No doubt about it, TiVo has become a cultural icon. Witness its transformation into a verb: "I'm going to TiVo
Unfortunately, you can't just go out and buy the Media Center OS; it's available only with off-the-shelf Media Center PCs. But you can use add-in accessories and software to upgrade your current PC to include virtually all the features of a Media Center PC or a digital video recorder like TiVo. Two possible routes are available. The less expensive is to add a TV-tuner card or USB box, which supplies basic TV viewing and recording capabilities. We decided to take the pricier route of upgrading our graphics, too, by installing a graphics card that integrates a TV tuner and other video extras.
To test the process out, we used two graphics/DVR cards: first ATI's All-In-Wonder 9600, then NVidia's Personal Cinema FX 5200, both of which retail for about $200. They offer built-in TV tuners, the ability to record to hard disk (and to CD/DVD or VCR), and TiVo-like features such as the ability to pause a live program for later viewing from where you left off. You can also hook these boards up to your television and surround-stereo system to play back recorded TV, or to connect your VCR and digitize old VHS tapes. And a PC-based DVR doesn't require a phone line or a monthly fee for a programming guide, as TiVo does.
Unlike their predecessors, today's PC add-in products are meant to work with cable TV set-top boxes. New ATI All-In-Wonder models can also share video with other PCs over a local network, and some can record HDTV with an included add-in board.
Recording video puts a lot of demands on your CPU and hard disk. In our experience, a PC needs quite a bit more horsepower than the manufacturer's minimum hardware and software requirements to be able to comfortably record, edit, and play back digital video. Here's our take on the real-world specs you'll need.
Also, if you plan to integrate your PC with your home video and audio system, you'll need to set aside space for the computer, keyboard, and monitor. And many PCs are too noisy to work satisfactorily in these environments; see "Quiet Your PC: Easy Ways to Cut Computer Noise" for hints.
This will help you avoid potential driver incompatibilities. Open
Turn off your PC, unhook the monitor cable, and open the case. Don an antistatic wrist strap, and remove the screw that holds down the graphics card. Carefully remove the old card. Gently but firmly insert the new card so that it's securely seated in the AGP slot. Fasten the card with the screw, and then close the PC's case back up.
The connectors and cables on the rear of a TV-tuner graphics card can be intimidating, and each manufacturer uses a different layout. Study the installation poster that came with your hardware, paying particular attention to the audio and video inputs and outputs. Most cards, for example, require a connection to your sound card. Double-check all the connections before you restart.
Plug your PC in and turn it on. Windows should detect the new card and pop up the Found New Hardware Wizard. Insert the CD that came with your new card and follow the directions. Reboot your PC when instructed to do so.
This is the most time-consuming step. Before you can use all the features of your new hardware and software, you must go through a number of setup screens. These will set up your audio and video connections, scan for available channels on your cable or satellite connection, and hook you up to a programming guide that simplifies choosing programs to watch or record. Follow the on-screen directions carefully.
Learning all the ins and outs of your new hardware and software will take a while. Make some test recordings on your hard drive and burn a DVD (if your PC is so equipped) to confirm that everything is working together properly. If you run into problems, contact the manufacturer's tech support.
Stan Miastkowski
