Beyond TV: A PC PVR for Mortals

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Beyond TV: A PC PVR for Mortals

Editor's note: For this review of SnapStream's new BeyondTV product, I decided to let friend and fellow book author Paul Bausch do a quick review (since they advertise here, I thought it would be a conflict of interest to review it myself). Last year I reviewed their previous Snapstream product and this looks like a nice update.

Btvbtv250ffthumb It’s hard to believe we’ve had streaming video for over 70 years. Well, ok, we don’t normally think of television as streaming video—but I’ve found it hard not to think of TV this way since I added it to my PC.

I remember my first glimpse at what we currently call streaming video. I downloaded the Real Media Player, and the video was sort of like TV, only tiny, pixilated, and endlessly buffering, buffering. Early streaming video was sort of like watching TV with a VCR. You could watch it when you wanted, pause the video, move around in the action with a slider. All in all, it was pretty bad. I had no idea at the time that a PC would become a better place to watch television.

When TiVo arrived, I snatched one up right away. TiVo is basically a PC in disguise, which brought the good features of streaming video to my television, with some added intelligence about program schedules and my personal viewing preferences. After using TiVo for several years, I noticed the DIY PVR software like Freevo, and MythTV popping up. I was always tempted to try them so I could have even more control over the video. I consider myself a technical person, but I’ve never compiled my own Linux kernel, so these options seemed out of reach for me. Which brings me to the point of this review: SnapStream has put together PVR software for mere technical mortals.

The Interface

I’m very familiar with TiVo’s interface, so finding my way around Beyond TV was second-nature. The interface is set up for all-remote, push-button access—you wouldn’t even need a keyboard or mouse attached. (Though they are handy for speeding up the search/record process if they are attached.)

Like the TiVo Series 2, you can view your shows by series, or as a list:

Because all shows are simply files on your machine, the list mirrors what you’ll find if you browse the SnapStream shows folder:

And because all of the shows are standard mpeg files, you don’t even need Beyond TV to view them. Here’s a look at an episode of Futurama playing in the open source Media Player Classic:

For me, the best part about this is if I’m going on a trip, I can simply copy some of these files over to my laptop and view them with a lightweight player. Instant Futurama on the plane! Not to mention opening the files in an editor so I can quote video clips on my weblog, or share clips with others. (I’m talking about fair use only here, of course.) Saving video files in a completely accessible format gives me the control over the video I've been looking for.

Adding Programs

Beyond TV has season-pass style recording. You can search by keyword or title:

Or browse the lineup.

Clicking a program will give you the option to record the episode, or set up a recurring recording for the series:

Btv7

All of the channel guide info comes from SnapStream, and is updated every few days. Beyond TV differs from TiVo in a key way: there are no continuing subscription fees for program guide data. The one-time fee of $70 for the software is all you pay to have continuing access to the guide.

Nice Extras

Another nice feature is Skip Forward. Instead of hiding the commercial-skipping option as a back-door feature, Beyond TV has skip forward as a customizable feature in the settings. You can adjust the skip forward button to jump ahead as many seconds as you’d like:

Because Beyond TV is remote-centric, it’s almost a necessity. The video capture device I’m using is Hauppauge’s WinTV PVR USB-2, which ships with a fairly standard remote:

Remote

It’s not as nicely designed as the TiVo remote, but it works perfectly with Beyond TV. The only feature I found missing was instant-access to the full schedule of programs—there’s no “Guide” button.

Beyond TV supports multiple tuners, and I was lucky enough to test drive a two-tuner setup.

Basically this means I could record one program while I watched another, or I could record both shows at the same time. This worked well, and I didn't even notice the hard drive grinding away at the extra work. The drawback to implementing this, of course, is the cost of the extra tuner, but it's a nice option.

The final perk is that Beyond TV itself is also a web server. If you open up port 8129 on your home network's firewall, you can access most of Beyond TV's functionality through a browser from any location with web access. I can see that this would be handy for setting up last-minute recordings from the coffee shop, but I haven't actually used this feature yet.

A Note of Caution

There are a couple of caveats to consider before you rush out and replace your TiVo with a Windows box running Beyond TV. Be sure to check out the hardware requirements very carefully. I tried to install the program on a four-year-old laptop without much success. Beyond TV needs the latest and greatest .NET framework and Windows Media Player 10, so you'll want to be sure your Windows software is completely up-to-date before installing. Also, the video quality of the Hauppauge PVR isn’t as crisp as my television, and the Beyond TV picture is only as a good as the capture device can provide. Beyond TV has a free trial version, and you should definitely try it out first.

I’m not ready to replace my TiVo, but I will be using Beyond TV in addition to TiVo. Piping cable into my computer feels like the next step in streaming video, and Beyond TV makes this 70-year-old technology feel like something new.

by pb December 7, 2004 in Product Reviews

Comments

BTV's support is a joke. It was only when I copied everyone at the top echelon of the company that I was even able to get a phone number. Most people rely on the user forums for help, and a few dedicated but ultimately unpaid volunteers field most of the questions, sometimes successfully and sometimes not. They add support for new tuners on an ad hoc basis (and why is this necessary at all? DirectX was supposed to abstract all of this).

When I finally did get someone to help me, despite the inclusion of numerous BTV logs, DirectX logs, etc, etc, their suggestion was "you should reinstall Windows XP."

Spend your money on a TIVO or a DVR from your cable company; or, if you're so inclined, go with Myth. In my mind, BTV/Snapstream has far too much to answer for before I could recommend them to anyone.

Posted by: Scott at Dec 7, 2004 7:40:24 AM

Agree with Scott 100%. I have a PC integrated into my HT, along with my Tivo. I've tried every PVR software package on the market with it, none come remotely close to the ease of use and reliability of my Tivo. My wife and kids use the Tivo all the time without the slightest need of help from me - no PVR program / PC combo can compete. As for portability of content, if I really want a program that I can transfer to my notebook, I can just use a simple scheduler on the PC to record it and transfer it to my notebook, I don't need full PVR functionality for that.

Posted by: Brad at Dec 7, 2004 9:34:54 AM

I'll make it three. I have been testing version of Snapstream products for years, and always go back to TiVo.

Seriously, take my word for it - a living room is simply *no place* for a PC. Its loud, its big, its overpriced, and it seems like you are always scrambling for a keyboard no matter how well you set it up. Its annoying.

In my 5 years of experience with TiVo and BeyondTV, I can say there is only one 1 reasons to ever go with BeyondTV: picture quality.

The access to video files is a nice feature but I never really used it - I only watch TV on the plasma, and maybe 4 times a year on a plane with my laptop (in which case I prefer a DVD).

However, the picture quality is stunning depending on your settings and hardware, even compared to TiVO's highest setting (I even have a special *higher* TiVo setting on my Pioneer unit, still not as good!).

Still, that alone is not enough to make me want to setup and deal with a BeyondTV setup in my living room again - it was a frustrating experience and just ate up a lot of my time. I just wish TiVo would scale up its quality.

Posted by: Seth Brundle at Dec 7, 2004 10:01:31 AM

I agree that getting a PC into your living room and incorporating it into your home theater is a pain and a weird lifestyle change, but I don't really fault BeyondTV for the software, which always worked fine for me and for Paul doing the testing here.

In the past, my perfect setup was to pipe cable TV to my PC and record shows that were fluff and that I didn't feel like watching on my TV (like pimp my ride or cribs, stuff I could fast forward through most of). Getting that output to my TV setup downstairs was always a problem.

Posted by: Matt Haughey at Dec 7, 2004 11:59:15 AM

(Disclaimer: I run a site dedicated to homebrew PVR's but do own/use a S2 TiVo)

I've always said, rolling your own PVR/DVR isn't for everyone.

It's still a little bit of a geek pursuit, but with offerings like BeyondTV, SageTV, & GBPVR it's no longer as ardous process to setup a PC PVR (previous posters bad experiences excepted). Installing BTV3.5 was as easy as installing MS Office or the like for me. YMMV.

It's more about control and customizability than saving a buck on subscription fees. It's about the freedom to add functionality without waiting for a different entity to roll out a feature (*cough tivo2go where are you! cough*). It's about not worrying about new fangled FF-ads, or other market (as opposed to consumer) driven decisions.

There many different ways to build a HTPC/PC PVR setup. It doesn't have to be noisey and clunky (or it can be noisey and clunky in a closet and use a quiet thin media server client like hauppauge MediaMVP and a network cable -- Matt you should consider checking that out)

An XBox is basically a PC with a locked down purty fronted end and no one is exorcising them from the living room any time soon.

Another bonus of the PC PVR is expandability. You can't open up your TiVo and add more tuners =)

With that said, I still really like my Series 2 TiVo, but whenever I want to do somethign with the content i.e. burn a DVD/cut up & post a clip, etc... I'll "tivo" it on my PC PVR instead.

rampy

PS are you insinuating that "Pimp My Ride" isn't season pass worthy, matt?! =) I'm waiting for the day when West Coast Customs put a PVR into an el camino.

Posted by: rampy at Dec 7, 2004 3:34:37 PM

I run a combination of snapstream and xbox media center. I record on my computer and watch (wirelessly) through the xbox. Works wonderfully.

Posted by: kyle at Dec 8, 2004 6:50:09 AM

As a fairly capable gadget freak, I was pretty comfortable messing around with Snapstream. But I actually reverted BACK to a 2.X release because the 3.x release was so problematic.

What really got my goat was Snapstream's laser focus on nice but far-from-essential features (DivX transcoding, PocketPC transcoding, rolling their own program guide instead of continuing to use the nice-and-free TitanTV.com) instead of putting their resources into customer support. I am convinced that the companies that do well over the long haul are those that are "fanatical" about supporting their customers.

Think about two restaurants: one with decent food and stellar service or one with great food and abysmal service. Which one are you more likely to go back to?

Now that I have my two-tuner high-def 8000HD from Time Warner, I have little interest in re-integrating my PC into the mix, even at the expense of flexibility. (The 8000 has composite outputs labeled "VCR Archive" that don't function, bastids). The dedicated devices, whether you're a Tivo, Replay, SA or Motorola fan simply work better and easier.

Posted by: Scott at Dec 8, 2004 8:13:22 AM

That's a good point Scott. I can't fault you for being upset over the level of customer service you encountered.

There isn't a good one sized fits all cable HD card for the PC (it's all FTA/OTA ATSC DTV or unencrypted QAM -- enough acronyms there for you?) So you are pretty much locked into what ever the cable company is willing to rent you (until there are CableCard capable 3rd party DVRs available -- tivo are you listening?).

It's this sort of shennanigan (disabled outputs/features on cable co's STBs) that draw me to the PC PVR route, when possible.

But i've really digressed =)

I guess it does boil down to trade offs and what is more important to a given person. the relative stability and cohesive package of a STB designed from the ground up to do certain functions, or the flexibility and expandability of a platform like a PC (and some of the challenges of being PC-like)

I'm just glad that their options out there; more DVR-esque devices the better!

rampy

Posted by: rampy at Dec 8, 2004 11:48:29 AM

This review has convinced me to give the product a spin. I'll be picking up a TV tuner tonight and downloading BeyondTV in the next few days. I've decided that I'll see how well the MPEG2 files work, and if it's okay on the PC, I'll probably pick up the qCast2 media player for the Playstation 2 to integrate BeyondTV with my existing HT system.

Details are available at

http://www.aetherial.net/personal/2004/12/happy_xmas_to_m.html

Posted by: Chris at Dec 8, 2004 12:27:02 PM

I completely disagree with the comment that PCs have no place in the living room.

I have a 3 year old mobo in a Silverstone black case that blends with my existing home theatre gear. It's virtually silent thanks to a Zalman power supply.

And the PVR-style functionality of Beyond TV is only a part of the picture.

The ability to view downloaded files off the net (cough), all my MP3s, surf Google for answers to questions that come up during casual entertaining, and explore the last 6 years of my life in digital image form is priceless.

Try that with your TiVo.

Michael

Posted by: Michael Hainsworth at Dec 9, 2004 11:39:05 AM

Personally I'd like to see them add the Plextor devices to their list. Recording in a format that I could burn straight to DVD w/o reprocessing would be one of the big reasons to mess with this rather than the simplicity of a tivo...

Posted by: Don at Dec 9, 2004 11:44:20 AM

Used them all with frustration, until I found MCE 2005. Growing plugin community only increases its value. BTV and SAGE are OK but lack the stability of MCE 2005. Granted the early versions were limited, MS finally got it right on the 3rd try. Picture quality is better to boot.

Posted by: PC PVR LOVER at Dec 9, 2004 1:05:29 PM

Scott-
I just got the SA 8300HD and the "VCR Archive" composite outs ARE functional.
I have not used them, seeing that the HD DVR has made the VCR disappear, but I can see if you had some sort of "media-centric" PC in your HT you could dump to that and archive/move files.
Great, underrated, functionality. I'm not super-familiar with the 8000's menus, but in the 8300 when you select a program from your recorded programs list there is an option to "Copy to VCR". When you select that option it outputs the program to the "VCR Archive" composite outs -in the background. I don't think it uses a tuner, so theoretically you should be able to record 2 programs simultaneously while using the copy output function...

Posted by: pete at Dec 9, 2004 10:08:23 PM

Pete I am DROOLING for your 8300. What market are you in?

Rampy -- yes, I had a bad experience with ATI's HD Wonder (well, not ATI's fault I can't get OTA reliably in my building-laden city.) which is OTA only. I've never understood why TW is so scared of CableCard. They could always rent them the way they rent boxes now and not lose any revenue.

Posted by: Scott at Dec 10, 2004 2:44:21 PM

I have been researching how to build my own PVR for the last week or so and was wondering if anyone could suggest a combination of TV Tuner card, graphics card, and PVR software. I don't know a whole lot about it, but I've learned a lot since researching the whole process (and yet, still hesitant).

I currently have a Windows XP Pro system, AMD Duron 1GHZ processor, a gig of memory, and about 80 gigs of hard drive space. I am considering the Blauppauge 250 or 350 and have been researching BeyondTV and GB-PVR. One concern I have is that I'm not sure I completely understand the whole interlacing and de-interlacing. Basically, I'd like to have the best picture possible (i.e. dvd quality) that will play on a standard TV (I don't have HDTV).

Again, any suggestions as to a combination of TV Tuner card, graphics card, and PVR software would be very very grateful!

Thanks in advance!

Posted by: patrick at Dec 11, 2004 12:47:13 AM

Hey Patrick,

If you have a standard definition TV you shouldn't have interlacing issues.

Usually the issue surfaces when watching interlaced standard def content (as taken in from your tuner card) and watching it on a higher resolution non-interlaced screen, like a PC monitor/HDTV.

If you are watching programs recorded with a HAUPPAUGE PVR 250/350 on a standard definition TV you shouldn't have to worry about interlacing issues =)

I'd suggest trying them all (gbpvr, BTV, sageTV, mediaportal, meedio) to see what works for you, but note that some of the software won't install unless you have your tuner card installed already.

A PVR250 + name brand, last years model video card w/tvout + pvr software should work pretty well and give you maximum flexibility.

The pvr350 is very cool, but there are some caveats to it's usage, some of which woudl effect which software you could/should use.

Good luck with your project!

rampy

PS you could always do an http://ask.pvrblog.com if you need additional specific info or drop me a line at rampy AT byopvr DOT com

Posted by: rampy at Dec 11, 2004 8:48:43 AM

just got this up and running last night.
has anyone figured out how to save the files
to a different drive than the default on c?
the faq says you can do it when you schedule but i can't find it anywhere. how do we set this
up so that the files can be saved wherever we
want them to be?
thanks

Posted by: marty at Dec 22, 2004 10:35:33 AM

Specs:
Hauppauge’s WinTV PVR USB-2,
Dell PIII 600 MHz, 128 meg of RAM
NVIDIA GeForce2 MX/MX 400
Standard 32 inch TV (Zeneth)
Beyond TV 3.5.
Recording at DVD (good) level quality.

Love it! No problems with install. And this is old hardware!

Just two days ago I popped in a 250 gig drive for more recording room. ( gained over 110 hrs of recording time)

I have the freedom of moving files around, upgrading hardware, etc. Would never buy a dedicated appliance for this.

Posted by: PVR new guy at Dec 31, 2004 2:10:24 PM

Can anyone tell me how this PVR thing works with scrambled cable. If it wroks at all?

Posted by: egas at Jan 8, 2005 7:07:33 AM

rampy - to save to a different file location you need to use the web interface in btv. from your browser type
http://127.0.0.1:8129/default.aspx
under settings you can customize all kinds of stuff including create a video folder. The other cool thing is if you have a home network you can access the web interface from a different pc by typing the ip address and the port 8129 like this: http://192.168.1.101:8129
I use a dedicated 1.7 ghz pc with a nvidia fx5200, a hauppauge pvr350, a clean install of windows xp on a 40 gb hard drive, and a second 80 gb hd for the tv recodings. Works great for me, easy enough for the wife and kids and the one thing no one mentioned...if you record a lot of shows, it's easy to add a 200-300 gb hard drive That's a lot of tv time!! I don't think you can do that with a tivo. My next step is to add a DVD recorder and nero, then I'll have an awesome TV recording center!!!

Posted by: glaziwg at Jan 11, 2005 5:21:20 PM

I downloaded the Beyond TV trial. Am using it with the following system:

AMD Sempron 2.4
40 GB 7200 RPM HDD
256 RAM
integrated SiS video
ATI TV Wonder VE
no remote (yet)

I tinkered with all the settings. I think it's a great program. here are my thoughts:

- uses about 80% CPU in "good" quality mode, 50% in "fair" mode. this is because the ATI card does not have hardware MPEG compression. Make sure your card has this
- the UI is 100x better than ATI's MMC, and stable
- the free tv guide works in Canada
- i think i am going to get a second hardware tv tuner and try out both
- the UI works well with a mouse (tv guide scrolls etc)
- i am going to buy this product, possibly with the firefly remote.

Posted by: Neil M at Jan 14, 2005 9:44:25 AM

Anyone have recommendations for what software to use to to take BTV MPEG2 files and reprocess them to burn dvd's? Any tips or watchout fors?

Posted by: J. at Jan 19, 2005 7:35:41 PM

When using DishNetwork, what software/hardware do I need to have a true PVR (on an extra PC)? The goal: simply to be able to watch on TV whatever channel currently selected from the Dish receiver. Yet be able to pause and rewind that channel. Wiring assumptions: S-VHS and audio output from Dish receiver to the PC. PC must have Video out to TV and audio out to my audio receiver. What's the best route here? Seems like (another!) remote will be needed....

Posted by: Dennis at Jan 23, 2005 10:33:13 PM

Can anyone please tell me if there are any TV tuner devices which can handle premium channels? For example, I've seen cards which can do 125 or 181 channels, but what about the HBO channels which come in the low 300's with Comcast in my neck of the woods? How do the media center PCs from the likes of HP or Gateway handle this? I've looked into this off and on for the last few months and haven't found any definitive answers.

Posted by: mjhudso at Mar 18, 2005 5:42:17 PM

Understanding PVR/DVR (Personal/Digital Video Recording) Technology

I – Introduction: What is PVR?
PVR, simply put, is technology used to pause, rewind, fast-forward (timeshifting), and record Live TV. Computer-based PVRs can also connect to other media formats such as those in one’s My Pictures, My Music, and My Videos folders under My Documents, as well as playing DVDs or “burning” recorded TV shows to DVD. Depending on what type of PC-based PVR system that is chosen, certain types of “plug-ins” are also available that can greatly add to the PVR experience. A plug-in is a small program that is written to run inside the PVR software. Such plug-ins include current weather information, online media information, local movie theatre schedules, personality or profile based recording, email access within the PVR system, etc.
PVRs are pieces of equipment that run on EXISTING cable, antenna, or satellite services the same way a VCR would. You must have cable, antenna, or satellite in order to use them.

II – PVR Differences – TiVo vs. Computer
A TiVo PVR unit is basically a computer. TiVo had a built-in hard drive and all the software is pre-programmed to perform a certain way. Various TiVo models will give you different options (like those “plug-ins” listed above). BASIC TiVo units can be purchased for as little as $99.00 dollars with a MONTHLY service fee minimum of $12.99 per month. More functionally TiVo units (like being able to play or record DVD’s) can run two and three hundred dollars. Other companies offer TiVo alternatives (like Comcast); however, the service and associated costs are generally the same.
In converse, a Computer could cost more to “setup” but you won’t have the monthly fee associate with it. Also, it can be more tailored to fit individual users’ needs and desires. Basic computer components required are the computer itself, a good-sized hard drive (60+gigs), a TV-Captures card, and video card with TV-Out capabilities, and a DVD Player or Burner. Once the components are put together, then the choice of PVR software must be made.

III – PVR Software Choices
There are quite a few options when choosing the type of PVR software. Ranging from free to a couple hundred dollars and already configured with a new pc or quite complicated depending on your computer skills, you must first decide what you want to gain from one of these systems. PVR Software differs also depending on whether your pc is Windows or Linux based.
Linux systems really only offer two viable choices as they compare to the Windows alternatives—Freevo, or MythTV, with MythTV being by far the most popular. The most common Linux distributions that run Freevo or MythTV are either Fedora Core (RedHat), or SuSE.
Windows systems have a large array of choices. Microsoft offers a PVR system built into one of its Windows Operating-Systems called “Windows XP Media Center Edition” that comes pre-installed with a new MediaCenter PC, and is VERY easy to use; however, it is only available on new PCs. If you plan on installing PVR software on an existing Windows XP system, other choices include Meedio-TV (or Meedio-Pro), SageTV, Beyond TV, Showshifter, and GB-PVR MediaCenter. Each system offers its’ own pros-and-cons, so taking a little time to research your options will greatly increase your results.
The following are links to comparison charts for the various systems:
Windows Based -
XP-MCE: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/evaluation/default.mspx
Meedio: http://www.meedio.com/products/comparison/index.html
SageTV: http://www.sage.tv/stvfeatures.html
BeyondTV: http://www.snapstream.com/products/beyondtv/BeyondTV_Features.asp
ShowShifter: http://www.showshifter.com/features/index.htm
GB-PVR: http://www.gbpvr.com
Linux Based -
Freevo: http://freevo.sourceforge.net/screenshots.html
MythTV: http://mythtv.org/modules.php?name=MythFeatures

IV – Computer Hardware
Perhaps just as important as the PVR software you choose, is the hardware you have in your PC. A PVR system can range from a PIII 1.0 Gigahertz processor with 256 Megabytes of RAM and a 40 Gigabyte harddrive, to a newer P4 3+ Gigahertz, 1Gig RAM, and 200 Gig harddrive. Then you must decide which TV Capture card to use (and if it comes with a remote control), and if you want a DVD Burner included as well. You should DEFINITELY look at the System Requirements sections of EACH of these software options to determine if you meet the requirements. Additionally, MINIMUM requirements really mean MINIMUM! You do get what you pay for when it comes to that! Try to go with MORE than the minimum, otherwise you may find yourself being unsatisfied with your results.
The hardware “keys” to a successful PVR system include a) making sure you have a fast enough PC (though in many cases, a 1.0 ghz processor is okay, generally, 2.0+ is better), b) having AT LEAST 512mb RAM, and c) the bigger the harddrive, the more your can record and keep for longer times.
The Microsoft Windows XP MediaCenter Edition software only comes with new PC’s because Microsoft will only allow manufactures (such as HP, or Dell), to include the MediaCenter software on certain types of computers with certain types of hardware—thus being able to guarantee a truly functional and stable system to the end-users.

V – Conclusions
Simply deciding that a Computer-based PVR system is better than a purchasing a TiVo, because you don’t have to pay the monthly fee, can be a very temping choice; however, in many circumstances it can be the wrong one. While the Microsoft XP MediaCenter pc, in my opinion, leads in ease of use, setup, and stability, a basic computer will run around $800.00. To build a new pc on your own and use one of the other PVR programs, you’re looking at spending at least 600-700 minimums AND have all the work of setting it up.
However, it’s not a slam-dunk for TiVo either. If you were in the market anyway for a new PC, now would be the time to look into a MS MediaCenter pc. If you already have a computer that meets the minimum specifications-but doesn’t have the TV Capture card-you could purchase on for as little as $70 or $80 dollars (though, the better quality cards will run more around $100-$200), and you could just add-on (same for the DVD Burners).
Another consideration is that not all the PVR software is free. In fact, the two Linux options, and the GB-PVR programs are the only FREE choices. So, which one should you choose? If you’re into Linux, MythTV is an entirely superior software program—even over the Windows choices; but, it is also the hardest to get setup. If you’re feeling adventurous, go with a MythTV solution. On Windows-based computers, the GB-PVR choice is great too. This is one instance where FREE really is better. The only real drawback is that it too is a little more difficult to setup; but, once done, is VERY cool. If you don’t want to go out and buy a new computer, or learn Linux, or deal with some of the hassels of the GB-PVR choices, then I would recommend the Sage-TV program. They offer a “bundle” option that includes a decent TV Capture card (the Hauppauge PVR-150) with a remote control, AND the program for only $150.00! The card is easy to install—as is the program. Also, you don’t necessarily need a very fast computer either.
An additional advantage to a computer-based PVR system, as opposed to a TiVo, is a new service by ORB.COM (http://www.orb.com). This free service installs in your PVR computer, and as long as your computer has high-speed Internet access, gives you the ability to access your media (Videos, Pictures, Music) from any other high-speed Internet connection in the world! It will even give you access to LIVE-TV over the web!
In the long run, if you’re willing to do the research, and-or put forth the initial investment (like purchasing a MediaCenter PC), or a smaller investment (like the SageTV option), than a Computer-based PVR system DEFINITELY beats the TiVo by a mile. Various Internet forums and websites are out there with lots of helpful information on setting up your own system; so, google away and the effort will be well spent!

Posted by: Matt O. at Aug 24, 2005 9:58:36 AM

Thanks for the excellent comments & information about setting up a PVR. I'm still looking into my options.

I don't want to set up a separate PC _just_ to serve as a PVR (I really don't watch that much TV!); rather, I'm thinking about using a spare hard drive, picking up a TV tuner card, and adding PVR functionality to my existing PC. Here's where my question comes in:

I'm currently running a dual monitor setup on a GeForce 6800 graphics card, with the option of running an S-video out in place of my second monitor. While I'm at my desk, I could use the second monitor to watch the live TV feed, as well as any recorded mpeg-2 files. However, what do I do when I want to watch the recorded files or control the PVR software through my TV, which is in the other room?

I'd imagine I could set up a hotkey to switch between the second monitor & TV, changing the resolution accordingly...but is that my only option for getting video (and my PVR software) out to the television?

Thanks in advance for your replies!

Posted by: Shane at Sep 28, 2005 10:20:20 PM

all kinds of video tools at http://www.yaodownload.com/video_t/ , the download service is free!

Posted by: suangsang at Aug 1, 2006 11:06:58 PM

BTV is the best 70 dollars I spent. I travel all the time home 5-10%. My hours vary on easy of job. I like to watch TV Series Friend/Sienfield/etc. Well while I am traveling, I may run into a hotel that does not have the chanel I want or I get there to late. I have 450 Gig of hard Drive space and Let it record any program that my wife or I want to watch. I then Show Squeeze it down to WMV format. I get home and run a script to copy the new files to my notbook then leave again and get to watch my shows while I am sitting in the airport waiting for a flight. I tried different options and am going back to beyond TV. (I upgraded to a faster processor to be able to record and watch at the same time and thought there might be something better out there. I was wrong.)

To sum it up. If you want to have the flexability the BTV is awesome. If you want ease and quality go with TIVO or Replay TV. If it is really important to have it all. Hope you got some money.

Posted by: Chris at Aug 24, 2006 2:37:57 PM

I have the same situation as Matt O posted on Aug 24. I run dual monitors from my existing video card, one output was for TV out, but with an adapter, changed it to monitor.

I dont want to give up a monitor to watch recorded TV on my television. Do I have to buy a seperate video card to switch from monitors to TV when I want to share vids with the family?

What other options do I have?

Posted by: Daniel S at Sep 3, 2006 8:16:26 AM

for the best free tv on pc including movies, sports, tv episodes and live sports

http://www.worldtvpc.com

Posted by: razzle at Sep 9, 2006 1:06:27 AM

I have been using a freeware program call GB-PVR. It works much the same as BTV but has a lot more plugins etc. It can be a bit tricky to setup however the forum at the site is quite helpful as even the the guy that made this sweet little program answers questions there. I have been using it for about a year now with no complaints.

http://www.gbpvr.com/

Posted by: Larry at Sep 9, 2006 3:02:05 AM

Hey guys

Check out this site for movies, sports, cartoons, tv episodes and much more

http://www.worldtvpc.com

Posted by: buster at Sep 19, 2006 11:01:21 AM

cant find enough info for the http line for networking bytv. anyone knows exactly what to type in my browser? someone above said http://192.168.1.101:8129 but no page was found.
built a dedicated pc for bytv. using 2 HAUPPAUGE dual hd and analog tuner cards. All is great and easy on the wife too. we love our new tv frind!
gun

Posted by: gun at Mar 20, 2008 4:49:49 PM

Beyond TV: A PC PVR for Mortals

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