New, ideal system - is it possible?

[TCIslandTime]

I have CATV with a DVR. No HDTV. Here is the ideal setup I would like to have:

Download movies from the DVR to a DVD recorder. Hard drive greater than 250MB. Burning to DVD's would be very minimal. Abiliy to upload music mp3's to the DVR. Ability to preview all movie and music titles via menus. Download DVD recorder to an external hard drive.

Transport the external hard drive over a thousand miles and upload music and movies to a second DVD recorder (or some sort of hardware) that would allow the music and/or movies (no HDTV) to be played on a surround sound system (selection of titles via menus).

Total budget for new hardware $600 to $800. I would like to stay away from using my laptop computer if possible, but not a problem if nesessary.

Is this possible? If so, any recommended systems?
Thanks in advance.

[Supreme2k]

depending on your preferences, you can get it for easily under $600 (or in 6-8 hundred range).

cpu+mb: $200 (or under)
case+ps: under $100
2G memory: $80
internal+external drives (300G ea): $100-120
keyboard, mouse, dvdr, surround-card:under $100
video card (basic, w/ tv-out): ~$100 (maybe even use built-in on MB)

the problem is the portability. If you're talking about having two complete systems, then that increases your costs.

If you can use your laptop for the portability, you'd be set (most laptops have tv-out). The only other thing you'd need is a 1/8 stereo to RCA plug adapter. You'd only get stereo though. Surround for your laptop would be another $100 (approx.)