Q: Recording with Vista's Media Center

[OWA]

Is there any way to record TV using Vista's Media Center for a certain amount of time instead of it trying to use the guide (to record whatever time the program is listed for)?

I've run into a couple of issues. One, the guide was wrong one time when I was trying to record a basketball game so I kept having to hit the record button every 30 minutes (since the guide listed 30 minute programs instead of the b-ball game). Two, recording sporting events don't always go for the set period of time so I want to just leave things recording or either be able to record for 3 hours or something like that. Is there any way to do that?

Edit: I tried right-clicking the record button and found a record and a record series. I'm hoping the "record" will just go until I stop it. Not ideal but should work okay.

[Q]

Is there any way to record TV using Vista's Media Center for a certain amount of time instead of it trying to use the guide (to record whatever time the program is listed for)?

I've run into a couple of issues. One, the guide was wrong one time when I was trying to record a basketball game so I kept having to hit the record button every 30 minutes (since the guide listed 30 minute programs instead of the b-ball game). Two, recording sporting events don't always go for the set period of time so I want to just leave things recording or either be able to record for 3 hours or something like that. Is there any way to do that?

Edit: I tried right-clicking the record button and found a record and a record series. I'm hoping the "record" will just go until I stop it. Not ideal but should work okay.

Record should just go until you stop it.

Alternatively, go to My TV, Recorded TV, Add Recording, then Custom Recording with Channel and Time. This should do it for you.

[nekrosoft13]

off topic, i still need to find a decent tuner :|

[Q]

off topic, i still need to find a decent tuner :|

Standard or HD?

Standard I recommend any Hauppauge PVR line model (the pvr-150 is a good card at a good price) or any card based on the ATI Theater Pro 550 or 650 chipset. The ATI picture quality is amazing, but the Hauppague are no slouches either.

[nekrosoft13]

i would likke both in one if possible

[Q]

ATI's new product is coming out (hopefully) in the next few months. Supposedly its PC-manufacturer only, but it should provide for standard, HD OTA, AND HD cable card if the rumors are true.

[nekrosoft13]

cool, i will wait then

sorry for hi-jack ;)

[Ancient]

ATI's new product is coming out (hopefully) in the next few months. Supposedly its PC-manufacturer only, but it should provide for standard, HD OTA, AND HD cable card if the rumors are true.
Be prepared to spend over $2000 for a system. Velocity Micro (http://www.velocitymicro.com/category.php?cid=33) is set to begin shipping any day now with cable card tuners. As mentioned though, it's for pre-builts only. You won't be able to get them for DIY.

If you just want a good card with unencrypted cable and OTA HD tuners then get the Hauppage WinTV-HVR-1600. Works great in Vista. ATi tuner cards have been problematic in Vista so far for a lot of people.

[Q]

Be prepared to spend over $2000 for a system. Velocity Micro (http://www.velocitymicro.com/category.php?cid=33) is set to begin shipping any day now with cable card tuners. As mentioned though, it's for pre-builts only. You won't be able to get them for DIY.

If you just want a good card with unencrypted cable and OTA HD tuners then get the Hauppage WinTV-HVR-1600. Works great in Vista. ATi tuner cards have been problematic in Vista so far for a lot of people.

That's what I was afraid of. Then again, this was the case with MCE initially, as well. I'm hoping the OEM market will open up in a few years if demand is high enough (and the DRM lobby can cut some slack...).

[OWA]

Record should just go until you stop it.

Alternatively, go to My TV, Recorded TV, Add Recording, then Custom Recording with Channel and Time. This should do it for you.
Thanks for the info. That's exactly what I was looking for.