New HTPC build 2018 - which software?

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ajkiwi

109 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#240735 23-Sep-2018 14:46

Hi all - My 8 year old Windows 7 (Windows Media Centre + EPG Collector) HTPC is approaching the end of its life.

I got a free Vodafone TV as part of a broadband deal, and have tested it - it's fine, aside from not letting you record certain things (hi TVNZ! You suck.), and pushing you over to ad-driven VOD and constantly trying to sell you Sky, over and over again. TVNZ VOD and Threenow are fine, but the ads drive me nuts.

I really want an all-in-one. My HTPC has bluray, ripping abilities, TVOD, Live TV, freeview recording, VOD ranging from youtube to netflix to lightbox to whatever.
Hardware is not an issue for me, I can knock together a machine easily enough.

But what HTPC software with LiveTV play and recording are people are recommending lately?

--------------------
Geeking for 30 years now. Awesome.

PANiCnz

999 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 161

#2095154 23-Sep-2018 16:23

My go to solution is still Kodi + Tvheadend, but I suspect there are probably more popular flavors of the month. Kodi v18 which is currently in Beta looks to have much improved VOD support, but its still probably six months away from a final release. For a single seat solution its hard to beat the simplicity of LibreELEC.

The PVR functionality with Plex looks appealing but not sure how viable an option it is in NZ.

Gilco2

1556 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 134

#2095166 23-Sep-2018 16:56

I use Windows 10 for ease of use. HD Homerun with nextpvr. Then I have Kodi with nextpvr plugin and that way I can watch and record live ota tv and watch movies, listen to music and view my photos all from kodi. I setup plex dvr but not ideal yet. Plex doesnt always list the programs and it wont let me set a manual recording for that time. So Kodi it is for me. Rebuilt with Ryzen 3 2200g and has been rock solid and tv viewing perfect no glitches.

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9997

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#2095170 23-Sep-2018 17:17

I still only use NextPVR for all Freeview and IPTV channels.

KiwiTim

406 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 62

#2095351 24-Sep-2018 10:35

I use DVBViewer Pro for live TV and Recording Service for scheduled recording. Although you have to pay for it, it has an amazing set of capabilities and is very stable, unlike some of the free alternatives. It is quite complicated and requires a bit of effort to get the best out of the software.

PANiCnz

999 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 161

#2095363 24-Sep-2018 10:48

sbiddle:

I still only use NextPVR for all Freeview and IPTV channels.

Out of curiosity what IPTV channels are you subscribing to?