06-05-2003, 03:03 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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I dream...of PVRs!
Please indulge me in this selfish off-topic post, but I need to tap into the awesome collective intelligence that reads this site. I have a confession to make: I have PVR envy. I desperately want to escape the shackles of VCR bondage and disillusionment that I've suffered under for decades, and frolic through the blissful fields of time-shifted TV that I see my southern brethren enjoying.
The problem is that due to the quasi-communist laws of the CRTC (our Canadian government broadcasting board of thugs), most of the satellite systems that TiVo and others are based off of (DirecTV) aren't allowed in Canada. Thus they're grey market/black market items, and thus a dubious solution. And none of the US-based PVR companies care to offer the service in Canada anyway.
My fellow Canadians, how have you achieved PVR nirvana? Show me the way! Bell ExpressVue has some PVR solutions, but they don't look very sophisticated (they have no learning functions like TiVo), and I'm not sure I want to switch to Bell ExpressVue unless I have no choice. Has anyone tried these solutions from Bell? Are they any good?
I'm a Shaw digital cable subscriber, but Shaw has thus far remained in the dark ages when it comes to PVR. There was a combination PVR/cable model/firewall dubbed "Moxi" being bandied about last year that I was sure Shaw would adopt, but nothing so far. Anyone here work for Shaw and know any different? Shaw is a fairly cutting-edge company, so I'm surprised to see them not offering a PVR solution. I'd drop some serious coin to get a solution that works!
I've scoured a few PVR forums, and can't seem to find a solution - should I get a TiVo? A ReplayTV? Are there any solutions for tapping into the programming from where I am in Canada? For the love of all things holy, help me! I'm suffering! :lol:
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06-05-2003, 03:10 PM
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Oracle
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 864
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I have a TiVO , it is the greatest thing ever! Honestly it has completely changed the way I watch TV. I mainly bought it, because of the ability to hack it, throw in an enormous harddrive and with the series 2 intergrate it with pictures and video i have on my desktop machine. Oh and almost forgot it can get tied in by a USB 802.11 dongle, meaning the cables coming out it are for my TV and power. Very cool stuff! I must add that not being in Canada I don't know what to tell you but the features above are all things you can do even outside of the US( I believe, the Media pack might make it interesting because you have to purchase it from TiVO)
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06-05-2003, 03:13 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by entropy1980
Hoestly it has completely changed the way I watch TV.
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Augh! Taunt me not heathen!! :bawl:
I keep hearing that..."It changed the way I watch TV", and I want it damn it, I WANT IT! :lol:
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06-05-2003, 03:13 PM
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06-05-2003, 03:15 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by rfischer
FYI: SnapStream just released Personal Video Station 3 and it's only $49 for a limited time
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Yeah, I've seen several PC-based solutions, but they don't really interest me, because how would I get it from my computer up to my TV? Burn a VCD or DVD every time I want to watch a show? Nah.
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06-05-2003, 03:16 PM
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Oracle
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 864
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Jason Dunn
Yeah, I've seen several PC-based solutions, but they don't really interest me, because how would I get it from my computer up to my TV? Burn a VCD or DVD every time I want to watch a show? Nah.
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Umm use a a graphics card with a TV-Out like ATI's All-In-Wonder, heck you can use that as your PVR (I believe it includes the necessarry software). The All-In-Wonder 9000 even comes with an RF remote!
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06-05-2003, 03:19 PM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,981
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ah, my northern brother, I feel your pain. I too have longed for a PVR. I have seen Tivo in action, and it is truely amazing.
The only hope I see right now, is from products like the new Panasonic PVR/DVD-R & Player. I know that there are a couple companies working on making these PVR/DVD combo's and they are not attached to any one cable system. They work like those VCR's that would record when you enter the programs "Code" found in the TV guide. I forget the name for this system.
I have even looked at using my computer as a PVR... It's just not the same. :cry:
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06-05-2003, 03:21 PM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,981
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Here's the link to the Panasonic DVD/PVR I mentioned:
Panasonic DVD/PVR
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06-05-2003, 03:28 PM
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06-05-2003, 03:39 PM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 533
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Funny, I'm close to getting one of these myself. I too do not suffer from the "Canadian Condition," but may be able to add a little help?
First, PVR's are the way and the light.......no more forgetting to set he VCR, and missing an episode of something that won't be replayed by the network in at least six months (if ever).
SnapStream 3 is a definite option, especially, as some one else already indicated, when used with a video card with S-Video out or other (PCI/external) scan converter. That way, you can watch directly from your hard drive on your TV, an/or you can arcive your PVR recording to VHS (if you didn't want to archive to DVD, SVCD).
Snap Stream PROS:
-May work in Canada
-No monthly (or lifetime) subscription fees
-Saves in WMA and can be exported to watch on your PocketPC!!
-Cheap.....current special (intil 6/15/03) is $49 for software
-Can send to anyone who can play MPEG / WMA files
SnapStream CONS:
-Your CPU must be fairly clode to your primary TV
-One more app with one more service taking up system resources on your CPU (now, if you had a dedicated box......)
-Brand new software......unproven, but previous versions were good.
Replay TV PROS:
-Simple, turn-key solution
-Boradband Inet connection for LAN/streaming or sending to other Replay TV users.
ReplayTV CONS:
-More expensive
-Less sharring options.
Personally, I'm not even considering TiVo, as, last time I checked, there was no broadband support. Anyway, hope this helps, and more importantly, I sure hope you can get a PVR solution working for you up north.
-Brian
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