That's kind of you - soapboxes are really slippery and often dangerous, all soapy and stuff. Here's a quick rundown.
Several open-source Linux-based programs out there (MythTV being probably one of the more widely used) that are relatively easy to set up and are, of course, free. MythTV has a *way* more robust feature set than anyone could ever want, and that I've ever seen in a DVR (arguably too robust, sometimes!). I haven't ever used or explored the Microsoft media center, so that may good, too! Computer requirements: * Linux * MySql * one or more video-capture cards (usually comes with remote control and IR sensor); If you have one video card, you can record one thing at a time, if two, then you can record two, etc., These cost about 150 bucks, if I remember correctly. * One or more hard drives as big as you want for video storage * Internet connection (can be wireless) * DVD Burner (if you want to move shows onto DVD - not required) Cons: * Can be a pain to set up * Interface, being open source and all, sometimes not all that intuitive, crashes occasionally * Computer sitting in your TV room, though they make nice boxes for such things (but they're expensive) Pros: * Independent - not beholden to corporate/network interests, no Macrovision software deleting shows or restricting how long you can have shows for * Robust feature set * Programmable remote to whatever you want * Free after cost of hardware, no expensive monthly/yearly/lifetime membership * You can always add to or upgrade your hard drive whenever you want without voiding any warranties :-) * Want to record more shows simultaneously? Buy another video card. Ian Skinner wrote: >Don't make me get up on my integrated DVR soapbox again!! :-) Go independent! > That way, no evil company can delete your shows! > > >Can you expand on this without getting on a soapbox? I would hate to have you >trip or fall and hurt yourself on my account. > >What choices of independent are there? What is a rule of thumb for costs and >expenses? > >-------------- >Ian Skinner >Web Programmer >BloodSource >www.BloodSource.org >Sacramento, CA > >--------- >| 1 | | >--------- Binary Soduko >| | | >--------- > >"C code. C code run. Run code run. Please!" >- Cynthia Dunning > >Confidentiality Notice: This message including any >attachments is for the sole use of the intended >recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged >information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or >distribution is prohibited. If you are not the >intended recipient, please contact the sender and >delete any copies of this message. > > > > > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~| Message: http://www.houseoffusion.com/lists.cfm/link=i:5:202756 Archives: http://www.houseoffusion.com/cf_lists/threads.cfm/5 Subscription: http://www.houseoffusion.com/lists.cfm/link=s:5 Unsubscribe: http://www.houseoffusion.com/cf_lists/unsubscribe.cfm?user=89.70.5 Donations & Support: http://www.houseoffusion.com/tiny.cfm/54
