Help me with a "Basic PVR" parts list?

[apqo1]

I'd like to get some help with a parts list for a very basic PVR project.  I've built computers before, but the last one was several years ago so I'm not up to speed on current mobo specs, processors, RAM types, etc.  I've been lurking here for awhile, but I've got info overload.  Plus, most here seem to be building boxes with much more capability than I need.

Basically, I just want to replace a couple of aging VCRs for recording analog TV.  I have basic analog cable (no STB).  My TV is a Panasonic tube that I'm perfectly happy with.  Audio will go through my stereo receiver.  I have a standalone DVD player, so the PVR doesn't need a DVD drive.  Case style isn't important -- I don't care if it looks like a computer, although a horizontal case is preferable for fit in my furniture (or a tower that can live on its side).

Parts I already have on hand:
-WinXP Home license
-802.11b/g card
-CD/RW drive
-Mouse/Keyboard
-Monitor

My objectives for this build are pretty simple:
1.  Contain cost.  I want reliable performance and quiet operation at reasonable expense.
2.  Record two analog programs at once (digital and HD not required).
3.  Box able to "sleep" between recordings and "wake" to record.
3.  S-Vid or Component or Composite video out (my receiver will switch all three).
4.  Stereo audio out.

I haven't used any of the PVR software packages yet, but it looks like the free GB-PVR will suit my needs.  With that in mind, the TV card(s) selected should be supported by GB-PVR.

So, who can help me with a list of parts (case, PS, mobo, memory, HDD, vid card, TV card(s), remote, etc...)?

Thanks to all!

[Miller]

Sounds easy enough. For your needs any modern computer will work fine. You just need to add some tuners. For two analog tuners you could buy 2 hvr1600s or a hvr2250 (both from Hauppauge). They will also have digital tuners which you said you don't need, but you can't buy a tuner anymore without them.

If you're looking to recycle an old computer, you'll probably want at least a high 1GHz computer with 1 GB of RAM. For videocard really anything nVidia 5200 or higher will work. Just make sure it has a s-video jack on it. It you want to future proof a little then get a nVidia 7xxx or better card or a ATI 2xxx or better.

[The Dude]

They will also have digital tuners which you said you don't need, but you can't buy a tuner anymore without them.

Well you can go the ebay route if that's what you want. If you are trying to keep costs low picking up some cheap used parts isn't a horrible idea. However, you really are better off going with one of the HVR-1600, 1800 or 2250s since the price isn't really much different and you'll be set for the digital switch anyway that way.

3.  S-Vid or Component or Composite video out (my receiver will switch all three).
4.  Stereo audio out.

Most cards will have the svideo port on them and a lot of them will have some sort of breakout box or other cable setup for other ways of hooking things up.

The one thing I would say about video cards is that I would hesitate to buy a video card used just because people can really work those hard and also lower end doesn't always equal cheaper. There's usually a window right when the newer models come out that the previous ones are cheaper but in general then companies don't like keeping them in stock so they're not really lower priced. I would shop around but you may be better off going with something in the 8xxx series range in Nvidia or 3xxx series range for ATI. This depends a little on the ports you have available for your PC though too. Just as means of making my point this is a link to all the 7600s and then 8600s on Newegg they're pretty much the same price or lower for the 8600 and you will probably have less headache with them. They're both ok cards. I had a 7600GS it wasn't too bad. But as far as bang for your buck. You're not always better off going with the lowest end item.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048+106790717+1067920619&Configurator=&Subcategory=48&description=&Ntk=&SpeTabStoreType=&srchInDesc=

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048+106791921+1067928607&Configurator=&Subcategory=48&description=&Ntk=&SpeTabStoreType=&srchInDesc=

This also speaks to the type of PC you look into getting. You can probably just take an old PC and make it into your PVR but I would make sure you at least have a PCI-expressX16 slot on it because you're going to end up paying for a lower end video card at a higher price if you have to go searching for an AGP one or PCI one.

Also, keep in mind that with GBPVR (which is great) you will have to find a way to provide your own EPG data. Most people purchase that from schedules direct at $20/year but you can also use some method of web scraping or something of that manner as well. With the software you pay for (SageTV, BeyondTV or MCE) you don't need to provide those things since they are part of the purchase.

[David Orsini]

There is a Wootoff today at Woot.com.  They always have really good deals, especially for random computer components.  I beleive the last time they did a Wootoff they had 2 different TV Tuner cards.