Digital video recorders (DVRs) such as TiVO record and playback live video, and have become more commonplace than ever before. Some consumers may find that they have outgrown their current DVR. Instead of spending money on a new model, you can design one that would fit your needs. There are many software suites that can help you with this project.
Windows Media Center
Microsoft Windows Media Center is a software suite with DVR capability, installed by default in Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate. Windows Media Center allows you to record and playback live TV right from your computer. You can also burn your favorite shows to DVD. Most modern HD TVs have VGA or DVI ports, allowing you to hook your PC to it if the PC has a VGA or DVI output port. To capture live video, you will need a hardware-based video capture card.
Myth TV
Myth TV is a free Linux-driven DVR suite. Myth TV can be installed on any computer with a hardware-based video capture card. Since Myth TV is free, it is a popular alternative to Windows Media Center, which requires the installation of either Windows Home Premium or Windows Ultimate. Unfortunately, Myth TV's developers don't offer any official support other than a wiki-driven knowledge base and basic documentation. There are many forums, however, that will provide support for Myth TV. Like with Windows Media Center, you will need a TV with VGA or DVI support and a computer with a VGA or DVI output to view your recorded shows on the TV.
Beyond TV
Beyond TV is a DVR software suite compatible with Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Vista (all versions) and Windows 7. Beyond TV is a nice alternative to Windows Media Center as it can be installed on many different editions of Windows. Beyond TV also allows you to burn your favorite programs to DVD. Beyond TV isn't free, but your paid copy provides you with multiple avenues of product support. Viewing your recorded shows on your TV works the same as with Windows Media Center and Myth TV: you will need a VGA or DVI output on your PC and a VGA or DVI input on your TV.
Tags: Media Center, Windows Media, Windows Media Center, will need, Windows Vista, with Windows, alternative Windows