Mac Mini DVR?

HDTV through EyeTV requires a Core 2 Duo

keep in mind that there are very few solutions if you want to watch paytv - e.g.
http://www.terratec.net/en/products/TerraTecH791101.html

So can the EyeTV allow you to record without the cable top box or do you have to port the data from the cable top box to the Mini w/ EyeTV?

The device the other poster linked to did not mention US services.

The ElGato/EyeTV devices replace any cable box and turns your Mac into a PVR.
If you're using an encrypted cable signal it might be difficult to find an appropriate ElGato/EyeTV device

That's the problem now-a-days you can't just run down and buy a crt TV it is going to be a flat panel with either 720 or 1080i. Try viewing anything that is not HD on a 50" plasma. It looks horrible. I had a HDD/DVD recorder that worked great for recording regular tv, but I can no longer do that cause when I port the regular 480 recorded data over to the Plasma it is awful and painful to watch.

So almost all the cable channels that are HD are encrypted and need the Cable top box to decrypt the data, So I've been told.

So to my real question I want to record the HD cable channels so I can view regular recorded TV on my plasma. Can I do this with the Mac mini with the Elgato? Does anyone know what hardware I would need besides the mini to capture the data?

Am I even making any since, this is not my specialty. Ok, so I have no specialty but I am really weak here.

What kind of encryption system is used by your cable provider?
In case you'll need a fitting cicam module()like those: http://www.rdi-cam.com/ ) that hosts your smartcard.

I guess that I am embarrassed to say that I do not know, what encryption they use! Is that something that they will tell me if I call and ask them.

Sorry I will do a little more research as I guess I am way behind with this. I look ed at the link that you gave me and my cable box nor my TV takes a smartcard.

I had an EyeTV 250 running on a G5 PPC a few years back - it worked great for scheduling and recording TV shows (but only one at a time). I was only able to watch my recordings on the Mac because I lacked the knowledge to connect it and output to a remote TV through a network. I still can't figure this out, LOL.

I'm now looking at them again - this time with the intent on being able to record (or move) the files onto an external device - and then play them back from any TV I go to. Not sure what media player can do this, but it sure to be out there.

Meanwhile I would consider a new Mini - used ones hold their value quite well - so you would be extremely lucky to find a decent used one for a good price. $100 more gets you into a brand new one.