Home Theater Setup - Questions

[Cynge]

I'm looking into putting together a system that I can use as sort of a home theater system. Basically, I want to store things like my CDs (MP3s) and DVDs on it so that everytime I want to listen to or watch one I don't have to go drag the disc itself out. But...since about all I've done as far as this type of thing goes is convert my CDs to MP3s I have some questions.

Are there any formats out there that do for DVDs what the MP3 did for CDs? I imagine so...but what are some good ones?

Aside from being able to call up MP3s/DVDs as above, I'd also like this system to act as a sort of recording system. I'm not sure if this will actually work (outside of subscribing to something like TiVo) but basically I'd like have the system record a given channel at specific times. Again, I got some questions.

What type of hardware would I need? I realize I'll need at least a TV Tuner card of some sort, any suggestions on these?

What type of software would I need? Again, I'm at a total loss as to some of this stuff...and really don't know where to begin. What format would the recordings be in?

Also, since the end result of any DVDs/recordings is playback on the TV itself and not on a monitor, what would be the best hardware to accomplish this? I know that alot of videocards have TV-Out options, but would the TV-Tuner? As far as 3D capabilites go, it doesn't matter...it won't be playing games. Something that would give great image quality is what I'm looking for.

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Welcome to Anandtech ... and this is the wrong forum.

Post again in General Hardware.

And just so you don't lose hope, you can do everything you listed easily. And much, much more.

- M4H

 

[thedarkwolf]

I am a noob in this area as well but
http://www.avsforum.com/
has a really good HTPC section. Its a little techy though.

 

[Cynge]

ORIGINAL: MercenaryForHire

Welcome to Anandtech ... and this is the wrong forum.

Heh...I'm not as new as the date implies. I've actually been around for quite some time...used to post under a different name. But I've since changed internet providers and thus email addresses...and can't remember the password for my original name

Hmm...I had considered posting this in General Hardware...but figured that most of it deals with video related stuff so wanted to avoid any negative exposure in that hyperactive forum by not posting in the "wrong forum" there. The less public forums (IE: more specialized like this one) tend to be a little less forgiving if your topic isn't 100% right on for the forum...not to mention the thread is less likely to be hijacked by "vs" wars

But...since you suggest it...I'll copy it over there...might get lucky heh.

Edit
Posted this in General Hardware as advised, any new respones can be directed to the thread here

 

[Rogodin2]

ATI makes TVtuner cards with RF remotes that have the option of recording the TV onto you HDs.

TVwonder PROs

they are pci cards that (with remote) work with both nvidia and ati vgas.

there is an option for timed recording.

TVwonderPRO comes with a dongle that supports S-video out.

Then you will need a decent TV that supports S-video imputs.

You might be better off using a PVR or DVR through DTV or Dish (radioshack also sells a PVR without satelite), or even TIVO then running Component out to a TV that supports component in and a Toslink for audio.

rogo