New user first impressions

[PaulModz]

When I started building my HTPC network, I was clueless about PVR software. After tons of research and many hours spent playing with various hardware/software combinations, I can easily say that SageTV is the best PC-based solution available.

In the end, my only real options were SageTV and Windows Media Center Edition. It wasn't a tough choice though, since MCE has zero network awareness, and watching the same shows from anywhere in my house was the whole point of ditching Tivo and building an HTPC network.

Now that I'm almost settled in with Sage, I love it, but I do have some suggestions.

My biggest problem with SageTV is the fact that the recorder does not run as a windows service. Its just wrong that SageTV stops recording when my girlfriend closes the SageTV window. I guess you could put Sage in sleep mode when the window is closed, but the main issue for me is changing users, and only a service can handle that. I know there is a windows service that allows normal apps to run as a service, but I haven't messed with it yet.

Second on my list are Screen Saver/Power Management issues. While watching TV, SageTV should disable both the screen saver and power managment. This is pretty standard for video games and media players, and well supported by windows.

Finally, the UI needs a facelift and performance boost. After using MediaCenter, Sage looks pretty primative. My guess is Sage uses generic Java classes to draw the guide without hardware acceleration? I also think the detailed setup should be rolled into the main GUI, instead of that ugly Java dialog

If you knew me, you would be amazed that this list is so short. Thanks for the great product, and keep up the good work.

[olyar15]

On the first point, you can make the HTPC a dedicated machine. Give your girlfriend another computer .

On the second point, SageTV actually does that. I believe there is a line in the SageProperties that disables the screensaver/powermanagement. Power management will re-enable when you put Sage to sleep.

As far as the UI, well, it's functional.