Frey Technologies' SageTV 2.0 - A SnapStream Alternative
by Andrew Ku on July 25, 2004 12:05 AM EST- Posted in
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Getting Started
Compared to others, SageTV 2 seems to take a relatively long time to load, ~ 10 to 15 seconds, even though we were running everything on relatively fast hardware. Beyond TV took us only about 5 to 7 seconds to load, and this might be due to SageTV's use of Java coding or Beyond TV's heavier CPU reliance.
Click to enlarge.
Once you load up SageTV 2.0, the main menu interface pops up. In a more MCE fashion, SageTV 2.0 drives all of its features within a single interface. Overall, it is fairly simple GUI, but not necessarily aesthetically appealing or displeasing. Personally, we like the interface that Microsoft did with MCE 2004, with text on one and a nice icon on the other. Frey probably can do the same thing here since there is space on the right side for such.
Click to enlarge.
In terms of features, SageTV 2.0 is not just "TV", though the name suggests otherwise. It can also function as a DVD player and media library (audio tracks, videos, and photos).
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MlbDude - Sunday, July 25, 2004 - link
Saist - Sunday, July 25, 2004 - link
I only have one comment to make.D-link??? EWWWWW.
Spearhawk - Sunday, July 25, 2004 - link
Nice article. It would be intresting to see a simelar on GB-PVR (http://www.gbpvr.com/), which is freeware. I actuly prefare it before Sage TV.nullpointerus - Sunday, July 25, 2004 - link
Very interesting article! I would like to add one bit of information: while it is true that SnapStream cannot stream hardware-encoded TV files over the network without a fairly lengthy reencoding process, they will be removing this restriction in the next version. Also, they will be adding multiple tuner support, parental controls, and some user privacy settings. Maybe Anandtech will reexamine SnapStream at that time? The HTPC world seems to be in a very "buyer beware" mode right now, and it's good to have such in-depth reviews of each product.coolred - Sunday, July 25, 2004 - link
Still reading, looks good so far. I have been using sage TV 2.0 for about a month or so now, works great. One thing though, I see you mentioned that it is available for download only, and while this may be the case from frey themselves, PC alchemy sells sage TV as both a download or on a CD, thats where I got mine from.I believe one of thier employees, or possibly the owner himself is a member of these fine forums we have.
Keep up the good work. Next we need a "How to build and awesome HTPC" article.