I want to use my Macbook as a DVR

Hey everyone,

I am a new Macbook owner, having just bought my first Mac last November. I would like to use my Mac or even alternative hardware (if cheap) to record cable t.v. shows from my cable box. I'm looking to make an investment so that instead of paying $10 a month for DVR for the rest of my life, I can instead purchase the technology and not have to be dependent upon renting the technology. I'd also like something that is pretty easy to transfer to my computer, iPhone, iPod, etc.

I have a pretty good cable package- most of the digital channels, minus a few of the premium channels I didn't want. I have HD cable. I have an awesome HD t.v.

What type of hardware/software do I need to use my Mac as a DVR, and how would I go about using it? I have tried to Google this, and heard about something called EyeTV, but it seems that the only tuners they currently have don't work with digital content.

I'm also looking for something that will be functional with many different cable services/cable boxes, because I will be moving in a couple of months and I have no idea what cable service or box I will have there.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

From what I understand, the Cable Companies have fought long and hard to keep their hardware proprietary. There is a Cable Card standard that is supposed to facilitate this sort of thing, but I'm not aware of any Mac-specific cards that work with it.

Of course, I'm out of the loop on these things, since I acquiesced long ago and just bought the DVR service from Comcast. It's worth it, IMO...

EyeTV is exactly what you're looking for. I use it for regular cable but I know someone who uses it with comcast

anjru0805 said:

EyeTV is exactly what you're looking for. I use it for regular cable but I know someone who uses it with comcast

Click to expand...

Yes, but the EyeTV has its own analog-ready cable tuner - and that's what your friend is using it for (but not for long, as Comcast's analog service will be going away eventually). The original poster wants something that can receive digital cable channels, which the EyeTV absolutely will not do.

The newer EyeTV can absolutely pick up digital cable channels. The problem is those channels that require the Cable Card will not work.

What the EyeTV can work with is Clear QAM unencrypted digital cable. So Elgato says on their web page. I haven't had a chance to upgrade and try it.

IF your cable box has either SVGA or component output (for HD), you may want to look into use the Hauppage HDPVR with eyetv. I haven't tried mine over on the mac side, I've used it on the windows side (I haven't swapped my HTPC yet) and it records really nicely; but will require a cable/satellite receiver to output the video. It has a IRBlaster to be able to change the channel on the receiver (not sure if this is supported in eyetv tho) - but you could get rid of the DVR receiver and just use a basic receiver.

You'll be limited to recording one channel at a time, but if you're using it to record when you're not home it'd probably work out ok...