Is this a HTPC?

[El Metronome]

Ok, not sure if this is the right section, but anw…

My parents currently records shows on TV onto a DVD recorder. We have met with a few difficulties with this, due to our constant rewriting of the DVD, the disc or the recorder seems to run into issues and fail often. Also, it is very inconvenient having to manually insert the DVD into a PC to store files in the HDD, since the 4.8GB DVD is way too small.

So I thought, there must be a device to record the data straight onto a storage device of some kind? An internal SATA HDD or SSD? This would solve most of my problems. What I would require from such a device is to:

Record shows off local television and store in a friendly, non-proprietary format (like mp4), either in HDD/SSD through SATA or even NAS
Preferably able to record preselected channels at programmed times automatically
Connectivity such as USB to move data off internal storage, if needed
Remote control operation
Small, reliable, and not too expensive
Ease of operation for not-so-IT-savvy people

Is this device I am describing a HTPC? What does a HTPC specs differ from more mainstream PCs? Is there any special components or connections I would need, especially to interface with a TV, which is also receiving signals via the standard format (I have no idea, antennae)? My TV has HDMI ports but my understanding is that those serve as input options to the television, and not vice versa.

I am reasonably computer-savvy and I do DIY my own PCs, but I am just new to this whole HTPC thing. To me my PC is meant for more ‘processing’ applications games, work, video and photo editing and surfing net. So pardon me if it is ‘suaku’ or off topic, haha.

Appreciate any help or advice

 

[Alternative X]

1) Doesn't your DVD recorder come with an integrated hard drive?

2)Yes, you want a HTPC. HTPC specs tend to have these properties:

a) ITX form factor ( Nobody is stopping you from building a E-ATX HTPC with 10 HDDs, though.)
b) Low powered processor (ie. Intel Celeron, Pentium, AMD A4 APUs)

(Highly optional)
c) Passive cooling for silence
d) High efficiency PSU (at least 80+ Bronze)

3) HDMI is a universal standard, you can plug your HTPC directly into a television. There are some people that uses a television as a monitor for gaming.

4) To record TV shows on your HTPC, you need a TV card. There are TV cards that offer timer record functions and comes with a remote control.

 

[eyz]

i think a tv with record function would be more user friendly for your parents.

like LG tv has time machine function...

 

[jskc3617]

Not sure but you may want to check out AC Ryan website for Playon!LIVE DVB-T2 Recorder.

 

[Kiwi8]

Yes u are describing a HTPC.

Even for a HTPC, u can still make it as user-friendly as a normal HDD recorder, with the right PVR software and remote controller.