October 11, 2005
Tivo Killers Windows PVRs
Extremetech has a good review roundup of Windows PVRs including Snapstream's Beyond TV, PowerCinema, and Sage TV. Net-net it looks like they recommend sticking with the Microsoft solution. Now how many times can we say that with other products?None of the PVR applications we tested really delivers the whole kit and caboodle. SageTV delivers all the necessary features, but we find the interface unimpressive. Beyond TV does a good job with TV, but it doesn't handle DVD and your other media unless you buy the Firefly remote. And the remote's software doesn't integrate well with Beyond TV. PowerCinema offers the best overall user experience, which is completely nullified by the lack of an electronic program guide.
