CableCard equipped PCs now shipping

Let the early adopter wars begin. First, Velocity Micro announced that they're ready to ship the company's first CableCard ready home theater PC. Now Niveus says their CableCard PCs are ready to move.

That means consumers can now choose between high end media center PCs capable of recording high definition digital cable signals. Niveus is adding CableCard to several models, including the Rainier and Denali editions, as well as the Pro Series n9 and n7.

But lest you think Niveus just threw a couple of CableCard slots into its existing computers, the company actually requires you to purchase a separate set-top-box. The Niveus Digital Cable Receiver supports two CableCards and basically replaces your cable company box with a new box that's probably just as big and clunky looking. You can then pair it with a Niveus HTPC to record that sweet overpriced HD content.