Sunday, March 5, 2006
TiVo vs. Windows Media Center
Posted by Chris Gohlke in "THOUGHT" @ 09:00 AM
"To summarize, WMCE currently has more features than TiVo, though TiVo is catching up. WMCE requires a large cost up front, but no monthly fee, while TiVo is a lower (or no) cost up front (for basic models) but has a monthly service fee. MCPCs can also be used as home computers. Finally, TiVo is much easier to install. So based on this, if you need a home computer anyway, you might as well get an MCPC, that is, if you can put it near your entertainment center (else you need a Media Center Extender, which is about the price of a TiVo). If you have cash to spend up front, an MCPC is probably a better value. But if you are looking for something that is initially inexpensive and easy to set up, TiVo would be best for you."
Digital501 has a nice comparison of the pros and cons of TiVo versus WMC. I agree with the article. If you are technically savvy and have the cash, an MCE box is probably the way to go. On the other hand, I would never recommend that option for my parents as it is a little too much work for them to keep something like that running. I'd like to suggest a third option that is the best of both worlds, a non-TiVo type DVR. I've got a Panasonic DVR with a DVD burner that was easy to set up and use plus has no monthly fees.
Digital501 has a nice comparison of the pros and cons of TiVo versus WMC. I agree with the article. If you are technically savvy and have the cash, an MCE box is probably the way to go. On the other hand, I would never recommend that option for my parents as it is a little too much work for them to keep something like that running. I'd like to suggest a third option that is the best of both worlds, a non-TiVo type DVR. I've got a Panasonic DVR with a DVD burner that was easy to set up and use plus has no monthly fees.
