Dell

[cmtar]

Im looking to get a new Dell to use as a PVR. Anyone recommend a good one to get for that? Thanks

[cmtar]

ok I did some looking on dell.com and this is what I came up with, will it work?

Vostro 420 Tower

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E7500 (2.93GHz, 3M, L2Cache, 1066FSB)
or
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E8400 (3.0GHz, 6M, L2Cache, 1333FSB)


2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM 800MHz - 2DIMMs

Western Digital
2TB SATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive 32MB IntelliPower 3.5IN Caviar
or
Western Digital
1.5TB SATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive 32MB IntelliPower 3.5IN Caviar

Also will be getting a blu-ray drive.

I need help with finding a tuner card and graphics card from dell that will work. Everything has to be from dell since i have an account there and that is what the boss (wife) says i have to use. I want to use it as a dvr as well as a computer with the tv being the monitor but mostly a dvr. I also am going to want to put my blu-ray dvds on there so i can just go to them click and watch. I also want atleast 2 tuners but if i put 2 tuner cards can i get 4 tuners easy? Please advise thanks.

[Cholly]

You could probably do a lot better pricewise by looking at choices other than Dell, but since you are committed to buying Dell, you have some other choices to make: Operating system - I'd recommend Windows 7 home Ultimate or Pro, you'd also have to choose between 32 bit and 64 bit; Memory - 3 GB for 32 bit system, 4 or 6 GB for 64 bit system. You have additional choices to make regarding video card, sound and TV tuner card. Since you're talking about using your TV as a monitor, you should go with a wireless keyboard and mouse.
If you are thinking of copying your Blu-ray library to your hard drive, you should investigate the legality of doing so, since most Blu-ray discs are DRM protected.
You also need to figure what software you want in the mix.

[The Merg]

Cholly makes some excellent suggestions. If you are using the PC as a PVR, I would probably go with a 64-bit OS so that you can take advantage of more thatn 3GB RAM. Also, if you are looking at buying from Dell, consider purchasing from the Small Business Unit. When purchasing from there, you usually do not get all of the extra software added onto the computer than you normally get.

Also, look at going through ebates.com or MrRebates.com in order to make your purchase from Dell. If you are spending that much money, you might as well get 2% back ($60 on a $1,000 computer).

- Merg

[cmtar]

I have a business account with dell so thats what im using. I plan to buy the blu rays i just want to put them on there so I dont have to do to the shelf, put the disk in the nswap it to play another,I figured this would be easier. I will go with windows 7 64bit. I just am not sure how fast a processer i need and how big a hard driver i need and what kind of tuner/ graphic card i would need.

[Herdfan]

Also, if you are looking at buying from Dell, consider purchasing from the Small Business Unit. When purchasing from there, you usually do not get all of the extra software added onto the computer than you normally get.

Plus, in theory, US based support.

[Marlin Guy]

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/TV_Tuners_and_Video_Editing/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&sku=A1665621

[cmtar]

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/TV_Tuners_and_Video_Editing/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&sku=A1665621

I was looking at that. so If i get that I really dont need any specific computer it will work with any new computer? No special graphics card/tuner etc? This is only one tuner right? I want atleast 2.

[cmtar]

doing more research...I was told as long as I atleast get a 2.5GHz processer, a good graphics card and a good tuner then thats all I need to worry about is that right? What about a sound card?

[itguy05]

None. Dell does not make a good machine. Adequate, but not good. Been doing IT forever and wouldn't touch a Dell with a 10 foot pole.

I'd go with HP or a locally sourced system for a PC.

[wilbur_the_goose]

cmtar - how will you get your satellite signal to your PC? I know we D* folks don't really have a choice but to use the D* DVRs.

[uscboy]

cmtar - how will you get your satellite signal to your PC? I know we D* folks don't really have a choice but to use the D* DVRs.

http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hdpvr.html