Do it for momma (DVR)

[solmakou]

What is the cheapest one monthly rate for getting a DVR service for my mother who has basic cable (2-96). It does not need a lot of frills, just at least 20 hours of record time (Standard definition). a media center pc wouldn't be appropriate for her so she would need a set top box. I've taken a look at a few dvr services and I want to avoid the high (to me) monthly rate, I was hoping that there would be one without the frills of a programming guide that could be treated like a VCR.

[BattleZone]

The ones that are simple and seemless cost money. The ones that are "free" are a hassle. The only exception is the one you excluded: Media Center. If you don't require HD, then Media Center is amazingly simple but plenty powerful (if you choose to use the more advanced features), and as long as they already have Internet to get the guide data, there's no monthly costs.

[solmakou]

that's what I was afraid of, I guess what I'll need is: xp Media Center addition or up to a windows 7 machine, cable tuner card, HDD of at least 100GB (my guess is partitioned for video recording or a complete seperate drive) a video card with s-video output, or can do the cable tuners have a cable tv output as well? I've seen remote controls with Media Center for Vista on the description so I'm assuming there will be a seperate charge for an IR receiver? Will I be able to trouble shoot the systems media settings through remote desktop? I've never had much cause to look at any media center settings. Thanks for any and all help!

[Cholly]

Since your mother has basic cable service, I'd recommend checking the rate for dvr service from the cable provider. I'd avoid using a PC and Media Center in her case. Although Media Center is nice (I have two computers with Media Center - one running XP Media Center 2005 and one with Vista Home Premium), I believe it is not for the technically challenged. There are too many options she wouldn't use. If the cable company has Scientific Atlanta DVR's available, that might be her best choice despite the monthly rental charges. It would take a few years of rental charges to equal the cost of upgrading a PC to use Media Center.

[solmakou]

Would I be able to pick up the DVR at my local comcast place and install it myself or would a tech have to come out, also would they have to get digital cable service instead of their basic 2-96. I love my mother but I'm not sitting around 5 hours one day to wait for a tech that doesn't show up! I'll call comcast this evening and inquire about it if I don't hear back from y'all.

[Cholly]

Would I be able to pick up the DVR at my local comcast place and install it myself or would a tech have to come out, also would they have to get digital cable service instead of their basic 2-96. I love my mother but I'm not sitting around 5 hours one day to wait for a tech that doesn't show up! I'll call comcast this evening and inquire about it if I don't hear back from y'all.

You'll have to call your provider for those answers, as policies differ from one provider to another.

[solmakou]

You'll have to call your provider for those answers, as policies differ from one provider to another.

Thanks dude, I'll contact them tonight when I get home from work. For some reason my employer will not let me sit on the phone with comcast for hours at work, bastages!