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Plextor ConvertX PVR PX-TV402U
Page: 2/3
(2072 total words in this text)
(56114 Reads) 
SOFTWARE
The ConvertX PVR comes bundled with two main applications: InterVideo WinDVR 5, and InterVideo winDVD Creator 2.
InterVideo WinDVR is the primary program that enables the ConvertX PVR to do its job. Like most software bundled with encoder/tuner devices, it leaves a bit to be desired. For comparison’s sake, let’s consider Hauppauge’s WinTV2000, which comes bundled with their PVR cards (example: WinTV PVR350 Review ). In my experience, the primary issues with WinTV2000 were that it lacked advanced functionality and it was ugly and clunky looking. InterVideo WinDVR, on the other hand, is a bit sleeker and modern looking, but it has only a bit more of the desired advanced functionality.
WinDVR handled the basic TV viewing functionality with aplomb. InterVideo WinDVR enabled me to quickly and easily view live television on my computer screen. It was also a simple matter to figure out how to record the program I was currently watching or just takes a snapshot of the screen.
The program, through a series of sub-screens, allows you to access a TitanTV account if you have signed up for one. I tried this setup for a week and was not impressed. There were multiple errors in recording. Additionally recorded programs were difficult to find. I looked on the net and it seemed that if I paid more money, then I could get a version of the InterVideo software with more bells and whistles. I was unimpressed with the feature list of the “premium” version and opted to pass.
Most users of BYOPVR know that a high quality PVR experience calls for a bit more than the simple time-shifting program elements. For example, a more robust PVR program allows advanced intelligent scheduling such as the option to record a season of a show or an individual specific showing two weeks from now. A more robust PVR program allows easy access to and sorting of previously recorded programs. InterVideo WinDVR falls a bit short in this area. Thankfully there are excellent 3rd party software PVR and HTPC solutions that support the Plextor ConvertX like: GBPVR and SageTV.
Not all of the software was a letdown, however. The InterVideo winDVD Creator 2 actually looks like a rather useful bit of software. It is primarily a video editing and DVD creating program. WinDVD Creator 2 is the program that you would use primarily if you were using the ConvertX PVR to capture some analog video media like VHS/camcorder tapes to digital. The program has a sleek look and is laid out in a easy to understand manner.
As your can see from the primary menu, this program allows you to use the device to capture video straight to the hard drive, create a DVD from already existing files, or even to record straight onto a DVD disc. Unfortunately, I do not posses a DVDR drive, so there was no way I could try out the full functionality of the program. In the bit of experimentation I did do, the program seemed to have potential. (editors note: we’ll have to get 2n a DVD burner so he can investigate further and post his findings)
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