Software PVRs Becoming Tivo Killers

mikemuch writes "ExtremeTech's Jason Cross examines PVR software that runs on Windows -- applications from SnapStream, Cyberlink, and SageTV. With TiVo's mounting price hikes, service contracts, and 'features' like self-deleting shows, the DIY option is getting more appealing all the time." From the article: "All the major TV features you're used to with TiVo or Windows Media Center Edition are there--quick 30 second skip, padding show recordings (start early and stop late), a nice integrated guide with easy-to-read program info. The interface design isn't quite as good as either of those two other options, but it's one of the best we've seen in a Windows-based PVR application outside of MCE. If we had to pick an annoyance, it's that you can't seem to bring up the program guide or navigate the menu without stopping the live TV or recording that you're watching. TiVo plays the current TV program in the background, and MCE plays it in a small window in the lower left. We didn't miss it until it was gone."

Comments

Re:Great timing on the topic

[spikedpunch]

funny, everything Mac i have ever bought has broken... so much for just working.

Re:Not for Joe Public

[thoth]

When and if TIVO starts implementing the auto-delete feature on shows, I may re-evaluate... And before anyone starts in on the "oh they've already deleted stuff off of people's TIVO's" bit -- Tivo has admitted it, said it was a mistake and said it's part of a future change

Do you seriously believe that TIVO implemented and is testing this feature, only to NOT deploy it? Or you are just hoping it won't affect the shows you watch?

TiVo Killer

[Nom du Keyboard]

All things considered, TiVo needs some real competition so that they'll stop bending over to the MPAA and remember who their real customers are.

Re:MCE for me, unfortunately

[cayenne8]

"10. Less chance of catching VD.

9. Laundry always clean

8. Personal Memory Backup

7. Cheaper insurance rates

6. Morning Sex

5. Ego boost (she's hott)

4. Someone to procreate with without threat of lawsuit or ridiculous child support hassles 3. Inside jokes get better

2. Introduction to non-AnCap views

1. Morning Sex"

Ok...some valid points...but, still can't you get that without having to get WAF on things like a DVR or audio system?

Going down the list...some alternate opinions...

10. Not that worried...use a condom, and common sense to avoid potential VD'ers

9. I can do my own laundry..usually easier and not expensive though, to take it all to the cleaners and them launder and iron it.

8.Ok..I think we can ALL use that one...

7. Never understood that one....

6. Always good...better with different ones on occasion, unless you want to subscribe to the new Playboy for Married Men....every month.....SAME CHICK

5. Hot chicks are always great, but, they do start getting older...I like to trade them in periodically for a newer, hotter model, and not give up half my shit I own...(see #6 in italics for reading material)

4. Not a priority...I'm not ready to be anchored down, I like to travel when and where I want...kids are good for some people who are willing to park their lives...and marriage is a must if you want to do this, I'll grant you that.

3. I can see this one...old inside jokes do get better with long term friends. 2. Ok...please explain what "non-AnCap views" are...?

1. Again..is great...see #6. Don't get stuck in a rut.

:-)

Re:Windows based? Who cares?

[The Lynxpro]

"Hauppauge. Newegg. Idiot."

So said the spineless online coward. Newegg is obscure to Joe Average in comparison to Best Buy or CompUSA. I stand by my previous statement.