[mythtv-users] To TiVo or mythTV it

[Geoff Scott]

On Wed, 10 Nov 2004 10:24:29 -0700 (MST), Rich wrote:
> Not new to Linux but very new to PVR.  I have some questions that I can
> not seem to find answers to, short side of buying and trying.
> 
> 1. Is there a straight to the point running document that compares the
> functionality and ability differences between TiVo and mythTV?
> 
> 2. Now for a loaded question.  For those that have gone the mythTV route.
> If you walked into COSTCO and saw a Series2 TiVo 80hr box sitting there
> for $268 with a $100 rebate would you have rather bought that or dumped
> $1200 into a Linux mythTV box?  Would your wife agree?
> 
> 3. HD-2000 vs. HD-3000.  I realize many may not have the 3000 yet but this
> might be best answered by those that have used the 2000.  Why buy the 3000
> when the 2000 has two coaxal reception ports?
> 
> 4. On the surface it looks like there are more PVR vs. pcHDTV cards in
> use.  Any opinions as to why?
> 
> Thanks for any input given and your time taken to do so,
> Rich

To answer your points:

1)  Dunno.  Sorry.

2)  No way.  I love being able to make MythTV exactly what I want.  I
spent less than $1,000 and even that was overkill.  Now add in the
ability to upgrade, change, tweak, whatever AND the whole broadcast
flag debacle that is brewing, and the choice for me is easy.  MythTV
will always allow, and encourage, tinkering.  The WAF could not be
higher.  She is VERY non technical, and enjoys MythTV thoroughly.  No
kidding.

3)  From what I understand, the 2000 are discontinued.

4)  IMHO, more people don't need HDTV (as of right now...I'm sure this
will change) and so just need a PVR card.  As people roll over to
HDTV, pcHDTV cards will be used more.  Also, MythTV had some growing
up to do around HDTV, which I think it's largely done AFAIK, and so
the roll over continues.

Seriously, MythTV.  Don't get bogged down in "TiVO is cheaper".  Make
your own Tivo and make it do *exactly* what you want it to do.  But
maybe that's just me.

Geoff