Which DVB-S software

[Chrisoldinho]

Hi all,

Building a HTPC, which will be the center piece of the living room, replacing BT Vision.

I intend to power it probably using Windows 8, possibly Mint 13.

Looking for options really on what the best DVB-S software is that is HD capable, and can schedule recordings (Tivo like would be great, but not a requirement). I know about MCE, and XBMC but unsure if they are the best.

As this is a whole new arena to me I am struggling to find definitively what most people are using, and whether it's better to use the bundled software which comes with the hardware (like MyTheatre).

Thanks,
Chris.

 

[Chrisoldinho]

@OP - you probably realise it but....

You note DVB-S and then HD, well all the HD channels have now moved over to DVB-S2 and so you need the hardware to support that.

I have found that if you throw TV into the mix for a HTPC then it can be a bit of a bag of spanners to get it to work. I have tried many combinations of software, with a overall poor success rate, and yet the best for me has been Windows 8 with the WMC addon for a reasonably well populated EPG and then the media browser addon for TV shows and movies etc.

If I do not wish to bother about TV then XBMC for its ease and functionality.

Thanks Vimes, I wasn't actually aware of this no. I haven't actually purchased the hardware as yet so will definately take this into consideration.

I think I will be going to WMC route, then install something like the GuideTool http://1geek1tool.com/guidetool to re-order the EPG as required.

As I have never done this before, does the EPG auto update via WMC, are recordings encrypted and what format are recordings made in (native? h264.ac3 mkv?)

Chris.