SageTV for Windows

User Reviews

• Tried then ALL and this IS THE BEST by far

  JAGWAPATTApril 20, 2009

  Pros

  flexible unlimited tuners- analogue, digital, satelite cable auto favourite recording once set-up easy to use can use extenders to flexible player - very robust handles files other players cannot handles HD satelite and cable

  Cons

  not idiot proof takes a little time to setup although once setup it is easy to use every day won't do radio no fast forward just jump/skip forward screen doesn't look as good as vista media center video playback is just as good though

  Summary

  If you like the tivo/ dvr /sky+ way of watching television and only record the occassional tele program some of the other software epsecially the free stuff is probably OK - however if you enjoy your television If you want more than 2 two tuners in europe or 4 tuners in USA this is the only realistic option - it's not constrained like other software so you can get your television how you want it. It should definately be on your short list of vidoe software to try

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• The Best I Found

  August 6, 2007

  Pros

  This has replaced my TiVo with a fully upgradeable server-based media system. In addition to the PVR functionality I can watch my backed-up DVDs from a library on a HDD. Add new clients and I use multiple computer/TVs to watch the same content from other locations another room or another city! The setup isn't plug-and-play, but it's a lot easier than others I tried (like MythTv). It's also the only solution I know of that comes in Windows, Linux, and Mac. I'm very pleased (v6.x).

  Cons

  The default interface is a bit to complex and ugly, but it's upgradeable. I like the SageMC replacement which adds a nice look and a lot of the add-ons that the active user community has provided. You can also make your own using SageStudio.

  Summary

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• ok, but not great

  jedgar12July 10, 2007

  Pros

  it was good looking and you could have it rather full screen or half screen. You could also watch videos from youtube or google

  Cons

  picture quality wasnt good, and at some parts a bit laggy

  Summary

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• Stupid interface, BAD configuration...

  Shaker1978October 6, 2006

  Pros

  I haven't encountered any...

  Cons

  I hate wizards... and big coloured buttons !!! The configuration of the tool is very, very bad ! Badly structured and does not offer not at least a little bit, what I desire. When clicking on a channel, I would like to SEE it, so that I can RENAME it !!! A TV software for me, MUST have a TV window plus a control panel !

  Summary

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• Great concept, very poor execution. Way too expensive given its crippling issues

  AcktualJuly 5, 2006

  Pros

  Very easy to configure Channel Guide. Able to capture to standard (AVI) formats that can be played in Windows Media Player if desired. Number of configurable options. Available optional client software to allow remote viewing on a second PC in the home. Has an attractive if sometimes uncontrollable user interface.

  Cons

  Chronic error messages notify you of compression or video problems, even though these problems do not affect the viewing experience. (You can see the video playing normally behind the overly massive, persistent error messages.) In fact, the only problem with these errors is the error message itself, which requires constant mouse action to clear. <p> <p>The client software and often the main application tend to become sluggish: though video is still displayed and recorded, responses to mouse actions (calling up a control, pausing, fast forwarding, etc.) can be as slow as 30 seconds after action, effectively rendering the application uncontrollable. (In fact, the best way to view video is to wait until Sage records it, then simply play it back in Windows Media Player, which has none of these problems.) <p> <p>The application is prone to hanging, entering a state where it is unable to succcessfully record content. Ironically, you DON'T get an error message when this happens; you only find out later when you try to play your recording. Customer support is mediocre, with relatively little knowledgebase info on the website, no notifications of important software updates (in the product itself or by email), and sluggish email responses to queries.

  Summary

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• Stable, functional PVR software

  smashattMay 14, 2006

  Pros

  Very very good guide functionality for cable TV users in the US/Canada and around the world. This is one of the programs that has an extremely easy to use guide and will likely be one of the top programs to be bundled with many future TV capture cards and devices. <p> <p>The main window is pretty easy to use and doesn't include any unnecessary visual garbage, and the ability for the software to function with the video in the background while you scan the guide is very nice.

  Cons

  Setup can be confusing for those who are not terribly familiar with TV capture devices. Also, the on-screen displays can at times be pretty ugly. Music player is a mite bit limited so as a full media center program it's still a bit lacking, but it's surely on it's way to becoming a contender for the #1 PVR software.

  Summary

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• Not much support for newer DVB cards

  thegobblerJanuary 4, 2006

  Pros

  Ability to trial before buying

  Cons

  Installed without a hitch but unable to view tv as driver not yet supporting DVB cards. Definitely try before you buy for compatibility

  Summary

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• Best PVR out there!

  JucmanDecember 8, 2005

  Pros

  -Networked Client support <p>-Strong PVR capabilities <p>-Disk Management <p>-Good Selection of Plugins <p>-Studio lets the user configure not only the core but the interface <p>-v4.0 has a robust setup making it much easier for the average person to setup the program and start enjoying it <p>-MVP support through a user made plugin-great! <p>-Plenty of skins (STVs) to choose from adding functionality and style

  Cons

  -music player needs updating <p>-inability to play CD's!!! <p>-Default Skin (STV) does not have a preview window

  Summary

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• Transforming

  dplawranceDecember 6, 2005

  Pros

  I've used several popular software DVR programs for my HTPC over the past three years, but since I started using SageTV, I've felt no reason to go switch to anything else. It runs day and night with two encoders. I have Sage clients upstairs and downstairs. The user community is tremendous. The upgrades, even the major ones, have always been free with a subscription.

  Cons

  Summary

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• What a real PVR system should look like...

  bhagemanDecember 5, 2005

  Pros

  Inexpensive, highly reliable, feature rich.

  Cons

  Takes some computer skills to set-up and customize.

  Summary

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