Media Centre PC's

[DimPrawn]

Okay, I've built a PC, stuck on Windows Media Center 2005 and connected it via DVI to my big LCD TV in the living room.

Questions:

1 . What do I need to receive free to air digital TV and be able to record my fave programmes to HDD whilst watching another channel at the same time?

2. Where can I get a media center remote control unit cheaply?

3. What the best small wireless keyboard? Can you get one with some kind of laptop type nipple, glide pad or roller ball so I can operate the PC and surf in the living room.

4. What other clever things can I do with this PC in the living room? Any alternitives to Media Center that offers more features?

Cheers.

 

[Cowboy Bob]

1) Get a cheap PC with TV card and the biggest hard drive you can afford
2) Install your favourite flavour of Linux on it
3) Grab and install MythTV - http://www.mythtv.org/

Set up is free (minus cost of PC) and it isn't encumbered by DRM restrictions etc like the Microsoft offering.

The feature list is fairly impressive - http://www.mythtv.org/modules.php?name=MythFeatures

 

[DimPrawn]

Thanks but I don't do Linux. It's written by terrorists you know.

http://www.thenetworkadministrator.com/linuxterriestfriendly.htm

Anyone know much about Microsoft Media Center 2005?

 

[The Lone Gunman]

To watch one and record another you will need two TV cards I believe.

look at the spec sheets on commercial mediacentre PCs like HUSH http://www.hushtechnologies.com/