How to Make a PC into a DVR

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Categories: Consumer Electronics | Computers | Technology | How Tos

  • If you have a PC computer and are not satisfied with the performance of your digital video recorder or don't have a DVR, consider turning your PC into a DVR. Turning your PC into a DVR also allows you to save money on subscription fees to TiVo or another DVR service.

  • If you have a PC computer and are not satisfied with the performance of your digital video recorder or don't have a DVR, consider turning your PC into a DVR. Turning your PC into a DVR also allows you to save money on subscription fees to TiVo or another DVR service.

  • Introduction

    • Turning a PC into a DVR can be an option to purchasing a standard DVR such as a TiVo. When turning a PC into a DVR, the PC acts as a DVR and displays video on your TV screen. This allows you to have the advantages of a DVR, such as the ability to skip commercials or rewind when watching TV, without paying for a subscription service. You also have the freedom to watch the recorded material on your computer or the TV.

  • Step 1: What You Need

    • What you need to turn your computer into a DVR will depend on how old your computer is and what hardware it has.
    1. You will need a DVR software. There are several DVR software available for free online. You can also purchase a DVR software.
    2. You also need to purchase a TV tuner card.
    3. Depending on the size of your hard drive and memory, you might need to add an extra hard drive and upgrade your system memory.
    4. If your graphics card doesn't have a video input, you might need to purchase a new graphics card.
    5. It's not necessary to buy a DVD burner, but it can be useful, as it allows you to store the recorded material on DVDs instead of your computer's hard disk.
    6. You might also want to purchase a remote control.
    7. Buying a new sound card will improve the quality of the sound.

  • Step 2: Installation

    • After buying the products you need, it's time to set up the DVR system.
    1. Turn off the power of your computer and disconnect it.
    2. Upgrade your system memory and hard drive, if needed.
    3. Install the video card, graphics card and sound card, if you purchased new ones.
    4. Install the TV tuner card. It is usually inserted in the PCI slot of the computer. Screw it into the back panel of the PC so it stays in place.
    5. Install the DVD burner, if you chose to buy one.
    6. Install the DVR software.
    7. If you have an HDTV, digital TV box or cable TV box, connect it to the graphics card.
    8. Connect the audio output of your HDTV, digital or cable TV box to the TV tuner's audio input.
    9. Chose a low resolution for your computer screen for best results if viewing media on your TV screen.

  • Conclusion

    • To make a PC into a DVR, purchase a TV tuner card and purchase or download a free DRV software. Buy additional features as needed and the install them on your computer.


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