What kind of parts do you need to build to build a pvr?

Question

can you use a slow pc?

Answer 1

You basically just need a PC, and you need to purchase a surveillance card.  I worked in surveillance, and if you want something decent but inexpensive look at AverMedia, but if you are willing to spend more for a better card (i.e. more features) go with Geovision.  The minimum PC you should use for this would be something in a high-GHz Celeron or an Intel Pentium 4 with at least 512MB memory.  Don't use AMD processors, as they do not have as good of compatibility.  The surveillance card will consume a decent amount of memory and processing, so do not use a slow PC unless you want very poor recording and slow playback abilities.