Has anyone had any experience with SageTV, Beyond TV or Media Portal?

I'm building a DVR for my mom. She has OTA antenna.
I'm planning on installing a Hauppauge HVR-1600.

SageTV has a bundle with pre-configured remote, so I'm leaning toward that. But Media Portal is freeware, and who doesn't like that?

However, I've tried to install Media Portal on one of my own machines, but I could never get it to tune channels or get any signal. Maybe it's because it already has Sony's GigaPocket software and there's a conflict, I'm not sure, but I'd rather not mess with it if it takes a lot of configuration.

Anyway, any advice you could give would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I've used all three. My preference is SageTV - and second BeyondTV.

I've used all three. My preference is SageTV - and second BeyondTV.

is SageTV easier to use than BeyondTV?
Would they both support Clear QAM?
Can i burn DVDs with recorded stuff in HD?