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.

[malerin.livejournal.com]

re DVR, it's probably worth checking to see if your cable company offers one. it may not have the cool geek allure or whatever you're looking for of a tivo or making your own DVR, but it works, and i've found the AT&T and DirecTV DVRs I've used more than adequate.

[msschein.livejournal.com]

Pity you can't use your current DVR with HDTV. That thing is awesome.

[outcastspice.livejournal.com]

we have an awesome logitech remote that's programmable, i do recommend it if you're going to buy one anyways. we have the 'harmony 550'.

[(Anonymous)]

The Logitech Harmony One is generally considered the best universal remote out there. Of course it's $200 and I refuse to spend that on a remote. I've decided I'm happy with my 4 remotes and if you can't figure out how to use all of them, then I don't want you using my equipment anyway.

Something else to consider is that you probably want 2 tuners. I have enough conflicts where I need to juggle around my recordings with 2 tuners myself. If you're sharing this device with a roommate you almost certainly need the ability to record 2 shows or watch one and record one. Remember, if you want to watch a sports game while recording a show on another channel that's two tuners right there.

So if you build your own you require 2 cable card tuners or 2 cable boxes and 2 of those $250 boxes.