I would like to get some feedback from people experienced with some of the
computer PVR setups out there. I have not really kept up with them. I am
going on about 2 years with a Philips HDRW 720 set-top DVD Recorder with
120GB hard drive (basically a DVR that can burn). It works well with my
analog cable setup, but I am soon moving to an apartment complex that only
offers Direct TV. Cable is not an option, analog or otherwise.

Some of the feature of my Philips that I really love and would like to see
in a PVR setup that can also work with satellite are as follows:

** Full-time, real-time buffer. By default, my unit starts recording the
when it is turned on and allows me to go back up to 3 hours (or to the point
of power on if it has been on less than three hours). Unlike what I have
seen with some other DVRs, the buffer on my unit is not reset at channel
changes. I can go back 30 minutes even if that was 3, 4, etc channel changes
ago.

** OTR that captures all (or as much as is in the buffer). If I tune to a
show that started at 10:00 and start watching and at 10:17 I decide I want
to record this, I can hit my OTR button. It not only starts recording from
that point forward, it grabs everything between the beginning of the show to
the time I hit the OTR button. The above described buffer is what allows it
to do this.

** Subscription free on-screen guide with 1-click recording. Mine downloads
the free TV-Guide listing from the PBS vertical blank interrupt.

** Pause live TV (of course) with ability to catch batch up to live TV. I
have seen a Sony that once paused, only allowed you to get within one minute
of live (very irritating).

** Jump back / forward buttons. The default on my Philips is 30 seconds, but
this can be
changed (independently).

Do any of the programs like Beyond TV, Myth TV, SageTV, etc offer all of
the above features?

Also, how good are the remote controls? How well do they integrate into a
entertainment system? All constructive opinions and feedback are welcome.
What is currently the best capture card to use?

TIA