DTV4PC: Beneath the hype, a few solid features

Smith-Micro recently introduced their DTV4PC software, promising to “turn your PC into a complete digital entertainment center”, and has been promoting it aggressively via email. According to the company, the software features include:

• 1056 live TV channels on your PC
• No monthly charges
• Thousands of worldwide programs
• 100% legal

Sounds good. But how does this $30 software product work, and does it live up to the hype?

What it Does

DTV4PC is a software application that aggregates Free To Air (FTA) channels and packages access with a custom user interface and search function. FTA channels are, as the name implies, already free; they’re accessible to anyone with an internet connection. DTV4PC offers a means of organizing (and potentially updating) a collection of FTA channels.

What it Says it Does

However, that’s not quite how they’re positioning the product. With promises like “nearly 100 channels of the most popular programming on the worldwide airwaves available with no pay-per view fees, or hidden charges”, this sounds like an entertainment bargain. With promises of viewing “Comedy Central, ESPN, Fox, ABC News, Discovery Channel, MTV Overdrive, EuroTV, Vintage Cartoons, Food Network, National Geographic, Rapture TV, Adult Swim, Broadway Network, Game Network, and more”, how can you miss?

One popular and in-depth review from Chris at RGBscan.com has attracted a lot of praise for its straightforward and detailed analysis of the channels provided and overall video quality. The reviewer was not impressed, and has also complained about a lack of support from the vendor on honoring their 30-day guarantee. (Nor is he alone on this issue. I found a number of similar complaints on from disgruntled customers.)

And the People Say

From a decidedly unscientific sampling of online reviews, it looks like roughly 60-80% of posters who’ve purchased this item have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of available content.

Satisfied customers point to the ease of keeping their channels organized, the free radio add-on, and easy access to European channels (great for ex-pats).

Tip: If you are interested in purchasing, visit the DTV4PC website, read what they have to say, and before you buy, leave the site. That’s right, navigate away to another website. DTV4PC sends up a live chat pop-up window offering 25% off the purchase price to anyone who exits the site without making a purchase.