Building a Multi-Channel PVR System?

Dr.Ruud asks: "What would be good ways to build a multichannel VCR? Think of a cluster of 4 PCs, each having 4 TV-cards (with MPEG-hardware on each) and (if necessary) a separate harddisk per TV-card, and maybe a 5th PC that controls the others, holds a DVD-writer and any other necessary hardware. Could it be done in a simpler and cheaper way? See also linuxtv.org, linuxmedialabs.com and of course SouceForge-vcr-projects like Freevo." What would be the best way to go about cutting down the number of machines such a cluster would need? Could this be done by building an all-in-one-wonderbox without it getting really expensive?

Re:Has there ever been 16 good shows on at once ?

[Anonymous Coward]

With the over 200+ channels you can get now a days, im sure there has to be something good on.

A cluster?

[spoonist]

"Think of a cluster of 4 PCs..."

A Beowulf Cluster of PVRs? Sweet!

Re:16-channels at once?

[goatasaur]

An explanation:

Basic digital cable provides different premium services... there are 6 HBO channels, 4 Cinemax channels, 4 Showtime channels, and a couple of 24-hour pr0n channels.

Obviously, the poster's intent was to record more porn. This drive for increased pornography consumption has inspired such innovations as the light bulb (for reading porn), the telephone (for listening to porn), and of course the cotton gin (for making more tube socks).

Next week on Ask Slashdot...

[orichter]

orichter writes: does anyone know how, with a with a few minor adjustments, you turn a regular gun into five guns?

Re:16-channels at once?

[Anonvmous Coward]

"Obviously, the poster's intent was to record more porn...."

Oh shit, I didn't realize that.

Okay okay okay okay.. lemme think.

Okay, I can help him, but I'll need sample videos from him to perform anal...ysis on. (sorry about the pause there, was distracted for a moment.)

A waste...

[ryanvm]

I'm sorry, but what is the point of 'Ask Slashdot' if the question is going to be absolutely silly? I've farted out more useful questions than this one.

A PVR that can record 16 channels at once? Get real. Unless you're operating a TV station, you don't need that many channels. And if you do operate a TV station and you're asking Slashdot how to build video equipment - you're fucked.

Here's a tip kid. Quit jerking off thinking about recording 16 TV shows at once and go outside.

[And yes, I've got Karma to burn.]

Re:Eh?

[irc.goatse.cx troll]

I'll do that, But when I get sued for sexual harasment you get my legal bills.

Re:16-channels at once?

[aboyce]

Age old measure of the usefulness of an object, known as the MPFP (more porn, faster pron) factor.

Most any opject has an MPFP rating... take a toaster oven for example... its obvious that the faster you can heat a hot-pocket... the faster you can get back to one of the 16 hard core porn streams that you had recorded.

Imagine the MPFP rating of a fully reclining office chair... Unthinkable!

Re:16-channels at once?

[satanami69]

But fucking a hot pocket would really hurt.

Technical advice

[The Gline]

1. Obtain a copy of the Broadcast Transmissions Summary Document, colloquially known as "TV Guide."

2. Use the stylus to systematically eliminate programming choices that cannot be realistically maintained in the desired timeframe.

This ought to do it. ;)

Re:16-channels at once?

[The Turd Report]

Well, some people *like* that. "Hot Pockets: The Choice of S&M freaks everywhere"

Re:Eh?

[breon.halling]

GET A LIFE.

Man, I loved that show! [imdb.com]

Has this guy watched TV lately?

[osjedi]

An array of PVR's? What in the world are you going to watch? There aren't enough good shows on on to keep a single PVR busy let alone an array of them.

Me? I'm going to build an array of vacuum cleaners. My idea sucks too, but will cost less. ;)