External TV/tuner box for PC/HD recordings

[mandm]

hi there
A newbie type question?

I would like to record satellite channels delivered to our residence via RF/Terrestrial cable; therefore all the channels are viewable only via flicking through TV channels.
Although the above setup is fine but I cannot record programes to my PVR (personal video recorder – Topfield).
I believe I can overcome the problem by acquiring an additional hardware (TV/tuner type box) and record channels directly on my PC's hard disk using the USB2.0 port. I would like to use the schedule recoding, time shifting etc. I would prefer the box to have hardware compression to avoid overloading my PC.
I would like to know what you guys think of my solution and if you could recommend any hardware/TV box?
I hope to hear from you soon.
Many thnaks in advnace

[mandm]

16 views and no response so far, guess must have asked a difficult question?

[chriszzzzzz]

Good STB is the Sony. Sorry can't help you but someone will soon...

[mandm]

thanks for your response m8, yep i hope someone would response, BTW i am not sure if the Sony STB would allow me to record progs on my PC's HD!
I need/want to do recordings on my PC so i can watch the progs at my leisure

[mandm]

40 views and and no positive lead yet, guys have i put this question in the wrong forum, perhaps the admin can clarify this?

[chriszzzzzz]

I'm no techy but I think you need to either connect a normal freeview STB to your computer via your normal tv tuner card. Or, you can get something like the 'Twinhan DTV Alpha'...Its a digital tv tuner card that plugs into your USB port. You can then use your PC as a PVR with the right programs.
Any help????

[mandm]

chriszzzzzz m8 thanks for your help, i agree i need a digital tv tuner (ideally external) card/box that plugs into USB port and that would allow me to use PC as a PVR.

As i don't know much about 'Twinhan DTV Alpha' so will do a google, but if it is a card then it would probably goes in one of the PCI slot, but if it's an external box then likely to go in the USB port.

will let u know what i find about 'Twinhan DTV Alpha'!
cheers