How to Use a Computer As a Digital TV Recorder
Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), which allow you to record TV shows then watch them later, have been popular with consumers since the introduction of the TiVo in 1999. While the TiVo's service is well-regarded, a TiVo unit costs more than $100 and carries a monthly subscription fee. Fortunately, you can use a computer as a DVR for a low start-up cost and with no subscription fees.
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Instructions
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1
Install your TV tuner. If you're using a USB tuner, just plug it in and wait for Windows to tell you it's ready. If using a PCI card, follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing new hardware.
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2
Connect your cable, satellite or antenna cable to your TV tuner. Connect your computer to your TV with the HDMI or DVI cable if you plan to watch the recorded video on your television rather than on the computer--if your computer doesn't accept these cable types, you'll need to purchase a separate adapter to watch on your TV.
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3
Click on your "Start" menu and open Windows Media Center. Select "Live TV Setup" under "TV." Follow the prompts--you'll need to enter your ZIP code and agree to some licenses--and wait for Windows Media Center to examine your TV signals.
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4
Set up your TV signal manually if Windows Media Center doesn't automatically detect it.
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5
Return to the main Windows Media Center screen. Click on "Live TV" under "TV" to ensure that you're receiving a TV signal. You are now set up to pause and record live television. To start or schedule recording, just press the red dot at the bottom of the screen or click on "Guide" under "TV" and click on the program you want to record.
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6
Try recording a show you don't care about first to find out whether your computer can multitask during a recording. If the picture quality is low or if audio and video are out of sync, you'll need to leave your computer alone while it's recording or set up a disused computer as your DVR instead, repeating Steps 1 through 5.
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Tips & Warnings
While Windows Media Center is probably already installed on your computer and is a perfectly workable option for using your computer as a DVR, other programs can do the same thing. They also offer more functionality for power users. Their only drawback is that they add to your initial start-up cost. Programs in this category include SageTV's Media Center and SnapStream's Beyond TV.
Unlike TiVo, your computer needs to be powered on to work as a DVR. If your computer isn't on, you'll miss recording your shows.
