HD / DVD / Set Top Box

[zipzap]

Can you currently get a combo Hi Definition Set top box / DVD player & recorder / Hard Drive ?

All evidence points to 'no' so far. But I don't want to add separate boxes, my setup is cluttered enough as it is.
You seem to be able to get 2 but not all 3. Or a STP with standard def only. Hmmm any ideas?

[Psyber]

Can you currently get a combo Hi Definition Set top box / DVD player & recorder / Hard Drive ?

All evidence points to 'no' so far. But I don't want to add separate boxes, my setup is cluttered enough as it is.
You seem to be able to get 2 but not all 3. Or a STP with standard def only. Hmmm any ideas?

I haven't seen one yet, but no doubt they'll emerge - after all the current stock has been sold!

[smac]

I must admit to having a very limited knowledge in this area, so my statement is most likely wrong.

But can a media centre PC do all of these things (plus more)? I appreciate they can be quite pricey, but if you intend to use all of those features, I imagine you could find yourself using a lot of the others.

It is always my intention to move to this technology one day (read "most likely when the kids have grown up and cease to be a major drain on finances" ) under the assumption that it could do a lot more than any other single device.

[Psyber]

I must admit to having a very limited knowledge in this area, so my statement is most likely wrong.

But can a media centre PC do all of these things (plus more)? I appreciate they can be quite pricey, but if you intend to use all of those features, I imagine you could find yourself using a lot of the others.

It is always my intention to move to this technology one day (read "most likely when the kids have grown up and cease to be a major drain on finances" ) under the assumption that it could do a lot more than any other single device.

Yes, in fact I have bought a dual digital tuner to fit to an AOpen XC Cube I have, which has a videocard capable of 1080 output. Then all I need is a large monitor. It is suitable way to go if you already have half the works on hand.

[Dissident]

Can you currently get a combo Hi Definition Set top box / DVD player & recorder / Hard Drive ?

All evidence points to 'no' so far. But I don't want to add separate boxes, my setup is cluttered enough as it is.
You seem to be able to get 2 but not all 3. Or a STP with standard def only. Hmmm any ideas?

A box that does all those - yes - but in SD.
Don't really care about HD, especially recording. It takes too much space up recording things in HD.

Christ, DVD movies are only SD.

[zipzap]

Can you currently get a combo Hi Definition Set top box / DVD player & recorder / Hard Drive ?

All evidence points to 'no' so far. But I don't want to add separate boxes, my setup is cluttered enough as it is.
You seem to be able to get 2 but not all 3. Or a STP with standard def only. Hmmm any ideas?

A box that does all those - yes - but in SD.
Don't really care about HD, especially recording. It takes too much space up recording things in HD.

Christ, DVD movies are only SD.

My TV has SD built in but is HD compatible, which is why I was wondering...if I am going to buy a STB it might as well be HD.