[Discuss] FIOS, HD, DVR, and Mac Mini

[Scott Ehrlich]

Hello to all:

I'm closing in on one year of FIOS service which comes with a
complimentary year of DVR service.   Unless I can get Verizon to come
up with another way to save the $12 or so a month on the DVR, or get
them to give me another free year of DVR service, I'd like to learn
what others have done to convert their machines (Mac Mini for me) into
a DVR on FIOS.

How controllable are the FIOS boxes?   I know I could always get an
old VCR, keep the FIOS channel where it is, and record to tape.  But,
that somewhat limits shows on a tape, and the need to baby sit the
channels.   I think homemade DVR with a computer is more flexible.

I'm happy to hear what others have done.

What apps are available for MacOS (Snow Leopard)?

If another OS is preferred, which would work best for a PC [Mac]-based
DVR setup?

Thanks.

Scott