Ok, this is what I have. What do I need to make this work.

AMD 2400
1GB memory
4600 Nvidia GC
Directv Sat system
Will install Knoppmyth

What is the cheapest way I can do this and still be happy?
I would like to view a program while recording another.
I would also like to pause ff, rr, etc live tv.

Thanks for your help.

Start with the required reading. Here's the "what hardware you need" primer.
http://www.knoppmythwiki.org/index.php?page=PickingComponents

There's lots more information on the wiki.

Remember, this isn't magic, causality still applies, and you still need 1 tuner per captured stream like you do for PiP. The problem is that the DirecTV box is going to be the limiting factor, since it is actually your effective tuner. Right now your TV tuner either isn't used at all (S-Video or yellow RCA jack composite input) or is always set to one channel while the box does the real tuning (coax input).

Oh, thanks. I'll read it.

More questions! I have Directv. Will I be able to see the PPV movies and record it with Myth? Also, what about HDTV? I am picking up the new H-20 Friday and having it installed. Will I be able to record HD?

Think of it this way, if you have a video capture card or TV card with a video in and have it working with MythTV, you can record anything that comes through it. Irrespective of where the signal comes from.

im assuming the H20 is a DTV HD receiver.. if it is.. then no you cant record hi def.. UNLESS it has a firewire port on it.. but AFAIK none of the DTV receivers do.. So you would only be able to capture from Svideo.. .HD can only be done with myth through.. Over the Air... receivers with firewire (though even then your results may vary).. and QAM over cable.. i dont think i left any out..

What about this device?
http://www.digital-everywhere.com/cms/en/index.php

F.