Being able to watch TV on your computer may not seem all that important...unless you spend a lot of time in front of your computer :-)  There is something about being able to keep an eye on what's happening in the news during the day while you are working.

This first review will focus on the installation process. There are three basic steps to getting the PVR connected to the computer: connecting it to the cable box or an antenna, connecting it to the computer, and installing/configuring the EyeTV software.  The entire process took about 30 minutes... it can be faster if you don't have to moving things around too much.

The unit feel well constructed and solid.  The folks that designed the ConvertXPVR unit obviously gave some thoughts to making the unit user friendly.  There are connectors in both the front and the rear of the unit. The ones in the front for so you can connect up your DV camcorder and other video devices.  The ones in the rear are for more permanent connections such as the cableTV/antenna and USB to the computer.

One thing to make the installation easier is to make sure you have a coaxial cable that is long enough to go from your cable box to your computer. 

Place the unit close to the computer... most USB cables are pretty short and run the cable TV's coaxial wire to the unit. At this point, the hardware setup is complete.

Go here to see the software installation process.

Make your own Tivo? With the Plextor ConvertXPVR...you can turn your Mac or PC into a digital personal video recorder.

What can you do with a PVR? Just like a Tivo, you can watch, pause, and record live TV, but on your computer monitor! You can also use it to record shows the way you do with a VCR or DVR and play it back on your computer or the new generation of handhelds and media players.

We got a unit from Plextor... in the next few weeks, we'll give you a series of detail reviews on the installation, daily use, recording, and coverting videos for viewing on a PDA of the Plextor ConvertXPVR unit.

Reviews:

1. Hardward Installation...

2. Software Installation...

3. Recording Shows...

4. Playback on a PDA...