Everything You Need To Build A Tivo-Killing DVR
Do you want to build a DVR that outperforms Tivo and costs less up front and is free of monthly charges? I did it. And here’s how you can too.
Main Computer
Find a used PC to start with. I took my fiance’s computer that needed a new hard drive (which I would have replaced anyway). This saves you from buying a processor, case, motherboard, etc. Naturally, you can upgrade any of these components later on. And for these upgrades, eBay is the place to look.
Hard Drive
Most Tivo’s have a 120gb hard drive. And the biggest drive you can get with a Tivo is 250gb. Unfortunately, that Tivo costs $800! On eBay you can grab a new 300gb hd for between $50 and $80.
Hard Drive: $70, Total $70
Video Card
A simple, cheap video card will serve you fine. Just make sure it has the video output you want. Steer clear of massive, expensive video cards as these only add noise, heat, and cost (gamers, of course, may want to splurge on something powerful). You can grab a video card for $5 - $20 on eBay.
Video Card: $20, Total $90
Tuner Card
Here’s how you get a TV signal into your DVR. I recommend buying a Hauppage tuner card. All DVR software supports their cards, they offer great quality, and are readily available. The PVR-150 is a great model to start with. They sell for $50 to $60 used on eBay.
Tuner Card: $60, Total $150
DVD Burner
Here’s something only offered on a few Tivo models: a built-in DVD burner. Again, eBay is your friend. You can score a speedy new drive for between $30 and $60.
DVD Drive: $50, Total $200
Sound Card
Your homemade DVR also includes a variety of audio options. Depending on your needs, a nice surround sound card could replace your receiver. Or you can just use an optical out and send it to an existing home theater setup. eBay has new 5.1 sound cards for $5 to $20.
Sound Card: $20, Total $220
What Else
What about software? Mediaportal does it all for $0. For recording TV, I use Beyond TV which, (depending on your needs) comes with a remote and costs $70. You can also get a version with a PVR-150 tuner card for $110.
With that software, you’re just under $300 for a DVR that burns and plays DVDs, outputs 5.1 stereo sound, and has twice the hard drive space of an average Tivo. Plus, you can load all your MP3’s, photos, and classic video games onto your DVR. Even better, there’s no monthly fee. So get bidding and build your own Tivo-killing DVR.
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Sound Cards | October 12th, 2007 at 7:08 am | link
I couldn
oakley | June 2nd, 2008 at 8:55 pm | link
A decent guide, but seriously Ebay? Why wait for outrageous prices for ebay when you can go to online stores and buy the parts for much cheaper. Ebay is only someplace you should go if you can’t find it anyplace else. And make sure to get a video card with at least a TV out, or DVI so you can hook it up to you flat screen TV. Otherwise your stuck with lackluster video output.
Ian | April 17th, 2009 at 10:25 pm | link
Oakley, two years after writing this article I have to agree with you. Nowadays, all of my shopping is done on NewEgg with the occasional purchase from Amazon or Ebay (especially if they’re running a Live Cashback promotion).
art | April 18th, 2009 at 6:35 pm | link
Your $200 dollar total is missing the cost of Windows OS.
Ian | April 18th, 2009 at 6:43 pm | link
Art, I started with an existing computer that already had XP. I didn’t include the cost of either in this list since I was assuming others would start with the same.
If you don’t have Windows, there are Linux-based DVR options as well: SageTV is OS netural and MythTV is linux-based.
Thanks for the comment!
Bill | May 20th, 2009 at 6:35 am | link
As you said, this is about 2 years old, what changes if any would you make now to it? Also you didnt list ram or proccessor requirments for a minimum or prefered machine. Thanks