building a computer based PVR

[dmehling]

I wanted to get some opinion on building a computer based PVR using Beyond TV. My goal is to purchase an HD tuner with my rooftop antenna as the source. I also plan to have my LCD TV running as a second monitor and watch my programs on it using Beyond TV. Is this a pretty common set up, and will I get as good a picture watching TV this way as I would if my antenna was connected directly to the TV?

[tscales]

It will work fine, although using it on a secondary monitor isn't perfect. Runs better on the primary. You'll quickly get hooked, buy more tuners and dedicate a machine to it.

Trust me

[Banjo H]

The picture will be the same. BTV just records exactly what comes over the air and plays it. With Digital TV over-the-air, there is no change to the video. The actual data is MPEG, in stream format.

[dmehling]

Well I could just as easily make it the primary monitor, and yes I was planning on using this computer as a dedicated PVR. My only concern is about the graphical interface. I know certain programs like Windows Media Center have the controls covering portions of the screen so you cannot get a full-screen experience. Does Beyond TV function in the same way? I was thinking that if I use two monitors I could have the controls displayed on the other monitor so I can get a full-screen picture. Also how powerful of a computer do I need? Will any new entry-level PC have enough processing power?

[Don_Hart]

No you will get a full screen experience similar to that you get with your cable box or tivo or the like. When you are watching there are no controls on the screen. If you hit one of the controls on your remote like pause or ff or change the channel a status bar will show up. you can get some idea of what it will look like here or you can just download the trail.

Don

[dmehling]

What you have said really helps. I have one more question regarding the interface. You mentioned that a status bar would appear if it received any input from a remote. However, I will primarily be controlling the program from my computer. If it is full-screen on my primary monitor then how do I change channels or control any other functions? Is it possible to have a control panel of some sort on the secondary monitor?

[dmehling]

I just thought of an important issue that I hadn't considered before. I want to connect the PC to the TV through an HDMI cable. I didn't realize until today that it conveys video and audio. I want the audio to go to my computer speakers which are quite a bit better than the built-in speakers in the TV. Can Beyond TV have just the video go through the HDMI and the audio go to the soundcard speaker output?

[TomXP411]

You're seriously overthinking this.

Trust me. It's no different than using your DVD or cable box. You get an OSD for a few seconds when you press a key. Otherwise, you see full screen video. There is no control panel because the software doesn't need one. You only need 8 keys to do 99% of what you so with BTV, and if you have media keys on your keyboard, those serve quite nicely.

As to audio: you will not have audio on your HDMI cable. Your speakers will work just like they do now.

I'd suggest getting a capture card and downloading the BTV trial. 10 minutes of playing with it will answer your questions better than we can.

[dmehling]

I am just trying to be thorough here because I have to buy a new computer to even test a trial version. I'm concerned that in your statement, you made no mention of control via the mouse. That is something very important to me. If I right-click on the screen will it bring up a context menu that will allow me to change the channel? I have just about learned everything I need to know before I try this program.

[tscales]

Mouse is fine.
Keyboard is fine.
Remote is fine.

All work flawlessly with the TV as the only monitor

HDMI (either HDMI or DVI to HDMI) works fine. You CAN do audio over HDMI if your card supports it (primarily ATI) but you don't have to.

OTA HD is 5.1, so the sound is incredible.

Have fun. You'll love it.

If you want a 'pre-built', check out http://outlet.dell.com

I'd recommend a used XPS 410 or XPS 420 or XPS Studio.

[TomXP411]

Originally Posted by dmehling

I am just trying to be thorough here because I have to buy a new computer to even test a trial version. I'm concerned that in your statement, you made no mention of control via the mouse. That is something very important to me. If I right-click on the screen will it bring up a context menu that will allow me to change the channel? I have just about learned everything I need to know before I try this program.

You can use the mouse; all of the major functions are available from a toolbar at the top of the screen, but keyboard /remote control is MUCH simpler.

Out of curiosity, why are you committed to using the mouse and a secondary display? share with us. Maybe we can help you with your needs.