Looking for a media system

[Infamous]

what exactly is there for me out there? ive heard i can turn my old PC into a DVR . what programs possible?
I se on new egg media system boxes and special mobo's. What are some specs i should look for or will need to build a nice system.

Id like to use my old Pc for this task, a buddy of mine wishes to build a new one. So suggestions in both areas welcome. For the build, lets say a budget of 600$?

[mapes]

what exactly is there for me out there? ive heard i can turn my old PC into a DVR . what programs possible?
I se on new egg media system boxes and special mobo's. What are some specs i should look for or will need to build a nice system.

Id like to use my old Pc for this task, a buddy of mine wishes to build a new one. So suggestions in both areas welcome. For the build, lets say a budget of 600$?

Well there are lots of options here. If your familiar with Linux you could look at MythTV especiall on older hardware is supposed to run great. I looked at it and I'm very familiar with linux however even I was daunted by the amount of time needed. Plus theres the appliance wife factor. It needs to run like a toaster for my wife to use it. So that was a no go. Some other folks here use Windows media center.