How can you use a computer in place of a DVR?

To use a computer as a digital video recorder, the computer needs to have digital video recording software, such as Windows Media Center, and a video capture card. Alternatively, connect a USB TV tuner to the computer.

Turn off the computer and connect a video cable from the TV cable box to the input jack of the video capture card or the USB TV tuner. Turn on the computer and run WMC. In WMC, click Settings, and then click TV. Click Set Up TV Signal, and wait for WMC to scan for available channels. Once completed, tune to a TV channel on the computer, and use the record feature of WMC to record the show.