Replacing a VCR with a HTPC

[xs-1]

I’ve read through the FAQ’s on this site but haven’t found what I am after.

I Basiclly want to replace my entertainment centre with a single Home Theatre PC. One thing I’ve gota do to achieve this, is replace my VCR recorder with a PC capture card. I currently have a Leadtek Winfast 2000Xp deluxe card, which most would be familiar with.

I am now looking for software to fit the bill (the stuff packaged with the card sux)

My needs are:

- Will record in PicVideo (choosing this over Huffyuv for smaller file size)
- Can be programmed to record multiply shows while away, and can be set up to record weekly shows.
- Can record an analogue TV source with sound.
- Can filter out ads on the fly
- 95% of record material will not be kept.

Any suggestions are greatly welcomed.

Gary

[b00zed]

I don't know if you're going to have any luck finding software that can detect ads and remove them, but for everything else I think WinVodio can probably help.

[2ZOD.COM]

You may want to look into getting Windows XP Media Center edition. You can do everything with it. I'm not sure if you can even buy it but I saw it someonewhere online.. to get.. When you buy a HTPC retail it comes with 'XP Media Center and a fancy remote. If you want to use it as a true HTPC you would probably want a remote, but alas, just like the software, I'm not sure if you can actually buy it.

Not too helpful, but maybe this gives you a tidbit of info on HTPC's

[matzed]

Hi,

I think WinXP Media Center can easily be replaced by a "simple" WinXP with a good software to manage such Home Theater matters.

Give a try to myHTPC (http://myhtpc.net/) and the TV Plugin (http://myhtpc.net/plugins/index.php?showthis=2482).

If you know french, look at http://www.myhtpc-france.com/index.php?action=tutoriel&id=13 which teach you how to view and record from your tv card with K!TV freeware. This freeware can use on-the-fly plugins and filters. I think you can even look at the TV program and record what you have selected.

Matz

[matzed]

Besides, you can simply add a remote like the ATI Remote Wonder to control myHTPC, which is a RF remote (can pass through walls ;)).

Matz