Conclusion
The basic problem with the P7000 and other packages that implement the GDI software is that the software is too basic. Being able to schedule recordings via email is a very secondary concern after the ability to use a clean full-screen interface for all of the hardware functions.Using it as a simple TV tuner is not enough to warrant a purchase, however competent it may be at that task. It's marketed as a full PVR system by Prolink, however it barely skims the surface of what many competent PVR systems for the PC are capable of now. Simple tuning and recording is barely enough to excite people interested in such devices.
There's no integrated program guide, it doesn't tune digital TV, the FM tuner is unusable, the remote would intermittently stop working, requiring a reboot to fix. That list goes on and on. The list of basic functionality issues present in the P7000 package make it highly unattractive in the face of competing products.
ATI's recent products and things like the Nebula DigiTV do things infinitely better. Recommending the P7000 is therefore impossible. Steer clear unless the software improves dramatically, it lets the decent hardware down badly. Price does not save the PlayTV@P7000 Media Centre.
Score
Pros
Good combination of CX23882 broadcast video and audio processor and Philips tuner hardwareLow profile PCI card makes it suitable for a wide range of slim HTPC cases
Good recording performance
Relatively cheap (under £60 in the UK)
Cons
Very poor softwareUnusable FM tuner
No integrated program guide
Bulky remote with intermittent usage
No batteries in the box
