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Software PVRs Becoming Tivo Killers

Posted by Zonk on from the sad-state-of-affairs dept.

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."

11 of 439 comments (clear)

  1. Prepare... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Prepare to read 500 "Windows is teh suck! Use MythTV on Linux! It is da bomb!" comments...

    1. Re:Prepare... by SanityInAnarchy · · Score: 2, Funny

      I think the karma whores are collaborating now!

      Well, I don't expect this to be modded, seeing as it's an analysis of the commentary on what people might post about the article about MythTV. Too much meta-shit. Guess I'm a karma whore too, today.

      --
      Don't thank God, thank a doctor!
  2. Software PVR killed my Tivo. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    Then it killed my iPod too, because it knew too much.

  3. I have my OWN TiVO Killer... by JoshDM · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's called BitTorrent and a DVD Burner. Capture TV only. I pay for my cable. I just don't program my VCR properly.

  4. Re:Need a clue here- by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm not sure, but this link will possibly help you out.

  5. BTW...did I mention I don't own a TV? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Because I don't. Don't own a TV, that is. And I'm posting here because I'm interested in the technology. I'm not interested in television, though. Because I don't own a TV.

  6. Re:Need a clue here- by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    I don't have a TV (not since 1989)

    Thats interesting as I haven't owned or used a computer since 1992.

  7. Re:MCE for me, unfortunately by The_K4 · · Score: 3, Funny

    I was about to agree then I realized that my MythTV box runsEVIL.

  8. Re:MCE for me, unfortunately by dada21 · · Score: 4, Funny

    After 19 years of dating I can give a few good reasons for living under the WAF:

    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

  9. Re:MCE for me, unfortunately by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    And this is why you'll never be married and die a lonely man with his AV equipment.

  10. Re:MCE for me, unfortunately by cybertears · · Score: 3, Funny

    Don't date girls in massive debt. Don't date girls with all guy friends and 1 girlfriend, or girls who say "I hate girls." Don't date girls that your friends don't like or that don't like your friends. Don't date girls who can only have a good time drinking or smoking up.

    we call these girls "one night stands"