Nelson
05-10-2009, 12:52 PM
In building a system from scratch, I'm leaning towards getting a
dedicated PC, perhaps a Win7 or XP multimedia OS, HDTV, large hard
disks for video storage, etc. The approach to PLAYING audio and video
seems straighforward, just a matter of figuring out which components
to get.
Recording TV programs (time shifting), however, may pose a problem.
How do such systems change the channel on the cable box when it's time
for the next program to record?
The only way I've seen this handled is by dedicated hardware, such as
an external USB TV tuner or an internal TV tuner add-in card. These
have a device called an "IR Blaster" which is a length of cable ending
in an LED which attaches to the front of the cable box and signals it
to change the channel.
Some of these dedicated tuners also include remote controls and
built-in program guides, both desirable features.
What if the cable box uses RF, not IR, remote signalling?
So, what's the best approach to putting together a new system with a
reasonable balance of cost and media experience quality? Are there
online resources, unbiased evaluations, etc.? Guidance appreciated.
dedicated PC, perhaps a Win7 or XP multimedia OS, HDTV, large hard
disks for video storage, etc. The approach to PLAYING audio and video
seems straighforward, just a matter of figuring out which components
to get.
Recording TV programs (time shifting), however, may pose a problem.
How do such systems change the channel on the cable box when it's time
for the next program to record?
The only way I've seen this handled is by dedicated hardware, such as
an external USB TV tuner or an internal TV tuner add-in card. These
have a device called an "IR Blaster" which is a length of cable ending
in an LED which attaches to the front of the cable box and signals it
to change the channel.
Some of these dedicated tuners also include remote controls and
built-in program guides, both desirable features.
What if the cable box uses RF, not IR, remote signalling?
So, what's the best approach to putting together a new system with a
reasonable balance of cost and media experience quality? Are there
online resources, unbiased evaluations, etc.? Guidance appreciated.