Maximum PC

I'm planning on building a HTPC for my parents. Here is the parts list I have so far.

My main question (and why I'm posting here) is will the tv tuner card be able to record standard definition cable that a tv hooked directly to the cable (no cable box in between) can receive.

In addition, I'm planning on using Windows Media Center; how good is it/are there better alternatives (ease of use is primary).

Also, will you offer comments on the rest of the hardware (cost is a factor; they plan to burn the recordings to dvd, hence the small hd).

From what I see the TV tuner card should do a fine job. It looks as though you are going to get Win 7. I personally would stick with that I have seen WMC and am not a fan however if it comes down to the price do what you must. After looking at your list of parts my only questions are why not get a 320GB HDD and up the vid card a little nothing fancy. Here is my recommendations 1)HDD and 2a)Vid card 2b)Vid card other than that I think you are fine. Nice picks by the way!

Are your parents comfortable using a computer? I ask because even though people like my wife can use Windows Media Center for DVR purposes, there can still be issues over time.



Are they able to tune in channels now without the need for a STB between the outlet and TV?

If the CableCo goes all digital, then you would more than likely need a CableCard tuner as the channels will be encrypted.

If right now they just go from the wall outlet to the TV, then that card will work just fine. That is the model I use for my HTPC in the bedroom.



If you had asked me that question prior to Windows 7 I would have told you to look at Sage or Myth. The Media Center included with Windows 7 changed all that for me. It's very easy to use with no real guesswork on what to do. That is to say once you set it all up. Setting it up the first time can be daunting, especially with QAM remapping, but once you're done, it's normally smooth sailing.



Save $10 and buy this board instead of the board and videocard you have listed. The video decoding will be equal to that of the 8400 GS. What is your parents TV setup like? Is it just a HDTV, or do they have an audio setup as well.

RAM

OS

Now that $57 has been shaved off buy a bigger drive.

That 1 TB drive will give them plenty of recording space, and they can still burn shows they want to archive to DVD.

n0b0dykn0ws

Yup, this happened to me. Comcast in my area is now encrypting almost everything, making my tuner card almost worthless. So you may want to look into that.

My dad is, but I'd probably still get called if it needs anything more than simple maintenance.


Yes

They just have a standard definition crt tv with only component and maybe s-video, hence why I went with the video card I did. If you know of a vga to component converter that would be great (I saw one on newegg for about $80, which is too much to justify it).

They are also looking at converting all of their old vhs tapes to dvd and eventually convert their records to cd. I'm assuming this setup can handle this, with the possible inclusion of a sound card if the audio from the records isn't good enough.

They have Charter. Would I just call Charter and ask them, or would that be a lost cause?