Posted by Bob on 12/31/05 16:54

On Sat, 31 Dec 2005 11:06:43 -0500, noydb <noydb@yahoo.com> wrote:

>I'm thinking about getting a TV card for my computer, and would
>appreciate any advice.

Consider getting a DVDR. Then you can put TV programs directly to DVD
disc. ILO DVDR05MU1 at WalMart $99.

That way you can schedule the unit and not have to be preseny to start
a recording.

>What I'd like to do most of all is copy shows onto the computer (from
>cable) and then burn dvd's to watch on another computer (a laptop).

You need a DVD burner and appropriate s/w like DVD Decrypter and DVD
Shrink - both free.

NEC 3550 at Directron or Newegg $40.

Use DVD +R/RW for both the ILO and the NEC.

Taiyo Yuden DVD +R 8x 35 cents supermediastore.com
Verbatim DVD +RW 4x $1 at Sam's Club

>What sort of equipment would I need to accomplish this ?
>I know I need a TV card...is there much difference between brands ?

Hauppage.

>Also, I'm looking for a dependable DVD player.

The ILO is also a player.

>I've purchased some cheapos over the past few years and they always
>seem to break down...so I'm ready to shell out some real money for one
>if I can be reasonably assured it will last a while.

Pioneer has the best, but I would wait a year for the industry to get
the DVD-HDD working properly.

If you like building computer systems, Hauppage offers a kit to make a
barebones unit that functions like a DVD-HDD - remote and all. The
main advantage is you can network it.

>My local library has DVD's, but they have an anti-theft strip stuck to
>them,

DVDs are encrypted.

>Finally, I've heard that some DVD players can play .avi files straight
>up with no further conversion. Is that a pipe dream ? Will that
>feature be rendered useless in no time with the continuing advancement
>of codecs etc. ?

Each DVDR is different.

--

Merry Christmas!

http://www.illwillpress.com/xmas.html

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