[Zachstar]

Just something that I feel needs to be discussed.

Lately I purchased an ATI Theater 550 OEM from Ebay at less than 20 USD for card without software I could not lose.

When you purchase a card however you dive into the world of home theater that gets really complicated REALLY fast!

The reason is mainly because of digital TV and Cable which operate on 2 different standards (One uses MPEG-2 and the other MPEG-4) and the tech associated with it.

For my intoduction I am glad I picked a VERY basic analog only card. It allowed me to tune into the basic 60 of comcast cable (The unprotected stuff that you can get right off the line without cablecards or other equipment)

One problem you QUICKLY run into if you use XP (Nonmedia center) or Vista Home basic is the lack of software if you get OEM stuff. I am running a weird solution based on MediaPortal Mysql which is I guess the result of mad open source scientists.

The one thing I have learned is you are NOT going to easily get digital stuff without software and some solution to get to the protected digital stuff on the cable line.

But what about OTA (Over the Air) you say? Yes in Feb 2009 it will be all digital and you will need a digital ready tuner but atleast for the states it seems you are safe enough because of Mpeg-2 use.

If you have somthing like comcast basic and comcast leaves the analog going then somthing like an ATI 550 or some other GOOD quality 20 dollar OEM card paired with a Media Center will equal a good DVR.

Just a bit of ranting and info. Post your stuff and thoughts!