TIVO-like PC interface is slowly becoming reality

[Packy]

Snapstream posted some screencaps of their new full-screen interface, which seems to be getting close to allowing tivo-like functionality and design on the PC.

The only other software I've seen that is close is ShowShifter, but that software doesn't have an integrated EPG (electronic programming guide), and it also doesn't work well with my AIW card I get bad interlacing when there is any kind of motion on-screen, even though TV looks fine when I run the ATI Multimedia Center software. Go figure.

Anyhoo, I might actually consider buying the new version of SnapStream if it works with my hardware.

Any comments? Here is another thread that mentions other PVR software for the PC.

 

[rbV5]

What does this offer over MMC?

 

[Packy]

The main feature of Snapstream is the ability to stream recorded video over a LAN or the internet, so you could, say, record Simpsons and then watch it streamed over wireless to a laptop in your den.

But on top of that I think it offers a better, cleaner full-screen interface, transparent overlays, and a totally integrated programming guide rather than having a separate app (Guide+, titantv, etc.) to chose which shows you want to watch. I didn't like Snapstream 2.0 all that much, but when the new version comes out, which allows live tv viewing and a nice GUI overlay, I'm going to give it another try. So far ShowShifter is my favorite except it isn't happy with my TV tuner.

 

[aircooled]

Packy I like that interface! By far it looks the most professional.

Maybe by the time I get my HTPC built It'll be ready for prime-time!

 

[rbV5]

record Simpsons and then watch it streamed over wireless to a laptop in your den.

I'm not following you, by wireless, you just mean a wireless network? Why can't you just click on a video file stored on a networked drive? Why do you need snapstream for that?

The transparent overlay looks nice, but thats a stiff price to pay for a GUI that you'll only use sparingly when you get MMC free with a Radeon card. I could see it if you don't have an already robust multimedia suite like MMC, but if you do...I can't see it...Now if it had a guide that worked with my digital cable box tuner.. I'd be on it. I'll give it a run however, but my experience with showshifter and snapstream in the past has been less than favorable when compared to MMC. I've always seen it as more an alternative to users who have trouble with MMC (minority of users, especially since MMC 7.5), or purchased a different card with a less than robust multimedia suite (most of them) but its nice to see alternatives as they tend to raise the bar all around, and that is good.

 

[eaadams]

If it cant record two DirecTV signals at one time it is useless to me.

No TV card can control my DirecTV stuff.

I love my DirecTIVO

 

[Packy]

This is more of an option for users like myself who had extra parts lying around and want tivo-ish functionality and looks at a bargain price. Honestly, I like this software way more than MMC mainly because of the GUI. I want my wife and friends to be able to come over and watch TV with the "PC" part of the experience being transparent, and the new Snapstream interface seems to pull this off perfectly. Of course, I have yet to try the new software. The new package is called "Snapstream Quartz" and should be out soon... right now it's in beta.

 

[Cheaper N U]

Just wondering if anyone has used the current version of this software with a Radeon 8500DV Combination card ($163 and free shipping at NewEgg).

Or, should I look at separate cards for this sort of application. Do I give up anything with a combo card?

If you have an 8500DV, how do you like it? Good things? Bad things?

Thanks.

 

[Byte]

which PVR cept Showshifter can record to DiVX?

 

[Packy]

I thought SnapStream cound, but I might be wrong.