Windows 7: Several things about Media Center and TV...

Wow, it's been a while since I've been on here, I kind of feel guilty...

Anyways, I'm going to be transitioning from my old telly that uses a digital converter box to using my new ASUS monitor I'm holding out until there's a good price on the interweb. Knowing that Media Center can be used as a software DVR, I wonder if there's a way to just use the digital converter box and split the output to I don't know, a PCI card that can take the video output signal and DVR bewitched portrait shows so I don't have to either hulu or download the episode later in the week when I can have it saved in Media Center.

Also, is there such a device that can be used as a remote for either Media Center, Zune or maybe even Media Player? I know iTunes can be controlled with an iphone, but I'm against using apple hardware or software in general. I absolutely adore using the Zune Software, it's gorgeous to use. I don't really want to walk up to my keyboard or carry a keyboard around or put it around the room just for a couple commands. I'd like me a remote.

Thanks all!

You can input a signal from an external DVR with an appropriate composite input video card. Whilst you can use it to record in MCE it's painful to setup. It may be more worth your while to just instal a tv capture card and use the aerial straight to your computer without the DVR, connect your pc to your Asus monitor and use it as a DVR.
Yes you can get a USB remote control for your computer which will control MCE, look on eBay for media centre remote, get one with the windows orb start button and you can throw your keyboard away. There are also non Apple remotes for your iPhone or Andriod that use your pc's wireless LAN, Logitech do a decent free one.