PVR Update

My GBPVR box is still working well.

A couple of months ago, I picked up an Adaptec AVC-3160 dual TV tuner for under $100 on eBay. This has a USB interface, which worked well for me because my PVR box is a low-profile and only has one half-height PCI-E interface.

I ran into some issues when Tribune Media discontinued free access to their Zap2IT service last month which was providing Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information to my GBPVR. GBPVR forums have been active with discussions about possible replacements, but the easiest was to get a data subscription from Schedules Direct. What a bummer!

I've enjoyed being a PVR hobbyist, but when I add up all of the money I have spent on getting a PVR working, I definitely could have gotten a Tivo. It's also becoming pretty clear that the days of unencumbered analog cable tv are numbered.

In a related note, AT&T is gearing up to launch IP-based television in my area (Indianapolis market) and for the sake of simplicity, I'm probably going to go with TV, land-line phone and Internet from a single provider over a single pipe when that becomes a reality.