So, my parents have been persevering with BBC iPlayer Desktop recently, but it seems to have a random attack and erase/corrupt everything that has already been downloaded.

I'm after a bit of software that (together with a decent TV card) will allow them to record TV direct to disk in a relatively open format (i.e. not proprietary) - the GUI needs to be uncluttered enough to use from distance with a wireless mouse, with minimal configuration visible (I'm happy to play with encoder settings in a hidden-away menu).

Anyone have any experiences/recommendations?

Windows Media Centre?

My inlaws & parents can use mine.

D'oh! The best solutions are often the most overlooked. Will give it a try - thanks!

Don't forget the remote.

Makes it so easy to use from the sofa.

You can even add iplayer etc using a plugin like tunerfree MCE

Thanks - if the forum had rep I'd use it

You can rep me on BT instead

Ha! Done