The Cheapskate

Got a spare PC lying around? Turn it into a sweet DVR with this TiVo-in-a-box package.

(Credit: Nero)

Update #2 (1:30 p.m PT): Sorry, folks, looks like the LiquidTV is sold out. It's worth checking back periodically, though, just in case Nero releases more stock.

Update: Use coupon code AP-4210-BJ6C to get an extra $4 off! Thanks to reader ThaBigGuy for the heads-up.

My unofficial motto: cheap things come to those who wait. Witness the Nero LiquidTV TiVo PC, currently on sale for just $39.99 shipped. Just two months ago, it seemed like a bargain at $69.99. And it originally sold for $199.99!

In case you're not familiar with it, TiVo PC is exactly what it sounds like: a combination of hardware and software that turns your computer into a TiVo.

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

The 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. So even if you toss out the software, you're getting a seriously good deal on the tuner.

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. Just keep in mind 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." 'Nuff said.

Backup deal: Cell-phone reseller Wirefly has teamed up with Bing to offer $50 cash back on any phone Wirefly offers. For example, you can get the Verizon Droid Eris for $9.99 (with new service), then walk away with $40.01 in Bing Cashback cash. Definitely worth a look!

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!

A digital TV tuner for $25 is a hard deal to pass up.

(Credit: Newegg)

I was a bit surprised at how many of you disliked the recent LiquidTV TiVo PC offer. However, I can take a hint, so here's a much cheaper TV-on-PC solution: Newegg has the AverMedia AverTVHD Volar USB TV tuner for $24.99 shipped (after rebate). Make sure to apply discount code EMCABAGDJ to get that final price.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, a TV tuner lets you watch live TV (via cable or antenna) on your PC. You can also record and time-shift (pause) shows using bundled software or a third-party solution like Windows Media Center or SnapStream Beyond TV.

The AverTVHD Volar is a digital-only (ATSC) tuner, meaning it uses an antenna to pull down over-the-air digital channels. It comes with a small telescoping antenna, but you may want to connect something larger if you live in a remote area.

The tuner also comes with a carrying case, making it a travel-friendly solution. At home, this would actually be a great second tuner for someone who already has an analog (NTSC) tuner. (By the way, Windows Media Center supports up to four tuners.)

The AverTVHD Volar normally sells for at least $60, so you're definitely getting a deal here. The $20 rebate offer (PDF) expires January 12.

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

(Credit: Nero)

Many times in this space 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 an HD-compatible USB tuner. Normally it sells for $199.99 (way too steep, IMHO), but right now you can get the LiquidTV TiVo PC for $103.99 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 normally sells for around $75. 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've just received a LiquidTV for review, and so far, so good. The setup instructions could be better (there's a disconnect between the manual and the software installation), and for some reason I encountered some video stuttering in the preview window.

Other than that, I'm really liking this so far. For just over $100, you get the complete TiVo experience on your PC (and your TV, if you connect the two). Definitely worth a look.

(Credit: KWorld)

Hey, remember the KWorld PlusTV ATSC 340U? (With a name like that, how could you forget?) It's a TV tuner that plugs into a USB port and pulls down over-the-air HD signals or unencrypted QAM signals (which are delivered via cable). The last time I posted it, Newegg was selling it for $14.99 after rebate, plus six bucks for shipping. Well, now you can get it for $14.99 after rebate, plus zero bucks for shipping!

This would make a killer second tuner for anyone already running, say, Windows Media Center with an analog tuner. The PlusTV is strictly digital, meaning if you plug in a cable-TV cable, you'll receive only QAM stations. (If you're not up to speed on QAM, check the Wikipedia entry.) What's more, Windows Media Center should be able to detect the tuner if you use an antenna (a small one is included), but it definitely won't if you go the QAM route (that's a WMC limitation). Fortunately, KWorld bundles Arcsoft's surprisingly decent TotalMedia software, which provides full DVR capabilities--and QAM support.

I've been watching the Olympics in full HD glory using a tuner very much like this one. If you don't mind waiting on a $20 rebate (PDF) (good through Aug. 29), you won't find a better price on an HD tuner for your PC.

(Credit: Newegg)

The KWorld PlusTV ATSC 340U is a USB TV tuner. It can receive both over-the-air digital signals and unencrypted QAM signals (which are delivered via cable). Either way, it's your chance to watch and record HDTV on your Windows PC. Newegg is selling the 340U for an impossibly cheap $14.99 (after a $20 mail-in rebate). Shipping will run you six bucks.

Keep in mind that this is strictly a digital tuner, meaning if you plug in a cable-TV cable, you'll receive only QAM stations. (If you're not up to speed on QAM, check the Wikipedia entry.) What's more, Windows Media Center should be able to detect the tuner if you use an antenna (a small one is included), but it definitely won't if you go the QAM route (that's a WMC limitation). Fortunately, KWorld bundles Arcsoft's surprisingly decent TotalMedia software, which provides full DVR capabilities -- and QAM support.

This is far and away the lowest price I've seen on a digital tuner, so if you want TV on your PC, act now: The deal ends June 30.

(Credit: Dell)

The Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950, a "hybrid" TV tuner (meaning it can tune in over-the-air digital broadcasts or standard cable), normally sells for $79. Dell's Home store has it for just $40.79 plus five bucks shipping. That's after a $20 mail-in rebate, but I reckon Dell's good for it.

Hauppauge tuners are widely regarded as some of the best in the business. The HVR-950 comes with DVR software but also works with Windows Media Center. (Also included: Elgato EyeTV Lite, meaning you can use the tuner with a Mac!) You'll have to supply the antenna if you want over-the-air HD, but as long as you live in a fairly metropolitan area, any cheapo antenna should do.

Regular 'Skaters know of my fondness for tuners like this. Here's your chance to score one of the better models at a bargain price. The rebate offer expires May 21.

(Credit: Buy.com)

I've made no secret of my love for turning PCs into HDTVs. All you need is a tuner that pulls down over-the-air HD signals. I've spotlighted a few bargains in the past, but usually you had to wait on a rebate. Not so the KWorld PlusTV ATSC 340U, which Buy.com has on sale for $34.99 shipped--no rebate required!

The PlusTV is strictly an ATSC/Clear QAM tuner, meaning you need to use its included antenna (or your own rabbit ears). However, if you're a cable subscriber and your cable company broadcasts Clear QAM signals (i.e. digital cable without a digital cable box), you can go that route as well (though you may not get actual HD programming that way).

KWorld's tuner comes with ArcSoft TotalMedia, which lets you watch and record shows DVR-style. It should work with Windows Media Center and other media-center apps as well. The bundled software also lets you burn recorded shows to DVD.

I haven't tried this tuner myself, but I've seen only positive user reviews (including this informative one from an Amazon customer). There's still time to catch the Final Four in HD (go Spartans!), and you can do it for a mere 35 bucks.

(Credit: Woot.com)

If you've been shopping for an HDTV tuner for your PC, run, don't walk, to Woot.com. (Okay, you can't actually run there, but you can click speedily.) The one-deal-per-day site has the Pinnacle PCTV HD Pro Stick for $39.99 plus $5 shipping. It's a refurb, but so what? It's a USB device, not a fancy piece of electronics.

The HD Pro Stick lets you watch standard-def or over-the-air HD channels on your Windows PC (sorry, Mac users). It comes with an antenna, wireless remote, and DVR software. It's also compatible with Windows Media Center, but, alas, the included remote isn't. (Why, Pinnacle?! Why?)

I've used the Ultimate version of this product (the key difference being that the software comes preloaded on the stick, which is nice), and it works like a champ. The Pro normally sells for $100, so this is a hard deal to pass up. As I've mentioned before, PCs make for fantastic DVRs; all you need is the tuner.

If you want one, don't wait: Once Woot sells out (or the clock strikes midnight), they're gone.