SageTV for Linux

The commercial software PVR landscape has been dominated by SnapStream and SageTV. Both products install on Windows, and both have loyal followings. Recently SageTV made an interesting move; they've released a version of SageTV for Linux, which includes either the software to install on your existing Linux system, or a complete Linux distribution as part of the setup kit.

The idea here is that you can basically create your own dedicated PVR, much like a Tivo or PVR you might get from your local cable provider. As a SnapStream user for years, I always sort of thought that having my PVR running on Windows was an advantage, since I know Windows and was able to hack it to my heart's content. But having recently upgraded my cable subscription, I've opted to get the HD PVR that my cable provider offers, and retired my SnapStream box. I'd be lying if I said that system reliability didn't have at least something to do with prompting me to go with a different solution.

So I can see why you might be tempted to go to a closed-box solution, taking your flaky Windows PC based PVR and installing linux and SageTV on it. At least you then still have access to the system to make modifications if you desire. In any event, it's certainly an interesting offering in the commercial software PVR arena.

Tags: commercial, Linux, PVR, SageTV, SnapStream