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Build new HTPC or move to TiVo Bolt and Tivo Mini

Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2017 7:50 pm
by mikey1273
I have a Dell Zino HD that I been using as HTPC for quite some time. It is chugging away but I had driver issues with comcast's switch to H.264 and THe DRM on HBO that I could not record anything or watch HBO until I sorted that Out a few months back. I have a silicon dust HD Homerun prime as my tuner.

I have been thinking about updating my HTPC and my desktop as both are very old and its been a long time since I built a PC. What can be done now with a pC? is it possible to have netfilx and other apps on the PC like we could in WMC win7? I'd like to try win10 but seems its hard to get it to work with xbox 360 as an extender and I'd want that.

I'm looking for some system build ideas that would work for me and not cost an arm and a leg to put together. I currently dont have 4K or HDR tvs. being able to ad it later for little cost would be nice. I would maybe be able to reuse the 2tb drive in the zino and could continue to use the fire stick with the living room tv where the pc is and the xbox 360 can access netflix and amazon just fine.. I can stick to that but would really like a PC that runs smoother. seems the video card in the zino is taxed with h.264 and DRM.
If I can't build a decent PC I might jump ship and get a Tivo bolt but the downside to that is paying a monthly fee to them. I do like how it can run all the streaming services and I could build a PLEX so it could access my movies and stored shows.

so options and options to think about please

thanks

Re: Build new HTPC or move to TiVo Bolt and Tivo Mini

Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2017 11:18 pm
by mdavej
You don't need a Bolt with monthly fees. Get a Roamio with lifetime. An OTA can take a cable card if you buy a $20 bracket for it. Even though it runs Netflix and Amazon pretty well. Other apps like Hulu are pretty far behind what you can get on a Roku. So I do the majority of my streaming on Roku since the apps are better and there are many more of them.

Since I switched from WMC to Tivo a few years ago, I rarely have to fire up my HTPC. Pretty much the only thing I still need a PC for these days is BBC iPlayer due to the difficultly of managing VPN for my other devices.

Re: Build new HTPC or move to TiVo Bolt and Tivo Mini

Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 4:27 pm
by mikey1273
mdavej wrote:You don't need a Bolt with monthly fees. Get a Roamio with lifetime. An OTA can take a cable card if you buy a $20 bracket for it. Even though it runs Netflix and Amazon pretty well. Other apps like Hulu are pretty far behind what you can get on a Roku. So I do the majority of my streaming on Roku since the apps are better and there are many more of them.

Since I switched from WMC to Tivo a few years ago, I rarely have to fire up my HTPC. Pretty much the only thing I still need a PC for these days is BBC iPlayer due to the difficultly of managing VPN for my other devices.
Ok you have my attention on the OTA Roamio box taking a cable card. how difficunt is the mod and will it download the guide data correctly? can I add a tivo mini in? this would actually be the perfect way to go Tivo. the only real objection I ever had with it was the monthly fee. I could build a plex server with one of my old PCs
MdaveJ where can I read more about using an OTA roamio with a cable card?

Re: Build new HTPC or move to TiVo Bolt and Tivo Mini

Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 4:56 pm
by Scallica
mikey1273 wrote:where can I read more about using an OTA roamio with a cable card?
https://www.tivocommunity.com/community ... ot.528452/

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/26-home-t ... ecret.html

"Just a word of caution - While it is highly unlikely, Tivo could conceivably deactivate any Roamio modified in this manner."

Re: Build new HTPC or move to TiVo Bolt and Tivo Mini

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 5:47 am
by subarunut
Mikey, I am in the same boat. Looking at going to weaknees and getting a 13tb bolt + and a mini. And possibly a lifetime subscription

https://www.weaknees.com/tivo-bolt-plus-4k-series6.php

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