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Well, TiVo, can't do things like a HTPC can, like Surf the web play games, but still have the ability to record TV shows.
From what I've gathered you cannot record HD effectively through a cable box -> PC -> TV nor can you record digital cable since most PCI TV tuners only have a limited number of channels it can go through...like 70 something, which is nice for standard cable but that's about it.
Also, I dont want to setup antennas or what not to record HDTV, I'll spend the extra $10 for a DVR that can do that through my cable provider.
Is it worth it, yes if you dont have digital cable and want to watch TV from the comfort of your office chair. For a living room device, I'm not sure it's up to you, but it's only really good if you have a really good TV, like a HDTV since normal TVs give off a fuzzy picture when you connect them to a TV. An HDTV is pretty much like a monitor but by then you probably want HD or Digital Cable .
I'm sure you can find a use for one but I would build one yourself and save some money, but I would use the HTPC in the Office or somewhere you don't have a digital converter box but want to record regular TV shows because sometime cable companies reem you with leasing prices for extra converter boxes
From what I've gathered you cannot record HD effectively through a cable box -> PC -> TV nor can you record digital cable since most PCI TV tuners only have a limited number of channels it can go through...like 70 something, which is nice for standard cable but that's about it.
Also, I dont want to setup antennas or what not to record HDTV, I'll spend the extra $10 for a DVR that can do that through my cable provider.
Is it worth it, yes if you dont have digital cable and want to watch TV from the comfort of your office chair. For a living room device, I'm not sure it's up to you, but it's only really good if you have a really good TV, like a HDTV since normal TVs give off a fuzzy picture when you connect them to a TV. An HDTV is pretty much like a monitor but by then you probably want HD or Digital Cable .
I'm sure you can find a use for one but I would build one yourself and save some money, but I would use the HTPC in the Office or somewhere you don't have a digital converter box but want to record regular TV shows because sometime cable companies reem you with leasing prices for extra converter boxes