Actually most of the software is Open Source so there are no upgrade costs unless you want to change your system. I ran the same system using SageTV for 8 years with no hardware changes. I was also able to run the same software on Windows 2000, XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, and my son now runs it on Windows 10. My wife greatly preferred the interface, she just didn't like the fact that I made it a hobby. Sage started with a vision and never varied from it they only left the market because Google bought them. They are the basis for Google's Fiber TV system.Sorry, but you missed on all 4 points.