How to Turn Your Computer into a DVR
You can convert most new computers a digital Vvideo recorder (DVR) with the addition of one piece of hardware: a TV tuner. Once you install a TV tuner, you can record and play back shows using Windows Media Center. The type of computer you plan on using as a DVR will determine the type of tuner you install, and you can turn a laptop into a DVR as well.
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Instructions
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Purchase a TV tuner for your computer so it can receive and process a television signal. Tuners come in two types: cards or USB sticks. Cards require installation as internal hardware and cannot work with laptops. USB stick tuners work best when you cannot install an internal tuner card due to lack of space, or if you want to use a laptop. USB sticks plug in to any available USB port on your computer. Both cards and sticks come with at least a coaxial connector compatible with cords used for cable or basic TV antennas.
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Shut off your computer and unplug its power source. Remove its cover and find the expansion bay slots, typically positioned in the back of the computer. Align the tuner card with an available slot and gently push it in so the gold contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot. Secure the card in the computer case with a screw at the top of its metal bracket. Replace the case cover and power cord. Turn your computer on and allow Windows to boot completely. If you purchased a USB stick tuner, plug it into a USB port while your computer is running.
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Install any driver and software discs that are included with your TV tuner. Follow all on-screen prompts for installation. You may need to reboot your computer after installing the drivers.
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Click "Start" and type "Media Center" into to the search bar. When "Windows Media Center" appears in the search results, press the Enter key to launch the program. Open "Settings" and click "TV." Select "Set Up TV Signal" and follow the prompts to set up Windows Media Center to work with your new tuner.
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Open "TV + Movies" in Windows Media Center and click "Guide" to load the TV guide. Click on a show that you want to record. If the show is already running, Media Center will load the show. Click the red dot in the lower right corner to record it as it plays. Click on a show scheduled for a future date and click "Record" or "Record Series" to schedule Media Center to record that show or series.
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Tips & Warnings
If your version of Windows does not include Windows Media Center, use the software included with your TV tuner. Most come with a free TV player.
Install a hard drive dedicated to holding TV shows and other recordings, with at least 500 gigabytes of capacity. External drives work well for this purpose, especially with laptops.
When recording with a USB stick, remember to leave it plugged in if you want to record scheduled shows. Otherwise your show will not record.
