desktop comp, and a Video tuner for the Cable. Any good recommendations on the Video Card & Tuner? Anything else I might need or anything that I overlooked?

Edit: According to Amazon the Desktop, has :
7 USB 2.0, 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 Parallel, & 2 PS/2 Slots - 2 PCI (1 available) / 1 PCI-E x1 (available) / 1 Available AGP Bays - 4x3.5 inches (2 available) / 2x5.25 inches (1 available)
http://www.amazon.com/eMachines-T5010-Desktop-Computer/dp/B000BJ6NB0

Scola
03-19-2010, 05:22 AM
I did some searching and found another guy looking to upgrade the video card on the same computer. Some guy recommend a couple of video cards but the thread is about 3 years old, I'm guessing there's probably something better now. ( http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070412190338AA64JOe )

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Edit: I opened it up, here's a pic:

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff327/UserLog2323/Comp/IMG_6098.jpg?t=1269000093

It appears to have 2 PCI slots. (The slot taken is a 56Kbps Modem, so I essentially have 2 available). And I believe the Black slot on the bottom is a PCI-Express, x1.

TwAnKiEs
03-19-2010, 06:39 AM
You can buy a tv tuner card or a PVR... I have been looking into getting a PVR (Personal Video recorder) for recording MW2 matches..... good luck... BTW I found some HD pvrs going for an avg of $200+