Can I use a computer with a TV Tuner as a Tivo?

Question

I need to purchase a new computer and I am also looking to upgrade to HDTV. Already have an HD TV set and standard Directv sat service. Assuming I upgrade to HD with Directv or Dish and I get a computer with a TV tuner, can I somehow run the HD sat signal through my computer and back to my TV (in another room) and use Media Center as my DVR? I've gotten a ton of conflicting answers - Dell tells me flat out "No", HP said "absolutely" with full functionality from the next room, Geek Squad at Best Buy said "Yes, but you have to be pointing the remote at the computer" which will be in the other room so it defeats the purpose. Hoping someone out there knows enough to help me so I can make an informed purchase. I don't want to pay the extra $$$ for a DVR and its service through the sat company if I don't have to.

Answer 1

Your problem is that you want to use Satelite service. It can definitely be done with cable, since you can buy PC Digital Tuners with cable cards, so you can even record premium programming. HP does sell OCUR PCs with dual tuners.

However, there are no PC-based satellite receivers, so you still need your Dish/Direct TV set-top.  You can get video out of the set-top and record it on your PC, but it will be only SD resolution.

So, for Cable - definitely

For Satellite, SD only, so I would not recommend it - just get the Dish PVR (with dual tuners).

Answer 2

I'm looking for the same thing, and it does work, but the prices for PCs compatible with encrypted HDTV signals are still very high compared to something like a Tivo HD box.  About $1,500 to $2,000 for one.  

These PCs use a new AMD-ATI graphics card where you put a cable card in, so you won't need a cable box anymore either.

As far as the remote control in another room, that's no problem.  They have remote control extenders on the market where you have an IR receiver for your remote that forwards the signal via radio signal to an IR emitter in another room.

See links below for more info:

Answer 3

Hi there. I have a Dell and I can record my tv shows. this is the trick, you need to buy a tv tuner card from someone else. If you have a laptop, they have external cards you can purchase. it hooks through a USB cable on one end and coax cable on the other, or you can use rca jacks or other cables also. I do not use that on my Dell laptop. On my Dell Desktop, I went to Best Buy and bought an internal card that I hook my coax cable into and load the software. The software will load the tv guide for your cable company in your area and then allow you to set up recordings, like a DVR. I do not believe that Dells' tv tuners allow this functionality.