Question about different PVR softwares

[rowle1jt]

at least here people just refer you to the software encoder card plug-in.

... and then gently encourage you to purchase a hardware based tuner. (Which is well worth the $$$!)

[Spartan]

I've been doing some research about the different version of PVR software available and have a question.
Is GB-PVR better than Knoppmyth and Mediaportal?

Do a search frist, NEWB!

c'mon, we ALL can't be nice guys, can we?

In all honestly, this is the only PVR I've looked at. One stop shopping at its finest. <ShamelessPlug> Oh, and if you're into sports, I have a sports scores plug-in that is quite handy. </ShamelessPlug>

[McBainUK]

Code:

<ShamelessPlug>

Don't recognise that xml tag..?

[Spartan]

Code:

<ShamelessPlug>

Don't recognise that xml tag..?

It's in the draft -- just not offical yet. You UK guys.......

[madcat]

I have tried few others (linux based and even M$ MCE).
I also took a look at MP and Beyond.

The only ones that worked on my HW (T42 Laptop) was GB (And later Beyond). None of the others managed to work.

The forum is great, by all means. It makes the experience much better. However, I don't think this is (or should be) the deal maker or braker. If these things were in a much more mature state, you wouldn't be needing the forum to begin with, would you (did u ever go to a forum to complete the install of M$ Office, FireFox, Photoshop, or whatever? maybe if you look for advanced issues, but not to set it up).
I had GB working before I saw the forum. Only later, when I wanted to tune, enhance, etc. I joined this communit (and what's wrong with being taken to the woodshed? no one ever took me there... I feel i'm missing something...).

The only thing I can say in favor of some other PVR SW (Beyond, MP, and probably MCE) is that they are "nicer". Meaning, there's more animation, swish swoosh menus (is that a technical term?), more GUI (e.g. configuration is done withing the PVR, not external program), etc.
GB is more "plain" when you look at it (But then, with the amounts of skins out there, you can almost make it look anything you want).
Plane-shmane - I use the basic skin (!!) - when you want to watch TV, movies, etc (and check the weather and RSS which I do daily with GB), who cares if the menu does swoosh and comes in 1024 shades of blue?

Bottom line:
GBPVR works.

[stefan]

There is only one thing that GBPVR is really missing (I mean, one thing that has been a showstopper for a few of my friends to get going with gbpvr) and that gbpvr does not yet support CA modules. So if you get a digital capture card, you can only get the free channels. You would still need a set top box to get the pay channels.
But since you have analog cable, your not affected by this at all

[mbox]

Thanks for enlightening me about GB-PVR a bit more. My guess is someone is trying to figure out ways to make the skin more flashy, so I'll take my chances.
Also, I would be interested in the sports plugin as soon as my system is all the way up and running. So far, I've only installed Windows XP Pro and SP2. I
haven't installed any other software yet and was wondering if I should go with Intervideo WinDVD 7 or Cyberlink PowerDVD 7?

[stefan]

You could install both, if you already own them. Otherwise I think it's a win-win situation. Either will work fine. They both come with decoders that gbpvr can use. You can switch between which one to use in the config app of gbpvr. Which one works best for you is mainly a matter of taste. You might not even be able to tell the difference.

[McBainUK]

So far, I've only installed Windows XP Pro and SP2

You'll need .net 2.0 also.

[mbox]

Thanks for the quick response, I really do appreciate it. I already have .net 2.0. I'll be installing the latest Directx and all the other Windows XP updates tonight. I'll also be installing one of those DVD software. Should I also install Windows Defender and an Antivirus Program or will this slow up the system?