Thinking about getting MediaPortal (1 Viewer)

[theplunger]

First off I'm a total newbie in regards to all of this. Before I read more I have a few questions. I've been spoiled by TiVo and wish to play with that media pci card inside my computer now. Windows Media Center is the program that came with the computer, my biggest issue is the format it saves as. I would like to legally archive my shows onto dvd in the ".avi" format. From what I've gathered various programs have 3rd party plug-ins. that convert to ".avi." Does MediaPortal work in the USA, with USA cable company's?

 

[Paranoid Delusion]

From what I've gathered various programs have 3rd party plug-ins. that convert to ".avi.

I would recommend MCEBuddy for this one, it will remove adverts using comskip and convert to compressed format, the preferred one is h.264, quarter of the size of the original with same visual quality.

Regarding TV, cable should be fine unless encrypted.