It’s easy to record TV directly from a dvr to a HD with a TV capture card. Using a TV tuner card can allow any computer to act as a dvr that records directly to a hard drive.

There are 3 steps to take when getting ready to use a computer as a dvr.

1. Install the card into the computer.
2. Connect input cables into the tuner card and output cables to a TV or monitor.
3. Install drivers and set up software/recordings.

1. Installing the card
In order to get the right card type, you’ll need to see what types if slots are available on your motherboard. This is best done by referring to the manufacturer website for your board with the board’s model number handy. Diagrams with the slots labeled are usually available. Open the computer’s case, and locate the empty slot. On the back of the case, remove the slot cover. We’re now ready to seat the card in the empty slot, and secure the set screw that will hold the card in place.

2. Connect input cables into the tuner card and output cables to a TV or monitor.
Now that the card installed, it’s time to replace the side panel on the computer case, and connect the input cables. The types of cables will vary according to what type of TV tuner card, and what kinds of signals you receive (usually cable or antenna). Connect these to the back of the tuner card, and connect the computer’s video out to the TV, or monitor.

3. Install drivers and set up software/recordings.
Time to turn the computer and monitor or TV on. You’ll most likely need to use the CD that came with the TV card to install the appropriate drivers and software needed to get everything working.

At this point, software like Windows Media Center (which comes included on some versions of Windows 7 and Vista), or the software that came with the card with basically turn your computer into a HTPC, or in other words, a dvr that records directly to a hard drive. Potentially, you’ll never really run out of space to store recorded TV, music, pictures, and so on, because of the ease of installing either an additional hard drive, or a larger hd. Record HD shows from over the air antennas in this way, without the need for the cable service, cable box, or cable company’s dvr. If you’ve already got cable, and just want to get rid of the leased dvr from the cable company, many TV cards can handle unencrypted signals, or work with an IR blaster to control the (non-dvr in this case) cable box, recording shows directly from your own dvr to hd.