media PC or TIVO?

Given the present state of your PC vs a TIVO solution, its a No Brainer in my book, Go TIVO!

I'm not sure of all the features that TIVO offers, my DVR is from Time-Warner but if all you want to do is record TV then a set top DVR is the best option. If you want things like the ability to play games or browse online you might want to look the PC route but the products still aren't quite there to make a solid, seamlessly compatable HTPC. It still takes a bit of know how to get it running and work it, DVR's are easy which equates to less aggrivation for your father and less tech support by you.

I have both media center (Vista Ultimate connected to a 32" LCD widescreen) and TiVo (2 Series 1, 2 Series 2, and 1 Series 3) and I much prefer the TIVO for broadcast content. I got my TIVOs when there still was a lifetime subscription available so I do not have the monthly fees which I do not think you can avoid now. I even got a Series 2 for my Mother and Father Inlaw (in their 70s) and they love it.

I have all my Series 2 and 3 TiVos connected to my home wireless network and have the TiVo app on a couple of the PCs that I use to show pictures we have stored on the PCs. I also convert, transfer, and play DVDs over the network to the TiVo in the family room.

I use the media center for DVDs, games, and general computing when there are several people viewing (rather than gather around a desk) but bottom line it serves as a PC with all the normal upgrades, patches, and crashes that come with a PC of any type. If you are looking for a reliable easy to use broadcast solution the TiVo cannot be beat by a media center setup - just my opinion.