Changing to HDTV and Media Center need help

[xberk]

I'm new so forgive my lack of the right lingo...I want to switch from SD viewing (currently with Directv) to HD. I'm free to use Directv, Time Warner, DISH or possibly U-verse (not sure about U-verse). Time Warner offers the best Internet speed at up to 50mps. I'd likely want 30mps at least .. if I use Time Warner digital cable, I can get new TIVO units that do HD.We currently use TIVO for SD viewing and recording. I really like that interface and prefer not to leave it behind but am open.

I plan on HDTV in 3 locations in the house. None of these locations have Computers.

Here's what I want a new setup to do

1. Record HDTV programs with TIVO like features or with new TIVO units.
2. Surf the Internet (keyboard and mouse?) on the HDTV screens (including playing Internet Video).
3. Record Internet videos for playback.
3. Stream video files from my PC to the TV screens (Video_TS, MPG, MP4, AVI, MTS)

Is this too much to ask? I build my own Windows computers, but have never built a HTPC

[usually_quiet]

I'm new so forgive my lack of the right lingo...I want to switch from SD viewing (currently with Directv) to HD. I'm free to use Directv, Time Warner, DISH or possibly U-verse (not sure about U-verse). Time Warner offers the best Internet speed at up to 50mps. I'd likely want 30mps at least .. if I use Time Warner digital cable, I can get new TIVO units that do HD.We currently use TIVO for SD viewing and recording. I really like that interface and prefer not to leave it behind but am open.

I plan on HDTV in 3 locations in the house. None of these locations have Computers.

Here's what I want a new setup to do

1. Record HDTV programs with TIVO like features or with new TIVO units.
2. Surf the Internet (keyboard and mouse?) on the HDTV screens (including playing Internet Video).
3. Record Internet videos for playback.
3. Stream video files from my PC to the TV screens (Video_TS, MPG, MP4, AVI, MTS)

Is this too much to ask? I build my own Windows computers, but have never built a HTPC

Record HDTV programs with TIVO like features.
The only option that will work for Directv, Time Warner cable, DISH or ATT U-verse 1s an analog capture device with component video connections and optical S/PDIF for use with an HD set-top box. You need one that can work with PVR software of some kind which is able to use an IR blaster to control the set-top box. The Hauppauge HDPVR and Hauppauge Colossus are probably the best devices to use for this. They come with their own software but can work with Windows 7's Media Center using a purchased software plug-in.

The next two options are only for TW cable. There are no PC TV tuners for IPTV (U-Verse) or paid satellite services available in the US.

Option one: If TW cable still has analog channels, a TV tuner card with an NTSC tuner will provide those, but they will be SD of course. A TV tuner card with ATSC/QAM TV tuner may work for the relatively small number of unencrypted digital channels you will have available. The unencrypted channels will be whatever you can see on your TV using its QAM tuner without using any of the cableco's equipment connected to the TV. Normally these are local broadcasters, shopping channels, and a few others, Setting up QAM channels will be more work than when using an antenna for ATSC channels. If TW cable in your area uses swiched digital video, then this option may be less useful because channel assignments can change unpredictably without tuning adapters. Regular ATSC/QAM PC TV tuners don't work with tuning adapters. Media Portal and Windows 7's Media Center are the most TiVo-like. NextPVR is another possibility, but has fewer features.

Option two: For direct tuning of TW cable's encrypted digital channels, your only choice is a digital cable tuner with a CableCARD installed, plus tuning adapters if they are used in your area. Digital cable tuners only work with Windows 7's Media Center, and most recordings will be protected .wtv, that are not portable and can't be converted or edited. On demand and interactive features won't be accessible, but you will have everything else.This option is the most similar to a TiVo. You will need to install XBox 360's a media extenders for streaming protected .wtv files.

Surf the Internet (keyboard and mouse?) on the HDTV screens (including playing Internet Video).
No problem if the TV is used as the PC's monitor and you sit close enough to the TV.

Record Internet Videos for playback.
Difficult for Internet video from sites that use copy protection, which are probably the ones you want to record. Screen capture software is the often only option for those.

Stream video files from my PC to the TV screens (Video_TS, MPG, MP4, AVI, MTS)
Yes. There are some programs that allow this such as Media Portal, VLC, PlayOn, TVersity and a few others. Windows Media Center will work for some things with XBox 360's as media extenders.

[xberk]

Thank you for such a long and detailed response. So far, I have opted to purchase two Tivo Premier units at $50 each (sale ends today). I have 30 days to decide to keep them or send back. We like TIVO and are familiar with the interface. The price on the units was certainly good -- but the TIvo service is $20 a month for the first unit and $15 for the second. What a drag! .. I'll likely opt for the $900 it will cost to get both these boxes on "lifetime" service. My theory is that I will use these boxes at least 3 years and come out ahead. I currently have TIVO's I have used for 9 years! .. Good bet I'll get 3 years out of the new ones ...

I know I'm going to have to go with TW cable. I already use them for Internet service. The good news is that everything, TIVO service, TW digital cable TV and TW Internet (at 30mps !!) is about the same cost as I pay now for 15mps Internet and Directv. At least for the first year. Seems worth the leap as I get HD service, TIVO and faster Internet.

Regards using HDTV as PC Monitor, I find, as you suggest, is the easiest solution. I have extra PC's I can use to start out with to see how I like surfing the web on the bigger screen. Maybe with some help from this forum, I'll build my first HTPC.

Do you have a suggestion on upgrading my home network. I currently use "G" for wireless ... I want to upgrade to "N" .. Should I go for the Airport Extreme? Or something from Cisco in the "N" category.

Does something like WD Live TV figure into this somewhere?

[usually_quiet]

Do you have a suggestion on upgrading my home network. I currently use "G" for wireless ... I want to upgrade to "N" .. Should I go for the Airport Extreme? Or something from Cisco in the "N" category.

Does something like WD Live TV figure into this somewhere?

I don't have a home network since I use only one PC. Someone else will have to advise you on routers. However, most VideoHelp members would agree that when it comes to video (particularly HD video) a wired connection is more stable and reliable than wireless, even wireless N.

I don't have one, but by all accounts a WD Live TV Plus HD can be a very useful device for playing and streaming video. I don't think it works as a media extender for streaming protected .wtv files from Windows 7's Media Center. Microsoft seems very particular about the devices it allows to be used as video extenders for Media Center. The XBox 360 is the only one I know of that is still in production.