2013-01-24, 08:24 AM
I've been a long time user of NPVR (and gbpvr before that), but only for recording shows with a variety of tuners (first just clear-qam, now both clear-qam and cablecard). I've never used the program for live television viewing or watching the recordings. The tuners have always been attached to my computer in the office, and recordings were watched via DLNA server (tversity) to my PS3 in the family room.
But now, I'm looking to move to a full HTPC computer in the family room, complete with it's own tuners (DCR-2650), with the idea being to get rid of the cable company DVR. So, I've been considering what sort of system I want to be running for the full television experience, and see what NPVR has to offer there. I've noticed some traffic here lately about a new integration into XBMC, and since I've heard good things about XBMC, I thought I'd give that a look. I've tried it out a bit with my current machine, and while there is much to like with what I've seen of XBMC, the integration of NPVR is a little sketchy in places at the moment. I'm sure it will get better, but I'm looking at now.
So, I guess I'm looking for some thoughts from those who use NPVR in a more complete fashion, and hopefully from some who might have experience with both. For example, what sort of thing can I get done with XBMC that I can't in just NPVR?
My expected use for the HTPC:
1) Live TV, including timeshifting
2) Recorded shows and playback
3) Other video playback (movies, TV shows recorded on my other computer, etc)
4) Occasional streamed internet video, particularly from ESPN3.com and Comedy Central (Daily Show extended interviews)
Other things I don't do at present, but might want to do later:
1) Other streaming video (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu)
So, any thoughts? Advice? Cookie recipes?
Thanks in advance.
But now, I'm looking to move to a full HTPC computer in the family room, complete with it's own tuners (DCR-2650), with the idea being to get rid of the cable company DVR. So, I've been considering what sort of system I want to be running for the full television experience, and see what NPVR has to offer there. I've noticed some traffic here lately about a new integration into XBMC, and since I've heard good things about XBMC, I thought I'd give that a look. I've tried it out a bit with my current machine, and while there is much to like with what I've seen of XBMC, the integration of NPVR is a little sketchy in places at the moment. I'm sure it will get better, but I'm looking at now.
So, I guess I'm looking for some thoughts from those who use NPVR in a more complete fashion, and hopefully from some who might have experience with both. For example, what sort of thing can I get done with XBMC that I can't in just NPVR?
My expected use for the HTPC:
1) Live TV, including timeshifting
2) Recorded shows and playback
3) Other video playback (movies, TV shows recorded on my other computer, etc)
4) Occasional streamed internet video, particularly from ESPN3.com and Comedy Central (Daily Show extended interviews)
Other things I don't do at present, but might want to do later:
1) Other streaming video (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu)
So, any thoughts? Advice? Cookie recipes?
Thanks in advance.