[ZetaVu]

That will be a tough one, I assume M$ is going out of their way to get a monopoly (did I say that out loud?) on software PVR's, as truth be told, that seems to be the only future growth potential for the new operating system. I see them trying to squeeze out all PVR and htpc software over the next couple of years like they did or tried with internet browser, media player, and of course their office suite, and are trying with spyware and antivirus.

So, question is can SS or any other software vendor work out a deal to get direct feeds from directv or cable? All comes down to whether or not it would be a secure format and who controls what's done with it. If it is merely a format that restricts copying etc, then any software should be able to work with it. IF it is mroe specific then you might only be able to do it with vista if M$ has their way (and you'll probably pay every time you view).

By the way, before anyone gets too bummed out, M$ may be the dominant player but they are far from the best. Regarding their conquests, I do use office but I also use open office. As for their windows addons, I disabled them and use opera, Zoom player (as well as snapstream) and Comcast provides free MCafee firewall and antivirus. I don't think anyone not owned by M$ really wants to be controlled by them. Snapstream has been very successful bundling with capture cards, I think their primary focus should be seeking out mfg that will make cablecards, and directv cards, and finding ways to get on the inside track.

By the way, of all the M$ alternatives, Snapstream is the only one I needed to purchase, but no complaints at all since it is still better than anything M$ or the competition has put out, yet.