LifeExtender relied on an API that doesn't work on WTV. There are workarounds, but unless you build a DirectShow based cutting filter (what DTB uses) it would require a lot of file manipulation (wtv->dvr-ms->cut dvr-ms). DTB doesn't support WTV->cut WTV yet, but it may in a future release.
That said, storage is so cheap; why take the chance that you miss any part of the show?
With other tuner types (QAM, NTSC) it does work with Live TV. As long as the WTV is unencrypted I don't see why DCT content would be any different.
The MC tuner service (ehrecvr.exe) is just another piece of the underlying platform (like the audio, dhcp or dns services); are you advocating that the only non-"kludgey" solutions are those built in-house from the metal up?
Software development is all about leveraging other people's work; why is this any different?
M2TS is supported with the MPC-HC mpeg splitter. It's included in the DVRMSToolbox install, or you can get if from the standalone filters zip on sourceforge.
No need to RAID your movie store. Using something like WHS you just need to enable folder duplication to protect the data, and you have unlimited storage @$80 a TB (not to mention that you can buy storage as it becomes necessary, and storage only gets cheaper).
I didn't see it in the specs, but I wonder how many simultaneous movies the Sony changer can playback where the number of clients in the store on hard drive method is limited by network bandwidth (and later, much later, disc I/O).
The recycle bin's size is configurable (right click on the bin and select properties), so technically you can have any size you want.
I think the biggest drawback to using the recycle bin is that they are user specific, so if you delete something who's bin does it end up in (network service, pc user, extenderN user)?
The more important question is why does the bin even have to be part of the equation? Deleting an item on MC doesn't have to actually delete it, just mark it as "deletable", remove it from the standard view and make it show up on the deleted items view. When space is low MC could start there to make room for more recordings...
Ultimately, it's just another really simple feature that eHome should have implemented and hasn't (how long did video resume take?). Maybe in 8MC.
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The real value add for MC (and other HTPC solutions) all the functionality besides TV that it enables (movies, music, pictures, media automation, etc). TV gets it in the door for most (it did for me), but when discussing cost/value versus solutions like Tivo and CableCo's DVR it's important to include those features in the mix.
"With all the new multitouch capable monitors coming out, which one is the best? With the release of Windows 7 I really want a touchscreen monitor for my desktop. I'm looking to get a Full HD monitor that supports multitouch and can still look great during gaming and movies. Which one has the best specs for the price?"
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A new TIVO would be great, they need to start doing something besides winning lawsuits to put $ in the bank.