Experience with DVR's??

[naughtybulldog]

So im thinking of picking up a DVR, does anyone out there have any experience with them or preferences??

Plus, i know Gatway makes a 'connected' DVD player that will stream from your PC.. Do you know any DVR's with this feature??

[techniq]

Are you referring to standalone models (aka, Tivo); or just software.

MythTV.org does allow the server-client type streaming (infact, thats the only way to set it up). You have a backend server (aka, the recorder), then a frontend client (which alot of people use the same box, but this requires pretty hefty horsepower since the box has to encode AND decode on the fly).

I plan to set this up over the summer myself (with 2 boxes). I have done the 1 box setup though, works very well.

[naughtybulldog]

i was looking for a stand-alone model.. i built an "htpc" with an ATI all-in-wonder, it works good but was a pain in the ass for everyday use. (if my wife cant operate it with a maximum of 3 button presses she gets pissed). I was looking at Tivo/Replay, but id like not to subscribe to anything. I remember reading on slashdot there were some linux-based 'set-top' models, but i was having trouble finding any info.. i really dont care too much about streaming from my pc, however it would be a nice feature compared to buring a vcd or dvd when i want to watch my edited home videos.

[Whitedog]

The TIVO is probably the easiest stand alone unit you could invest in. I have one of the first gen models and it is still working great (albeit slow).
I just picked up a 60XS955 and wanted to make a HTPC to run HL2 and movies. If you were thinking of making your HTPC easier to use, there might be some ideas at http://www.htpcnews.com/ . I am now just preparing a design for what I want before I pull the trigger and buy all the components.
WD