pc pvr cards

[Roger Huston]

Hello,

I am new at this aspect of computing. I want to put together a computer that I can use out in my family room to record TV shows, play DVDs as the center of a home theater. This doesn't have to be an ultra cheap system and as it will probably be on most of the time, I will make it a central server in my home network.

So, what are the better cards for PC-PVR? I read about the Matrox stuff? I read about the Marvel G450 eTV, is that good? Will SS work with that card?

I have Satalight S-Video and a regular cable, can I use both in one card as in different line ins?

As I said, this whole video capture thing is new to me. I see the Matrox stuff is a video card, but other tuner cards are not. Is this an advantage or disadvantage?

Lastly, where is a good place to do go learn more about this stuff? Like a glossery of terms, or even other sites that have discussions.

Thanks,

Roger

[Roger Huston]

Ok, I found a couple more places on the web for info.
http://www.avsforum.com/ http://www.digitalconnection.com/

From that, I can say that I am not looking for an HTPC right now. What I want is a PC-PCR, I think is the term.

Basically, I just want to record shows off of my cable mostly, DirectTV secondary. From there, I will mostly want to watch them on my TV, but every once in a while, watch them on my computer or PocketPC.

The last option is that I would, if possible, like to play games on the PC. This means that I would like to get a good GForce3 card for the video and have the TV card as a secondary card, which means that my Matrox card above is probably out of the picture.

What video cards should I consider? If I get a DVD and surround sound for the computer and want to watch DVD's later (No HDTV Yet) do my options change?

Thanks,

Roger