Newbie - IceTV or BRP/FreeXMLTV?

[devlinse]

Hi everyone, I don't actually own a tuner card yet, but and trying to work out what is necessary for me to do in order to get TV working properly.

Coming from the UK, I had a Sky+ PVR which offered the useful "record series" option. In fact, I didn't appreciate how much effort and thought had gone into the interface until I got here.

IceTV seem to have a well regarded product but I'm curious what the benefits are of using it over BRP, and if either will allow me to perform the "record series" function that is sorely missing from my crappy, standalone PVR - a TEAC if anyone's interested - shocking interface and EPG. Don't buy one

Presumably the data all originates with the TV stations in the first place so is it just a question of ease of setup/integration or does IceTV enable more functionality, or have better data therefore justifying it's price? I realise that the series functionality is provided by the MCE itself, but presumably it caters for this via the EPG data.

If anyone can answer this I'd be very greatful. I'm in Sydney if it makes a difference.

Thanks

[philzgr8]

Here's a short answer.

IceTV is a commercial subscriber product for which you pay a fee. It provides the functionality (within MCE) that you are talking about. It's good points are that it is fully supported, appears very reliable and is totally legal. It also appears (although you may need to confirm this,) to support scheduling of true HD content from HD channels.

BRP/FreeXMLTV is a totally free product (combination) provided on an "as is" basis without official support. It's upside is that it has no cost and although it does not have official support it is supported on this site by its developers in these forums. It allows limited configuration to support HD content and can be a little more problematic to configure. (personally I believe that if you read and follow the directions anyone could do it.) It has remained reliable for a number of months now but can be subject to unexpected changes on the data provider's website. As an EPG solution its use is questionable in a legal sense having regard to the copyright of the source data. This solution also provides the functionality you describe.

That's the way I see the comparison but others may be able to provide more detail about ICE since I don't use the service.

[devlinse]

Thanks. Another question then - if you're using BRP/XML can you get the record series functionality to work? This isn't a critical thing for me, but it would be real nice.

Having looked through the instructions regarding both bits of software I don't think I'd have a problem setting it up and if I can save the $$$ then that's always nice :-)

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

[monster]

Originally Posted by devlinse

if you're using BRP/XML can you get the record series functionality to work?

u sure can

[devlinse]

Excellent, I know where I'll be starting then :-)

Thanks