Hi all, great forum here.

I think I can pull this off with one relatively inexpensive machine, while using my 2TB NAS for most of the storage..

basically it's just a media server (would mythTV work?). I have Comcast here in Minneapolis, so i'm not sure about the encrypted frequencies and what not.

Comcast's DVR is garbage, and I think i can do better. Also might as well make it an all in one server for my music as well.

My goal is to be able to do the following:
1. archive old VHS tapes to digital format
2. record Comcast media and store on NAS
3. stream recorded media from NAS

so here's a scenario - record something really cool on live TV in HD, then immediately have the ability to edit that data from my laptop and post it on youtube or something.

Kind of confused about what hardware I would need to purchase, as well as how to go about making optimal A/V connections.

also really need to convert old analog VHS to digital - that bit rot is going to start taking its toll.

thanks guys!
-B

I'm not sure you will get the advice you're looking for with that title. I suggest you edit it to read something like; "Can I use MythTV and a 2TB NAS with Comcast"
That way people direct experience are more likely to respond
As I understand it, that is exactly the kind of application that MythTV is intended to be used for. Although you can set up this type of arrangement with virtually any distro. The only issue is to figure out how to capture the stream from your decoder/receiver equipment as that can be tricky with some equipment. (they don't want you to use your own system with their stuff as a rule)

shucks...

To record some but maybe never all of your cable programs you need one of two things. One is a network receiver from Silicondust. It has maybe the best linux support of any.
Then you have some card type receivers that also may work in windows but you will have to check each one for linux support.

That was step one. Record/Receive

To get video from vhs might work too with one of the products if you set a vhs player to some channel analog and the new stuff still works to tune in to channel 3 or 4. Otherwise you need a capture card to copy rca or s-video input to computer. Some tuners do that but they tend not to be the type for cable decoding to you need another gizmo.

The rest of the story is simple file transfer and it should work.

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thanks much.