text: how do i build my own pvr/dvr, specifically in a different room as my tv? i would like to use an older computer to build my own pvr/dvr, and house it in the basement.  my house is wired with cat5, so i maybe able use that somehow. you might need to get a ir sender that will send the infrared remote signal from where your tv is to where your computer's ir receiver is.  this is what i had to do, i've been using it for several years now and it works great.  then just run the coax cable to your computer's tv card and then out of there it goes to your tv.