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

MCE for me, unfortunately

[dada21]

I currently run MCE05 after years of Tivo and love it. It never fails, the interface is usable by the lady, and it was a breeze to install.

I tried EVERY other Win & Lin PVR and none were as stable or easy to install/use. The new Rollup2 for MCE adds copy/view restrictions but they're relying on the video driver and encoder to pass the flag. I found a driver that doesn't pass the flag, and I'm happy.

I'd love to switch to Meedio or MythTV but recent trials a few weeks ago vetoed the idea. Stability and ease of use weren't there yet. MCE is a performance hog but it works. No kludges, never crashes and really integrates well in my house with the Xbox Extender.

Re:MCE for me, unfortunately

[dada21]

I've built 5 MCE systems for others using 5 different hardware setups. They all work. The Wife Acceptance Factor necessitates it.

Every MythTV I've built has involved future phone calls. I've followed guides and tried various installs. When my home MythTV burped, it was hours of hitting forums to resolve.

I've been building PCs (Win & Lin) for 19 years. I love Linux, but MythTV is ill supported.

Funny thing... I had to call MS once for an MCE issue, and tech support figured it out in 10 minutes.

When a F/OSS PVR passes the WAF, I'll keep it.

Not for Joe Public

[0x4B494C4C]

The average home user still can't be bothered to set one up though and will thus still want the nice shiny, straight out of the box option

Price Point

[bombadillo]

Lets see a Tivo with 2 tuners which does it's job damn well 24x7 for $99 or a $1000+ dollar desktop which won't be up 24x7....

What about MediaPortal?

[Cymage]

I see they wanted Windows only, why didn't they include http://mediaportal.sourceforge.net/MediaPortal? It is open source, has the features they want, and runs on XP. Now, if someone (anyone) could include QAM support, I would be all set.

I have my OWN TiVO Killer...

[JoshDM]

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

Re:Need a clue here-

[Anonymous Coward]

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

Slashdot idiocy

[93 Escort Wagon]

"With TiVo's mounting price hikes..."

What series of price hikes are you referring to? The prices for the Tivos themselves have been consistently dropping, albeit with rebates (and the before rebate prices haven't been going up). The monthly subscription fee has increased just once in the past several years - certainly not at all in the 2+ years I've been a subscriber - and the multi-unit fee has actually DROPPED.

I'm guessing you've never had a Tivo - you just get all your "facts" from Slashdot discussions?

Re:Slashdot idiocy

[devaudio]

Tivo sent out a letter [to the tivo box, under messages](at least to NY Customers) that said they were increasing the price by 8.25% because of Sales Tax laws. Also, it's gone from 10.95 to 11.95 to 12.95 over the 5 years i've had it (the subscription price, not the price for the hardware)

Re:Easy to use Windows PVR software: GB-PVR

[thebosz]

Jeez, don't click that link. Stupid me, it's: GB-PVR. They've got a nice forum and a dedicated developer. Unfortunately, it's not open source. But neither are any of the commercial offerings.