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?

Comments

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.)

Re:Eh?

[breon.halling]

GET A LIFE.

Man, I loved that show!