RE: Mac Mini as PVR/DVD burner/Freeview

["Andy Laurence" <andy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

paul118295 wrote:
> Has anyone in the list had experience using a Mac Mini as a
> home media centre? it could be set up as a PVR (a la TiVo)
> using the eyeTV with Freeview adapter (Elgato EyeTV410) and
> also play and record shows that I like on the DVD burner. My
> only concern is the potential complexity to operate for
> non-geek users around the house (aka the wife). Has anyone
> tried such a thing?
>
> What other options exist of a one box solution to do PVR+Freeview+DVD
> burner?

I'm using a Compaq Evo with a Freeview PCI card and DVD burner to replace
my
Tivo.  Sadly, whilst MediaPortal (http://mediaportal.sf.net) looks good,
it
doesn't automagically update the EPG over the air.  I suspect that Windows
Media Center would do this, but I've not had a play with it yet.  I'm
certainly happy with the way the rest of it operates.  The main issue is
displaying the image on your TV.  The Xcard is supposed to be great for
TV-out.  I'm going to replace my portable TVs in the bedrooms with 17"
monitors, and use a Plasma/LCD in the front room.  Then I can run at the
native resolution for the screen.

Cheers,
Andy
--
http://www.andylaurence.co.uk