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In case you're still deciding about PVR software

A

archcommus

Diamond Member
I have been trying to get a good hardware/software combo going for a PVR solution on my computer for some time now. I recently got a Hauppauge PVR-150. For the software, SageTV is the way to go. While BeyondTV does have some nice features, the layout, ability to customize, and community of SageTV cannot be matched. I notice this even more with the recent version 6. Just a really nice UI, loads of plug-ins to really extend its feature set, and a community that is very active and helpful. It's also only $10 more than BTV yet acts as a whole media center program, which BTV does not. Configuration is REALLY simple and you only need a couple small files to back up all your settings. Drop them into the directory of a fresh installation and everything is back with no fuss.

So if you're in the market, get a good reliable card and SageTV and you won't be disappointed. I do not work for them, but this was a decision for me that took a lot of time and research to make, so I figured this might help anyone else who can't decide or is new to the market.
 
can you use a remote with sage? i recently bought a hauppage PVR too. I decided to go with MCE since the old OS i was using was yanked out of an old gateway and i really wanted to use the remote that came with my new PVR.
 
Originally posted by: amish
can you use a remote with sage? i recently bought a hauppage PVR too. I decided to go with MCE since the old OS i was using was yanked out of an old gateway and i really wanted to use the remote that came with my new PVR.
Click to expand...
You got the Hauppauge PVR-150 MCE? If so this remote will work in SageTV no problem. Most remotes can be made to work, some less common ones just take more work than others.
 
Originally posted by: archcommus
Originally posted by: amish
can you use a remote with sage? i recently bought a hauppage PVR too. I decided to go with MCE since the old OS i was using was yanked out of an old gateway and i really wanted to use the remote that came with my new PVR.
Click to expand...
You got the Hauppauge PVR-150 MCE? If so this remote will work in SageTV no problem. Most remotes can be made to work, some less common ones just take more work than others.
Click to expand...

yeah, the USB one, right? i love it. had i known and not wanted to upgrade from XP home i would have gone this route.
 
Originally posted by: amish
Originally posted by: archcommus
Originally posted by: amish
can you use a remote with sage? i recently bought a hauppage PVR too. I decided to go with MCE since the old OS i was using was yanked out of an old gateway and i really wanted to use the remote that came with my new PVR.
Click to expand...
You got the Hauppauge PVR-150 MCE? If so this remote will work in SageTV no problem. Most remotes can be made to work, some less common ones just take more work than others.
Click to expand...

yeah, the USB one, right? i love it. had i known and not wanted to upgrade from XP home i would have gone this route.
Click to expand...
Oh, I see, you're actually using Windows MCE. Yeah, the Hauppauge MCE remote and normal remote both work in Sage.
 
Originally posted by: GregGreen
The regular Hauppauge remote works with SageTV 2. I'm assuming it still works in newer versions.
Click to expand...
Yep, I'm using it with version 6. With the latest Hauppauge IR software and a custom irremote.ini, you can even have it control Sage when its window doesn't have focus.
 
Just wondering if you or anyone else here has tried out GB-PVR before you settled on SageTV. GB-PVR is free and has a decent community with lots of plugins. I have ordered my Hauppauge PVR-150 and am trying to decide on what software to use. I thought I would try out GB-PVR before I spend some cash on other software like Sage.
 
Originally posted by: AeroEngy
Just wondering if you or anyone else here has tried out GB-PVR before you settled on SageTV. GB-PVR is free and has a decent community with lots of plugins. I have ordered my Hauppauge PVR-150 and am trying to decide on what software to use. I thought I would try out GB-PVR before I spend some cash on other software like Sage.
Click to expand...
Yes, I did try GB-PVR, and by all it means try it yourself, as well, but also be sure to try the SageTV 6 trial. GB-PVR was okay, but it is very unpolished in comparison, and for something you see frequently, often full screen, that wasn't okay with me. But my biggest issue with GB-PVR was the difficulty in setting up downloading EPG (program guide) data. I forget the details, but it pretty much involved using a complicated method of downloading free .xml data, or alternatively, using some kind of service, which is easier, but is only free for like a month or something. Easy EPG is a pretty important feature of a PVR, and that is one huge plus for SageTV - updates automatically for up to two weeks in advance, and is free.
 
Originally posted by: AeroEngy
Just wondering if you or anyone else here has tried out GB-PVR before you settled on SageTV. GB-PVR is free and has a decent community with lots of plugins. I have ordered my Hauppauge PVR-150 and am trying to decide on what software to use. I thought I would try out GB-PVR before I spend some cash on other software like Sage.
Click to expand...

I've been using GB-PVR for a long tiime....great program.
 
Any good deals on SageTV now? Also, I have tried the trial of Beyond TV and SageTV. I have also tried the Catalyst Media Center (my usnderstanding is that it is rebadged PowerCinema 4) as well at the ATI Multimedia Center. How does MCE stack up? I just bought it but haven't found time to reinstall yet. Let me know if it is worthwhile, otherwise I will wait for my Vista upgrade to come.
 
MCE is definitely good, I have not used it but judging by screenshots I think I like the interface of Sage a lot better. CMC and ATI MMC basically both suck, at least in comparison to Sage and others. You can get a good hardware/software bundle with Sage if you do not already have a tuner. If you do, I'm not sure where you can get Sage by itself for less than the $79.95 on their website.
 
I use BTV, but I also like the look of SageTV as well. It was basically a toss up, except SageTV says "They don't charge for a program guide, but they reserve the right to do so. That scared me off at the time of purchase. They both have some good add-ons, and I was leaning towards SageTV even though it is slightly higher. I'd say download them both and evaluate each one during the trial period they both offer. Be sure to sign up for each ones newsletter as well, since they both use coupons offers.
 
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