Isn it cheaper to just buy a Tivo or Replay TV?
I contend that it doesn’t HAVE to be. Remember when you buy a Tivo or ReplayTV, etc… you buy the unit AND you need their subscription service. Even on the smaller Hard Drive sized entry level units that can add up to 500 ducats easy! I think if I didn’t care about the look of unit (i.e. beige CPU case) hidden from view I could definitely do it cheaper AND better. But It becomes more difficult if you want to make it look “cute” and have it fit in with your entertainment system decor. With careful shopping I could make a PVR for just under 600 dollars (by my calculations with careful shopping). I of course omit the cost of your time building, configuring, and tweaking your home built PVR because to me that’s half the fun! The subscription fees are what really turn me off about TiVo and other commercial PVR’s.
