HDTV brainstorming

[desh]

So I'm starting to think about getting an HDTV. The way this sort of thing usually works for me, that probably means that I'll actually get one around June. Here are random thoughts. Happy to hear opinions from those of you that know this stuff.

I think I want a TV between 37" and 42". That way, it won't be any smaller vertically than my existing old-school 27" CRT. I also know I want 1080p and 120/600 Hz. Specs like that should be available for close to $500 in a few months, I have a feeling, if they're not already. I'm not sure what other numbers matter.

I need to buy a stand. And a universal remote. I don't know anything about universal remotes these days, except that they're uber-fancy and cost a lot more than I'd expect them to. (Apparently you can spend $200 on a remote??)

And I need some sort of DVR setup. As far as I can tell, the options are:

System	Pro	Con
Tivo	Really easy to set up and use	I hate monthly fees, and lifetime subscription is $400. So much less control (No auto commercial skip? I've had that in my standard-def DVR since 2003! No place-shifting either?)
Windows-based computer with Media Center and CableCARD (either roll-your-own, which recently got easier, or buying prefab system)	More control than TiVo, no monthly fees	Ugh, Windows. Ugh, CableCARD. Edit: Less "ugh" on CableCARD, but ugh, prefab systems, and ugh, all roll-your-own CableCARD options are also $250 and are sold out everywhere.
MythTV	Tons of control, costs whatever I want, no monthly fees	Uber-complicated, might never be completely smooth UI (i.e. usable by roommate), requires separate $250 box to do cable in HD
added from comments: Cable company's DVR	Free up-front	"Dumb as a post", not much storage, costs even more per month than TiVo

I'd like to do it all for about $1200. Should be doable. Just want to make sure I do it right.

And I need to be smart about spending around $8, not around $80, for cables and stuff.

Comments

[shamanix.livejournal.com]

MythTV is insanely cool, if a bit difficult. Downside of Tivo is yeah... $400 for a "lifetime" subscription. How long will you have a Tivo? What happens down the road when your set takes a dump?

IMO, PC hardware is way more reliable than a Tivo.

Windows Media Center has come a long, long way, but it's still not THAT great.

If you want an alternative to MythTV, you might look into XBMC, which used to be a frontend for hacked X-Boxen but evolved into its own personal media center. I've no idea how advanced they've become, but it's a potential alternative IF they've added recording live TV, etc. Don't think so, but hey, worth looking into for randomness.

[desh]

Thanks! Very helpful.

Do you only use MythTV with a broadcast signal and downloaded content? I'm wondering if the cable-based options are really as crappy as they seem.

[shamanix.livejournal.com]

Honestly, not sure. I've just done enough reading to know that if you're going to drop $400 on a lifetime Tivo subscription plus another $2-300 for the HD unit, you may as well build a half-assed PC with HDMI out to do the same job better. :)