What to do with a headless Vista PC? Now that the LCD’s been relocated, the desktop computer needs a new home. In two weeks, I’m visiting my great uncle who’s possibly in need of an updated system. There’s always ebay. Or maybe I need to keep this HP around for random experiments like running Mythbuntu, etc. For starters, I temporarily banished my Xbox 360 and TiVo HD into the closet to give a few Windows-based DVR software packages a whirl on the 42″ plasma. However, to overcome the insufficient integrated graphics, I swung by Micro Center and picked up a Visiontek Radeon 3450 fanless video card with HDMI output ($50AR). Though I got a decent amount of exercise configuring the new card and Vista Media Center, I wasn’t pleased blowing over an hour getting HDMI audio to work. A good reminder why I originally moved away from dedicated HTPCs. At the moment, I’m using OTA ATSC. But if I fully commit to a HTPC in the living room, I’ll probably utilize clear QAM for a cleaner look and more channels.

Since I’m notoriously slow writing up reviews, I’m harnessing the power of my still unreviewed yet highly relied upon Eye-Fi with the quirky but efficient WordPress 2.5 image gallery functionality to at least get some photos up of my latest goody…

I’ve been contemplating replacing one of my TiVo units with an HTPC. And I’m not very familiar with the EyeTV DVR software package, so Ben put me in touch with Elgato to learn more. I had planned to test the software using my Pinnacle USB HD stick, though they suggested pairing the app with their most current tuner. The primary drawback in using the Mac platform to power a HTPC is being locked out of Microsoft’s protection scheme — which would hurt most in giving up Netflix Watch Now. (Until they offer a cross-platform Silverlight client?) I suppose I could always console myself with Hulu. But I’ll have a better idea what I want to do after I get EyeTV installed and running on my MacBook Pro for a few weeks.

Lest we forget, today’s the Ides of April.

I haven’t gotten a refund since selling my condo about three years ago. But if I had some unexpected cash coming my way, I’d probably be thinking about supplementing my Xbox 360 with a Wii or (more likely) a PS3. I might also be a little more motivated to pull the trigger on my first HTPC in years since decommissioning the projector - when we sold that aforementioned condo.

So, did anyone else wait until the last minute to finish up their taxes? If you’re getting (or already received) some money back from Uncle Sam, where’s it going? Paying bills and saving don’t count. We need stimulus!

Because we just don’t have enough set-top boxes to choose from, Blockbuster will be tossing their hat into the ring. According to the Hollywood Reporter:

The home video giant is developing a set-top device for streaming films directly to TV sets and is expected to announce the offering sometime this month. The device is believed to be a stand-alone product akin to Apple TV as opposed to embedding a Blockbuster-branded service in such existing devices as Microsoft’s Xbox 360 or TiVo.

How many boxes are people willing to connect? The BBC is onto something by making their web content available via the Wii (in the UK) and perhaps one day I’ll be offered Netflix Watch Now on my Xbox 360. As a TiVo owner, I also have a variety of standard def Amazon Unbox content to choose from… For some reason, I’m much more tolerant of low-rez video when I can stream unlimited quantities for a fixed price (Netlix) or free-with-commercials (Hulu).

Along those lines, I’ve been thinking of replacing one of my TiVo units with a small form factor computer for basic ATSC DVR capabilities (or maybe clear QAM HD), plus the ability to watch web video. (And if I’m feeling flush, perhaps I’ll add a Blu-ray drive.) Though, I’m holding off for now… It looks like there’s a small chance I might be able to extend Netflix Watch Now from the office Vista Media Center to the living room Xbox 360.

Neither SnapStream nor Elgato have publicly committed to support the upcoming Hauppauge HD PVR. However, based on conversations with both companies today they do seem open to the idea of possible integration into their respective PC-based DVR software (BeyondTV and EyeTV). In fact, SnapStream CEO Rakesh Agrawal just posted photos that illustrate recording and pausing live TV originating from a Hauppauge prototype.

A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our other blogs:

• iTunes Now #1 Music Retailer: Brent Evans Geek Tonic
• Generation Millennium, It’s the Network: Media Experiences 2 Go
• Cleaning Up After Vista Service Pack 1: The Daleisphere
• Motorola CDMA Femtocell: Media Experiences 2 Go
• One Click DVD Rip to HTPC: Brent Evans Geek Tonic
• IP Set-Top Shipments Rising: Media Experiences 2 Go

Obviously, the current hot topic in HTPC land is Hauppauge’s upcoming HD PVR… And I just heard back from multi-OS SageTV CEO, Mike Machado regarding their integration plans:

We’re working to support the HD PVR as soon as we can. We expect we’ll support it at or near launch.

I didn’t probe too deeply (hey, it’s the weekend), but I assume the PC version of SageTV’s DVR software would receive support first. Not to mention, support is probably dependent upon the drivers Hauppauge provides. (Their specs page isn’t OS-specific, though the safe money’s solely on Windows.)

Hauppauge has released details and announced timing for their USB HD recording device. The HD PVR records from component and optical inputs at up to 13.5Mbps in H.264. Additionally, AVCHD recordings can be burned to DVD for Blu-ray STB playback (via bundled ArcSoft application suite). Shipping is expected to begin May 1, and a pre-order page (presumably, with pricing) should be available in the near future.

Brent Evans has been really fired up about this box, as the one of the first consumer-grade HD encoding devices - allowing folks to bypass a specialized, certified HTPC (BIOS/firmware) with CableCARD tuners to record digital cable at HD resolutions. I’m somewhat more restrained… To fully appreciate this, one would need a computer, the Hauppage box, and a cable or satellite set-top box co-located. Which may be too much clutter for many living areas without an AV closet. (It is for me.) And until (if) this product is integrated into Windows Media Center, extension options are limited. Brent assumes we’ll see support from BeyondTV and SageTV at launch, though I’m not counting my ducks just yet. (I’ve checked in with both CEOs and hope to hear back shortly.) Actually, my main concern isn’t integration into those PC DVR software products. Rather, I wonder about the breadth of STB IR support. (Though the box IR receiver could conceivably be used to learn commands.)

While the HD PVR will record high def content it’s re-encoding analog output rather than making a bit-for-bit digital copy of the original. I’m sure it’ll look good and the reported max bitrate is actually higher than I had expected, but it’s not the same as recording directly via CableCARD or ATSC OTA. (Which may not matter if some of these recent cable-co compression stories are accurate…)

Keep an eye on Brent Evans Geek Tonic for updates.