Convergence and Which PVR Device?

[Taz_tc]

Hi,

I'm looking into building a converged multi-media PC in the near future. Hopefully this side of Christmas (cash allowing). This will hopefully be built with a Shuttle box or similar.

What I need to know is what TV/PVR card is the best for this Job.

a) The Hauppage range of PCI PVR.
b) The ATI All-inWonder range.

I see the ATI as maybe the best all rounder for the fact it is a Graphics card plus TV Input/Output and PVR on one card, considering the space restrictions this may kill 'two birds with one stone'.

Although seeing as the new Shuttles come with NForce2, which should be very capable of displaying Video streams, it may mean I just need a TV receiver card similar to the WinTV PVR PCI 350. THis would cut down the overall cost.

The main plan is to replace my exisitng DVD/CD Player, Video recorder and Pro-Logic Amp with one box. I'll also look into replacing large speakers (Kef Q-Series - they just take over the small room too much) and eventually Large TV with a Flat Screen.

I will be using wireless to allow me to connect to the Broadband Internet from my main machine, thus giving me the possibility to surf the web and play some on-line games on a big screen

What are your opinions on this? As anyone tried to build such a system recently and has any details on issues that may arise?

thanks,

Taz_tc

 

[Clowneh!]

I'm not here to help, sorry, but I wanted to find out what a converged pc was. They sound cool

 

[Taz_tc]

Convergence is the idea of brining all media devices into one box. This can be done with a PC set-up, so that it can be used as:

1) Video recorder using PVR tecnology to store the videos to Hard Disk and/or recordable CD/DVD.

2) Music device for playing CD's or storing music files to create a JukeBox device.

3) DVD Player for watching films etc.

4) Internet connectivity for web surfing etc.

5) With the right software you could also do Video Editing, Digital Photo Viewing, on-line gaming etc. etc.

All from the confort of the Sofa.

I seem to have also persuaded my GF it's a good thing by telling her it'll mean we only have two remotes instead of ten, and less clutter as there will only be 2 boxes instead of 5.

Let's just hope she doesn't cotton on that an easier way would be to get a multi-device remote

Taz_tc

PS It's also a great project for technology geeks like myself

 

[GDW]

Sounds like a great project. Keep us updated as to how you get on

Good Luck

 

[Will]

For the actual software, if you don't have anything picked out, have a look on Sourceforge. What you choose may affect what card you get.

 

[Wilier]

Pah, It'll never work.

Ya big geek.

Lo Taz, I too, am of no help, just wanted to say Hi.

:moon:

 

[bids]

I dunno about the ATI card, but I've used the Huappage cards, and the output is really good onto monitor and PAL TV. At the mo, I'm using the Pinnacle external USB device, as it has a multitude of connections that allow me to have VCR/DVD connected as well as free socket for Digicam/Camcorder. As a suggestion, why not get a multi-device remote anyways - tell the missus it came with the shuttle This looks very cool:

http://www.avukltd.co.uk/catalog/product/KAMELEON

 

[Will]

The Hauppage cards appear to have a lot of Linux support, which is normally a sign of a good product. Some poor coder wil have written the drivers in his spare time, so it better be worth it. I've never heard a bad review of them, so I'd go with it.

 

[Embattle]

Just something of interest for some - http://www.netbox.co.uk/netbox/html/contents.htm

 

[vofflujarnid]

 

[Rubber Bullets]

I am interested in this thread Taz, as I would like to do something very similar.

My main question is whether the DVD output will be in proper (i.e. anamorphic) widescreen or letterbox widescreen. I can't find an answer for this anywhere. Surely Jonty knows?

RB