Thanks for taking the time to read this. I have tried to research this and tried some guides but I can't seem to get everything working properly. I was originally going to go the HTPC route but being a college student and low on cash I think I'm going to try something else for now.

I have two possible PCs to use. I need the ability to capture TV Programs and burn them using SVCD or DVD-R. I'm leaning towards SVCD format for now.

Again my goal is basically to replace a VCR with a more digital solution. I want to be able to set a timer, capture a tv show, encode it to SVCD (or possibly dvd) format and burn it to view on my dvd player.

My two computer choices:

Computer 1:

Pentium 4 1.6ghz
GeForce 2 MX 400
Philips SAA 7130 PCI TV Card
Computer 2:

Intel Celeron 2.2 ghz
512 mb RAM
onboard video car (could be upgraded)
Would use the same TV Tuner.

Using the default TVR program in mpeg 2 format (640 resolution), on "computer 1" I can reach the quality I want but it seems to skip/hiccup a little while recording or playing it back. I know that means the hardware is not capable of keeping up with the video... what would need upgraded? The CPU? Which of the two computers listed above would work better? I have a GeForce 3 Ti 200 I could also put in but I dont know if that matters at all.

Also again I've tried researching but are there any recommendations for programs which would be best? Beyond TV wont seem to work (no video or audio), I tried Honestech TVR but it doesn't seem very powerful. Is there one you can set timers on similar to a vcr or records in a 'ready-to-burn' svcd format?

Again thank you for taking the time to read this and reply. I'm sorry if I overlooked obvious answers but I did do my best to research it. This is the one area of computers that I just can't seem to understand easily.