Cheap Dedicated PVR

[attisb]

How is this for a cheap dedicated PVR. Total Cost $275.

Windows XP Pro
Athlon XP 1800+
256MB RAM
RADEON 9200 64MB
120GB
Hauppauge Win-TV Go Stereo

[James]

Should work just fine, I've had more than acceptable results from a lesser system (albeit with more RAM) while doing WMV software encoding. Granted, on this particular setup, I was viewing on a PC monitor and not on a larger TV.

If ya can swing it down the road, definitely swap out for a Hauppage 250.

[imf4]

Looks good, Only thing is I would make the ram 512 just because of how cheap it is and you get a major performance boost with XP.

[attisb]

What if I replaced the CPU with a VIA Nehemia chip and a WinTV 250?

[imf4]

I believe people have had issues with them and drivers?

I wouldn't. I just don't think they are that good, There is a major performance difference between them and a comparable amd or intel proc. Only reason to use them is special power requirments and if you don't need a powerful processor.
I would ask myself, How long will it take to generate chapters? or how long will it take to recompress a program to wmv? I don't think it is worth it when you can get better stuff for a reasonable price.