Turn your PC into a TiVo for $69.99

This TiVo-in-a-box comes with everything you need for PC DVR goodness.

(Credit: Nero)

It's been awhile since I've sung the praises of TV tuners, which let you watch and record shows on your PC, TiVo-style. Well, now you can get more than just the style: Nero's LiquidTV TiVo PC brings the actual TiVo software to your system.

The retail package includes the software, a TiVo remote, a USB IR receiver, a one-year subscription to the service, and a high-end USB tuner.

Originally it sold for $199.99 (way too steep, IMHO), but right now you can get the LiquidTV TiVo PC for $69.99 shipped.

The TiVo software probably needs no introduction--it's nearly identical to what you'd find on a TiVo set-top box, complete with Season Pass and KidZone features (but without extras like music and photos).

The tuner is a Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950Q, a top-rated model that, purchased separately, would cost you $99.

It can pull down over-the-air digital signals (a small antenna is included, but you might need something larger), QAM channels, or analog channels. The remote is the same one that comes with the TiVo HD.

I reviewed a LiquidTV about a year ago, and while I encountered a few setup wrinkles, overall it did a fine job duplicating the TiVo experience. My only real complaint is that after the first year, a TiVo subscription will cost you $99 annually. That's cheaper than set-top box rates, but still--ouch.

CNET hasn't covered the product, but check out Maximum PC's LiquidTV review. Verdict: "Our new favorite PVR software solution for the PC."

Thanks to reader "nkeith" for sharing this deal!

[CamaroZ28c]

Looks like there are a lot of negative reviews out there for this one. May be best to go more traditional HTPC routes.

[CamaroZ28c]

If interested in just the tuner, http://www.amazon.com/Hauppauge-WinTV-HVR-950Q-Personal-Recorder-Control/dp/B001DEYVXO for $62.19 shipped

[ducttape36]

i prefer windows media center. hands down that has been the best experience in dvrs for me. plus i think it just plain looks better. but since the tuner alone regularly does for 99 bucks you could get this and then sell the software on ebay or something. a great deal as usual rick!

[dennisl59]

Same here. Used WMC2005 and now Vista HP-64bit--sp2 with the ATI 650 tuner in three different boxes over the last 4 years...No issues, problems, etc.

[cmdigitalmedia]

I'm rather confused as to why this package is $69 when buy going to the website listed, and clicking on hardware required ... http://www.nero.com/enu/liquidtv-required-hardware.html it says $49. What is the difference in this package from what you have posted as a good deal? I can't seem to find the difference somehow. The only thing the listing you posted says is about analog(do they still have those), digital over the air signals, where as the link I have included has a connector for cable. So help me out here please. Thanks.

[jbkmsp]

Your link is for the "Remote Bundle" it does NOT include the TV Tuner or software.

[rickbroida]

No, my link is for the "retail box." It's the second link down, the one with the price.

[iff2mastamatt]

But Hulu is free! Has all the shows I watch.

[4score20]

Hulu won't be free for much longer, unfortunately. :(

http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-10381622-261.html

[killa_cam510]

Now i think this deal is a good one, but i have a hardware question, do these tuners play HD off the tuner card itself or will they use my graphics card?

[teedo]

With such a cheap price I would imagine this does use your PC power to do most of the processing.

[PeteyBrian]

Thanks Rick! I appreciate this kind of under the radar idea/deal the most!!! I actually bought a Hauppauge tv tuner in 2007 or so (based on favorable ratings) - I'd say I have a beginner to intermediate skill level with computers - I spent a couple of evenings trying to set up my tuner to no avail. I couldn't get it to work...

I ended up buying a Slingbox this year for $180 at Bestbuy but works like a charm on my laptops and iPhone (additional $29.99 for iPhone software) - and very easy to setup. Streams my cable content to the internet and onto these mobile devices. I don't have a DVR type service which can also be streamed to my devices via Slingbox - because I'm avoiding additional monthy fees like Tivo...

[cm_carr]

Hey Peter would you like to share? I would prefer another option over purchasing a second TiVo subscription. I have an extra PC just sitting idle and would like to turn it inot a recoder. I also have the web tv box instead of a slingbox, is there any difference?

[frankwick]

The Windows Vista/7 DVR is a better Tivo than Tivo is. Why bu

[jbkmsp]

I've been wanting a tuner for my pc so I am going for this deal. I found a coupon for another $5 off. The coupon code is: 7SP5NWLA45 just enter it at checkout.

$99 a year... ouch? That represents a great value and no other service comes close to Tivo's capabilities. Tivo has been struggling financially for years... it's not like they are price gouging. Thanks to Tivo I have been able to get rid of Cable and a $100/MONTH bill!

[cary1]

Except that it will not work with encrypted signal. For this you need a cable card tuner and Windows 7

[AppleSuxLeo]

Windows 7 already has HTPC built-in.
[CNET editor's note: Personal attack deleted.]

[CaptAdventure]

Why not just buy a cheap tv tuner and record with WMC? No annual charge or anything...