SageTV 7 due to arrive tomorrow with new look

We're big fans of HTPCs around here, but admit that when it comes to 10-foot user interfaces that we're pretty superficial. It isn't that we always believe in form over function, not at all. It is just that we're willing to sacrifice a some features for a little eye candy and overall usability. This is one of the reasons we're not the biggest fans of SageTV even though it's always had some great unique features like Windows Home Server and HD PVR support as well as software extenders for just about every platform. Good news for SageTV and shallow HTPC users alike though as tomorrow finally brings SageTV 7 and a revamped user interface. At first glance we can't say we're blown away, but the apparent improvements are a step in the right direction and we do want to give it a try and run it through its paces. The upgrade will run existing customers $49 and includes many under the hood upgrades as well.

[cypherx Posted May 19th 2010 8:06PM]

Oddly, somehow the spacing reminds me of the Comcast guide used on their Motorola based systems.

[CraziFuzzy Posted May 20th 2010 12:55AM]

Wow.. what a poor choice of images to put in the story... I mean.. Sage users have no NEED for a program guide.. :-)

[MickBurke Posted May 20th 2010 1:28AM]

I must be function over flash, but for years the only option I've thought was even remotely robust is SageTV. Build your own, no monthly fee just to get the guide, watch it wherever you want. Nothing even compares.

[Kento22 Posted May 20th 2010 2:20AM]

FYI, Brent at GeekTonic lists the upgrade price as $39.95.

I am also function over flash, but it looks like a ton of flash is incoming. Here is one of the plugins under development for SageTV 7:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbVW5JZFl10

[Brian Posted May 20th 2010 2:35AM]

I remember using Sage around the time when it first came out. It is pretty cool and nice to be able to customize so much but it's like they never understood the UI is lacking, and still seems to be with version 7. Really, Microsoft seems to be the only one who has a pretty UI and for the options with Windows 7 MC you don't lose a lot in options. I do wish Sage would get it and maybe at some point support CableCARD. Which I know, they need to use the DRM Microsoft uses but I would think there is a way to do it.

[SpongeBobPistolPants Posted May 20th 2010 9:04AM]

@Brian I'm sure M$ would be happy to license them the DRM tech and probably at a very reasonable price but I don't think SAGE would want to make the concessions that would be required by the DRM standards. Their users probably wouldn't want to give up some of the perks they are accustomed to with the unncrypted channels.