Sony’s PlayStation 2 video game console will gain TiVo-like video functions with software to be announced Monday by two start-ups.
Austin, Texas-based BroadQ is offering Qcast Tuner, software to connect the PS2 with a PC running SnapStream Media’s video recording software.
Houston-based SnapStream released its Personal Video Station software last year. The program allows a PC connected to a TV signal to record and play back programs using the PC’s hard drive, similar to standalone devices such as the TiVo video recorder.
Pros:
- No $9.95/mo subscription fee as there is with TiVo.
Cons:
- You have to record it to your PC, taking up valuable hard drive space reserved for warez and pr0n
- Your PC probably isn’t in the same room as your TV (maybe it is, who knows)
Conclusion: Good for some, but as the article states, won’t be a complete solution until you can remove the dependency on the PC.