Pros and cons of htpc vs tivo

[BoldAsLove]

i am trying to prove that an htpc is better than a tivo...and im trying to think of some more reasons...list all that you got and help me out!

thanks 🙂

 

[DaveSimmons]

Just ask the axes.

GottaDeal has a DVD recorder + TIVO for $160 so that's going to be difficult.

The tivo is simpler to set up and get working reliably.

The HTPC:
* can play any audio format including lossless FLAC, and can be used with music rental services from Napster and Yahoo
* can play any video format for stuff you steal off the intraweb
* can play games

 

[PolarNorth]

HTPC Cons:
*At least several evenings, and lots of time and effort setting up.
*Setup costs of hardware and software (read HTPC forums like htpcnews.com for specifics)

Tivo Cons:
*Monthly fees
*stuck with interface, can not tweak or digitally save out of the box.

HTPC Pros:
*Can end up with the ultimate geeks dream rig with some work!
*can fill any niche feature you may want.

Tivo Pros:
*Pretty damn good for almost no effort, and fills most needs.

 

[rgwalt]

HTPC combines the TV recording ability with all of the home media stuff, like streaming music, video, games, weather, even movie times (with something like Myth). It is really easy to convert and save video off your TV. However, unless you want to do all your own data mining, you'll end up paying a service fee to someone for the necessary guide data. HTPC is very versitle, but it requires a lot more effort to get running reliably.

TiVo on the other hand does not currently have all the neat options you see in HTPC. However, it is incredibly easy to setup and use. I don't have to worry about taking care of a front end, or a back end, or a server, or the clients. Plus, you never know what they are going to release in Series 3.

R <-- TiVo owner, fan, lover, and addict

 

[PolarNorth]

Originally posted by: rgwalt
However, unless you want to do all your own data mining, you'll end up paying a service fee to someone for the necessary guide data.

Not true for a lot of the HTPC options (the most popular 'pay' software has free tv data info, as does the free ones). There is a lot of variety with the software you can choose.

Have a look at a htpc forum, there is a lot to read. My advice, make a list of the top 3 choices, use Norton ghost simplify the unistallation, and see which one you like. If this sounds like too much work and not much fun, that is a good litmus test that TIVO, not HTPC is right for you.

 

[rgwalt]

Originally posted by: PolarNorth

Originally posted by: rgwalt
However, unless you want to do all your own data mining, you'll end up paying a service fee to someone for the necessary guide data.

Not true for a lot of the HTPC options (the most popular 'pay' software has free tv data info, as does the free ones). There is a lot of variety with the software you can choose.

Have a look at a htpc forum, there is a lot to read. My advice, make a list of the top 3 choices, use Norton ghost simplify the unistallation, and see which one you like. If this sounds like too much work and not much fun, that is a good litmus test that TIVO, not HTPC is right for you.

A buddy of mine uses Myth, and indicated that he pays a service fee for his guide data downloads. It is much cheaper than TiVo of course.