SnapStream's Beyond TV 3 - The Must-Have Home Multimedia Software
by Andrew Ku on May 12, 2004 12:00 PM EST- Posted in
- Smartphones
- Mobile
The TV in Beyond TV - Recorded Shows
Once entering either ViewScape viewing mode (full screen or windowed), there is a main menu from which to select. Of course, SnapStream takes the time to splash up a "tip of the day."Right off the bat, it was clear that SnapStream created an interface that is very clean and a smooth scheme. Just as important, it is aesthetically appealing and definitely easy on the eyes.
Recorded shows doesn't just simply list the recorded video archive. It also provides a bit of a way to manage your video collection; a bit reminiscent of Windows XP MCE 2004.
The show listings are given 4 fields. The first indicates the time when the file will be deleted. If there is a lock icon, then the show will be deleted once the program needs more space to record; its absence means that it will only be deleted when you tell it to. The second field lists the show and episode name, assuming that the program guide is up and running. If not, you are going to get some no-name stuff, which will make your video archive all the more confusing. There is more description of the show and episode recorded on the bottom of the screen, where the recoding format is also listed.
The "NEW" field is interesting, since we haven't encountered something like this in other programs. Personally, it is a welcome addition, since it helps keep track of the most recent video additions. Though, the recordings are sorted by date anyways.
Selecting a recording listing gives you a few more management options. We definitely like the "keep until" option, which is present in MCE, because this allows you to hang on to a recording as long as possible, without being conscious about deleting it. It will automatically be deleted when you need more space to record.
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batorok - Thursday, May 13, 2004 - link
as a Sagetv user I'm pretty miffed they didn't compare the two. Sagetv 2.0 has a really nice new interface, handles multimedia (pics, mp3z, movies, dvds including vob files) pretty well, has multituner support, and better image quality of viewed tv (I demoed both before buying sage). Since tv is what it's all about, the picture quality is what's important to me.reboos - Thursday, May 13, 2004 - link
MythTv is very nice.mcveigh - Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - link
good question crazy_vagI don't think snapstream supports HD capture cards
crazy_vag - Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - link
When will I be able to record Soprano's in HDTV on HTPC???mcveigh - Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - link
I think you should consider comparing it to tivo/replay as I think this is more what it is aimed at replacing.also I would like to see more info about multile tuners.
how about a shoot out of personal video software in the future?
SnapStream vs. sage TV vs. windows MCE vs. ????
Jeff7181 - Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - link
Wonderful review. Looks like a very robust piece of software. If I was in the market to build a HTPC I'd probably buy it. From what I see, I like the information windows... they have a little bit too much info, but at least they're transparent so you can still see the show... unlike Comcast the last time I paid for digital cable.llamas - Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - link
Are you considering a review of SageTV 2.0 (just released)? It would interesting to hear how it compares with BTV3. SageTV supports multiple tuners, and has client software with the same interface as the server.