Simple needs, will it work?

[VincentM]

Hello folks,

Very simple, I want to cancel my insanely high cable package and keep only broadband. My family has very simple viewing needs.

This is what I need:
Hulu
Netflix
HGTV content (does not need to be live/current to that day)
Major networks (ABC/NBC/Fox...)

What I want:
Minimal ESPN content and FSC (Fox Soccer Channel)

I know for the major networks my "easiest" option is a digital antenna, I'm fine with that, but I would need it to be recordable, ie. DVR functionality. Major networks I do need live access as well.

I'd love some kind of access to things like clicker.com and such.

Will Boxee work for me?

Cheers!

~V

[Fuzzgtp]

Yes should work but....


Boxee has no dvr capabilities right now so you would need seperate software like wmc
Clicker is available in Boxee, although I don't think all shows on clicker are available.

Not sure about espn etc. I'm not a sports person. There was a espn360 app in the works somewhere... if only we could get dpk to do something....

[Fuzzgtp]

Yes should work but....


Boxee has no dvr capabilities right now so you would need seperate software like wmc
Clicker is available in Boxee, although I don't think all shows on clicker are available.

Not sure about espn etc. I'm not a sports person. There was a espn360 app in the works somewhere... if only we could get dpk to do something....

[VeeDubb65]

1. You'll have to run windows if netflix is a deal breaker.
2. You should seriously consider a Silicondust HD-Homerun for a TV tuner, but do some reading so you know what you're buying in advance. Even for Windows, there is plenty of free DVR software that works with it. And while Fuzz is correct that there is no DVR functionality in Boxee, I seem to recall somebody being able to watch live TV from an HD-Homerun on boxee. I could be mistaken on that one.
3. Build a HTPC box. This can be done for about $300 if you shop smart and all your media files are served up over the network from a desktop that's left on.

[newcolour]

Espn360 is now Espn3, which works for linux too in firefox, if you were thinking about that instead of Win. And I know DPK is working on an app for that, so I am really hopeful.

Cheers,
S.

[VincentM]

Hey folks, I appreciate all of the info and responses!

I'm certainly leaning more towards a Linux machine. The changes in the Ubuntu distro are fantastic and I'm really excited to get in there and play with it more.

I haven't yet but could wire my house with ethernet with limited trouble. I'm fine with leaving on a desktop, I'll certainly build a HTPC for that purpose and if that's the case I'd much rather go with a Linux build.

The sports content is certainly not a deal breaker, I'm a huge soccer fan (football fan that is, but us silly Americans insist on incorrectly calling it soccer) but that's it. Being able to easily watch my beloved Phila. Union would be great from home, but if I need to go elsewhere I can deal with that.

I suppose Netflix isn't an absolute deal breaker per say, as I could get a Roku additionally, but I'd rather not. I'm really looking for one interface, or at the very least one box.

The biggest need, and I stress need, is the DVR capability for the network content, ABC/NBC/Fox, etc. My wife has a very limited amount of shows she watches, but those she does are very important to her and ones that will be a wasted experience if she needs to wait until they are published on Hulu or some such. We typically do not sit down to actually watch anything until 10pm or later, so it needs to be recorded from the live signal earlier in the night.

These things considered, building an HTPC, am I better off with a linux build, or *cringes* a WMC build? I imagine the TV tuner will be much easier in the WMC.

My cable contract is up at the end of the month, and I'm very much looking forward to informing the provider that I will be cancelling all but the broadband. However, given that, I need to act/move fast.

Cheers!

~V