LOST in the world of video on PC/TV

[sarainelkins]

I am buying a new computer mainly so I can watch online broadcasts of TV shows that are not going to be on the TV this season. (Okay, it's figure skating.) I want to buy the right card(s) for the new PC so I can 1) watch the live TV broadcasts on the computer 2) Record them from the PC and watch them later using our Television type of DVD player/recorders, and 3) use some of the services that offer European and Canadian TV broadcasts online. We live 90 miles from the closest store that sells PCs and are buying from a local dealer who admits that video is not in his capability beyond selling the cards that come in a computer from the factory (Dell Vostro series mostly). We do have a fast DSL line and the DVR receiver from DirectTV (not HD and not connected to the PC). Could someone recommend the exact video card(s) and other equipment I should order that would fit my requirements? Thank you VERY much.

[Nelson37]

The online video will already be in the form of a digital file. No capture card required whatsoever.

Various methods of recording or retaining the streaming video, all software related, depends on the source.

Once you have a file, you can then re-encode to DVD-ready MPG, with a few other options depending on your player, burn and go.

The alternate method would be to use a video card with S-Video out to the DVR. Easier, some loss of quality. Most, but not all, video cards have this port. Enhancement would be a card with Component-out, but this is only useful if your DVR has the corresponding Input port.

Simplest plan would be to just make sure your video card has S-Video out. Make sure your DVR has an S-Video Input port, most do.