similar to the Ceton InfiniTV 6

• Six! Count ‘em, six digital tuners!
• Supports premium and encrypted SD and HD cable TV channels
• Dynamically assigns tuners to different PCs as needed

• Low power consumption
• Compatible with any TV tuner

• THX-certified video optimization tool
• Networked TiVos can access content from each other
• Supports major Web media services
• 2TB of storage
• Can record 4 shows at once

• Moderately priced
• Offers PC-free Skype videoconferencing for HDTVs

• No way to view/record shows on your smartphone or tablet
• Requires Windows Media Center
• Requires high-end home network infrastructure
• Not compatible with or satellite TV
• Not DLNA certified

• Currently incompatible with Windows 8
• Requires hard-wired Ethernet connection
• Crappy, generic remote

• Can't access cable service's on-demand video
• Doesn't work with satellite TV
• Very expensive hardware and service

• Poor video handling in low light
• Video quality isn't great

Provided you have the right network infrastructure, Windows Media Center, and digital cable TV service, Ceton's InfiiniTV 6 is an excellent foundation for a whole-home TV-entertainment system.

The Ceton Echo works as advertised, bridging the gap between your PC and your TV, but its awkward remote, lack of Wi-Fi, and high price sour the deal.

While its ability to record 4 shows simultaneously and its search and streaming media support impress, the TiVo Premiere Elite suffers from lack of support for cable providers' on-demand media--and it's very pricey.

The TelyHD offers a reasonably priced option for groups seeking to make Skype video calls using an HDTV (and no PC), but the image quality isn't terrific.