Is a HD HTPC Ready to Replace My Tivo?

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Is a HD HTPC Ready to Replace My Tivo?

sfrasernz

234 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 13

#25618 27-Aug-2008 12:01

Hi Everybody,

I have been running a Philips Tivo for the last 2 years and don't know how I would live without it now. It has been rock solid - during this period I've only had to reset it a few times due to lockups.

With Freeview HD and more HD programming becoming available I feel like I'm missing out so I've spent the last month reading the forums and researching HD capable HTPCs.

I'm a computer tech by trade and I'm fine with building a HTPC and spending a few weeks tuning it in order to get it humming. However for it to replace my Tivo it must be as reliable and stable as my Tivo has been. That was the reason why I initially built a Tivo instead of a HTPC 2 years ago.

From my reading it seems that people have had mixed experiences with their HTPCs. So for all you HTPC owners out there watching Freeview HD do you think a HD HTPC is ready to replace my Tivo? I'd be keen to hear how reliable your setups have been.

Thanks

kiwijunglist

2983 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 135

ID Verified

#160137 27-Aug-2008 13:44

I think they are on the verge of being very stable. if you set one exclusively for HTPC then ghost the install then turn off automatic updates it can be fairly stable, but i dont think they are totally stable yet.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9996

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#160139 27-Aug-2008 13:48

I'd have to be honest and say no. Working fine 95% of the time simply won't give you the same performance level as a Tivo.

JaBZ

407 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 41

#160250 27-Aug-2008 19:11

Read my story
When mine was stable, i.e. runnning 24/7 it was usable and reliable. Some people have standby working fine.
Due to the graphics card and tuner I'd advice to go for a case with adequate cooling. You wont acheive Tivo like reliablity I can tell you that now, you have to factor in the HTPC is running a full blown OS and its quirks.
I am running 5 Tivo's due to being in nztivo dev, but now with HD we have to move on sometime.

My opinions and ideas expressed in posts are solely my own and do not reflect the views of my employer in any way..

sfrasernz

234 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 13

#160339 28-Aug-2008 08:29

That's a good story and good to learn about your experience.

Given that you're a nvTivo developer do you know if we're likely to see a Series 3 Tivo hack coming any time soon? I'm guessing not....

The current HD DVB-T PVRs that I've seen don't appear to be that good (no EPG from what I've seen) so I think I will go down the HTPC track and apologise to the wife whenever there are problems. The new intel DG45ID motherboard seems like a good starting point (but its not without its problems) and there is a big following on the avsforum. More info on the board here.

Thanks for feedback.