What is better than one amazing, build-your-own-DVR than another - cheaper - DVR? Using Snapstream Media’s Beyond TV Link, I quickly converted a laptop into a second, bedroom DVR for only $30 plus shipping. No tuner card necessary.
DVR-Less In The Bedroom
I have a fully featured HTPC that I built for our living room. Unfortunately, my wife and I would sometimes like to watch our shows in the bedroom. Now I could always plug a TV in our bedroom and hook it up to the cable, but that’s like living in the stone ages! I want access to the movies, shows, and DVR capabilities sitting in my living room!
Using our laptop, I can network into my HTPC using Mediaportal to access movies, music, etc. But what about my live TV? I sure don’t have (or want) another TV tuner nor another set of shows to manage.
Beyond TV Link to the Rescue
Luckily, Beyond TV Link provides a way to access the tuner in my main HTPC. I load up BTV:Link and select the TV Server I want to use (this is my HTPC). BTV:Link opens up and appears almost exactly the same as BTV on the main computer. I can change channels, pause live TV, rewind and skip commercials. I can also load up recorded shows and use BTV’s fabulous user interface to enjoy all my shows without hooking up another cable line.
My laptop is even networked wirelessly yet everything streams smoothly (I’m sure this wouldn’t be the case with any HD content). Eventually, I’ll replace with laptop with a thin client that will be wired into the network.
Currently, BTV:Link costs $29.99 and comes with a free Firefly Mini. I’ve basically doubled the DVRs in my home for only thirty bucks.
Now, since BTV and Link share my one tuner, there would be a conflict if I tried to watch two different live shows at once on my two machines. To remedy this, just hit eBay and throw a second tuner in your HTPC and you’re all set.
Alternatives
I am partial to BTV because it has always worked out of the box and my wife loves the UI. I know most of alternative DVR software has a similar client-server option (and in some cases it’s free). If this route works for you, then go with it. For me, BTV:Link (like BTV itself) is just easy (and happened to come with a free remote:) ).
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