Since you are getting the Dell Dual Core package (assuming you stay with 32 bits OS)
Why not opt for Media Center Edition with a tuner from Dell! (this will solve your software issue! And you get the TV guide at no extra cost!)
Or two TV tuners, in case you are tempted by the “watch one channel while recording another” function! (MS added dual TV card support to MCE 2005!)
Or an analog one from Dell and an HD one from AVerMedia, "AVerTVHD MCE" (Minimum Requirements: Pre-installed MCE 2005 Certified Analog TV Tuner Card)
http://www.aver.com/2005home/product...0wb_spec.shtml
The MCE option is also a practical solution for taking your “favorite TV shows, on the shuttle”!