I’m in the same position

I’m in the same position as kalyko. Need soup to nuts, know some building, don’t know entertainment tech at all and am overwhelmed. I was excited to get started months ago, but now I’m exaperated and desparate at the learning curve time and feel barely closer. The best primer I’ve seen so far I found on this site, but that was 3 years old and clearly out of date, esp. if only OEM HTPCs could function with cablecards back then.

But one of my main questions, and difference from the OP, is that I want to know how a PVR card works in this mix, with or without a Ceton-type card.  Like, should I choose a Hauppauge 1414 (or similar, whatever is similar) because I want to re-record off my Verizon DVR’d shows and my VHS kid videos?  And could that be my new DVR and get a plain set top box?  If so, can the 1414 or similar record channels I’m not watching?  How does a PVR card with a tuner but not a cablecard figure into this?  And do I even need a PVR if I go with a Ceton (and still digitize VHS)?  Do I need a Ceton if I get no premium channels, but want DisneyHD/NickHD/UnivisionHD?  I’m having a devil of a time finding this kind of basic, what-its-like-in-the-family-room info in the Internet haystack.

Or do you want me to open my own thread for this one?

Otherwise, I’m listening intently to other component info, as well.