PVS3 vs. SageTV

[Mr.X]

I'm trying to decide which system to invest in (hardware and software-wise)

As far as I know, these are the only 2 PC-PVR programs that can support Canadian listings (via XMLTV), so they both have my full attention.

Anybody care to let me in on the pros/cons of either?

Thanks!

-Mr.X

[grot]

Pretty simple really:

Snapstream looks beautiful, is easy to use, and has a high WAF (wife acceptance factor).

Snapstream seems to have more low-level issues (i'm generalizing here) - meaning that I read more people with specific installation problems that keep it from working.

Snapstream doesn't support hardware encoding cards like the PVR250/350.

Sage has a clunky, mouse-oriented user interface that has a low WAF, but does in the end get the job done.

Sage seems extremely stable at the low-level stuff, and very very customizable (picking your own codecs, getting deep into the geek stuff).

Sage supports hardware encoding cards, and for all I know, may actually require one.



The ideal world, for me, would be to either send the low level code over to the snapstream guys or send the interface programmers over to sage (grin).

For the most part, it seems like people make the decision based on the WAF and what card they want to use. I need the hardware encoder, so the choice for me is simple - I can't use snapstream.

[Julia]

Actually SageTV only supports a few cards that all hardware encoding, and Snapstream does have alpha level support for the PVR-250 cards. Snapstreams supporting a MUCH larger TV card base is what causes the configuration issues people are seeing. While both are great products, they at this moment do seem to target different audiences.

Julia

[James]

Also a note, if you're going the SageTV route, check their coverage for your area with regard to program guide data--their coverage areas are relatively limited, though they do hit most the major metro markets.

Snapstream licenses their data from Tribune Media Services and have a very very wide range of coverage for your EPG data.

Hardware support is technically available for owners of the 250 cards, though Snapstream does not officially support them yet (nor will we provide customer assistance w/ setting them up until we officially offer support). However, there are many users on these forums now who are having great success with them when using Personal Video Station and you're likely to be able to get a lot of your questions answered by our users on the forums.

Official (and wider) support for hardware encoders is forthcoming in a point relase that is coming soon.

[Julia]

I pointed out the difference in EPG data on a PVR message board where Snapstream was getting beat up because of the level of support for the PVR cards. But, beyond the EPG difference, the remote recording via a mobile device, is a big plus.

I'll continue to promote Snapstream.

Julia

[m1j]

Pros: SnapStream

SnapStream has a nicer looking User Interface and overhaul has a lot of nice option.
Has functional startup options and it is easy to add or remove channels from guide.
Like the way program info is displayed in Live TV mode and Program Guide.


Cons: SnapStream

If you have timeshifting enabled and change channel then go back to original channel or goto program guide you will lose all timeshifted recording. (This is a showstopper for me)
Setting up Actisys IR to work with my Dish Network receiver was a nightmare
My Pvr250 Tv card is not support. I have EVGA Personal Cinema tuner but software encoding just isn’t as good
Does not have Timeshifting enabled by default
No option to turn Sat receiver on/off


Pros: SageTV

SageTv is very stable and works well.
Actisys IR worked using default template, did not have to do any training
Programmable keyboard and remote command options
Will do intelligent recording if you like that kind of stuff
Timeshifting capabilities are great. I can goto program guide, change channel or even reboot my computer and will be able to return to my timeshifted programming for that channel.


Cons: SageTv

The GUI on SageTv is not very pretty and moving around in program guide with IR remote is difficult, works much better with a mouse or keyboard.
To many keystrokes to get the information you want
Not able to select channel in program guide by typing in channel number
Having to goto program guide to get info on program you are watching
Uses Java but does not come with SageTv installer. (You have to go download it)
No option to turn Sat receiver on/off (I setup He Remote with batch file for this)
Very limited startup options


This is just my opinion
If SnapStreams timeshifting was to my liking and my Pvr250 was supported I would most likely jump ship and buy SnapStream software but not at $100.00 Time will tell all

[festivalman]

If SnapStreams timeshifting was to my liking and my Pvr250 was supported

well, as he just mentioned, it does work with the pvr-250. I've been using it since it was released and it's wonderful. On one hand, some people have trouble with the board in their machine, in which case you're in trouble. On the other hand, like me, if the board works with your system, it's a dream and the whole app is so much more smooth than the software only method. Concerning the timeshifting stuff, there's the option to "always timeshift". Have you tried turning this on and seeing if you still lose what you're referring to?

[BigRedBrent]

Originally posted by James
Also a note, if you're going the SageTV route, check their coverage for your area with regard to program guide data--their coverage areas are relatively limited, though they do hit most the major metro markets.

Snapstream licenses their data from Tribune Media Services and have a very very wide range of coverage for your EPG data.

Hardware support is technically available for owners of the 250 cards, though Snapstream does not officially support them yet (nor will we provide customer assistance w/ setting them up until we officially offer support). However, there are many users on these forums now who are having great success with them when using Personal Video Station and you're likely to be able to get a lot of your questions answered by our users on the forums.

Official (and wider) support for hardware encoders is forthcoming in a point relase that is coming soon.

I just want to thank all of you at snapstream for how hard you are trying to advance. I can totaly understand how hard it is to make perfection. Trying hard enouph is the first step, I will tell you that much.

[m1j]

If you have timeshifting enabled and change channel then go back to original channel or goto program guide you will lose all timeshifted recording.

Yes timeshifting is enabled always

[videogeek]

Originally posted by festivalman


well, as he just mentioned, it does work with the pvr-250. I've been using it since it was released and it's wonderful. On one hand, some people have trouble with the board in their machine, in which case you're in trouble. On the other hand, like me, if the board works with your system, it's a dream and the whole app is so much more smooth than the software only method. Concerning the timeshifting stuff, there's the option to "always timeshift". Have you tried turning this on and seeing if you still lose what you're referring to?

I wonder if it works as well with the PVR-350 - I just ordered one

[PBMax]

Originally posted by m1j
If you have timeshifting enabled and change channel then go back to original channel or goto program guide you will lose all timeshifted recording.

Yes timeshifting is enabled always

With Time Shifting always enabled you are able to go to the program guide and then back to live tv the buffer will still be there.

If you change channels then the buffer is cleared.

[dragin33]

I don't know why you would want to use SageTV. I looked at the screenies on their website.. Blah! it's Ugly. From the looks of it snapstream has better features anyway.

[CO_Coding_Cub]

Originally posted by PBMax
If you change channels then the buffer is cleared.

It's my understanding that this is the same behaviour as TiVo...correct me if I'm wrong...

[mrphil]

Originally posted by CO_Coding_Cub

It's my understanding that this is the same behaviour as TiVo...correct me if I'm wrong...

You are entirely correct, that is exactly how Tivo does it.

[njchim]

Until the pvr250/350 are truly supported I am going to have to say SageTV 100%. Though the interface does not even come close to SS....it was probably one of the easiet installation I have ever done. From the time I double-click the install to the time I was watching and recording was at most 15 minutes. But I am not losing faith with SS just yet. I'm definitely going to hang around and see if they can get the the pvr supported for real.