HTPC / HDTV Tuner Card Questions

[Cutless009]

Just a couple of questions I cant seem to find the answer to:

1. Will my computer be able to completely replace my HDTV DVR STB? Like will it pick up all the channels and I'll be able to tune/record/pause/rewind/ff straight from my pc instead of having to have a STB?

2. What TV Tuner Cards are Capable of receiving HDTV signals, and will they be able to pick up all the HD content provided by my cable provider? (my HD channels are like 1200-1399 or something retarded like that).

3. I get HD on demand through my cable service provided, will I be able to access that through my HTPC without using the STB?

4. Exactly how much CPU power do I need to be able to process HD content?

Sorry for being so noobish in this department but we cant all be geniuses in every department eh :p

[breezyjr]

Just a couple of questions I cant seem to find the answer to:

1. Will my computer be able to completely replace my HDTV DVR STB? Like will it pick up all the channels and I'll be able to tune/record/pause/rewind/ff straight from my pc instead of having to have a STB?

2. What TV Tuner Cards are Capable of receiving HDTV signals, and will they be able to pick up all the HD content provided by my cable provider? (my HD channels are like 1200-1399 or something retarded like that).

3. I get HD on demand through my cable service provided, will I be able to access that through my HTPC without using the STB?

4. Exactly how much CPU power do I need to be able to process HD content?

Sorry for being so noobish in this department but we cant all be geniuses in every department eh :p

1 and 3... NO You can record NON-HD content.... The only thing I've heard is some sort of hack to record HD through the firewire port of some STB...

2. I know ATI/AMD, and Haupage or popular.

4. not much actually.... I think I have an intel C2D 2.8Ghz proc and was told it was overkill.

From what I can remember with my HTPC building... You can get by with some very reasonable specs. Even just using a single core CPU... But, might as well pick up an AMD Phenom... that way you'll know you can maybe have some crunching room on the side....

I need to find my link to the forums on my other computer... I'll post it soon....

Joe_Breezy