Current state of changing TVTuner channels via playlists?

[Shai-Hulud]

Previously, in Windows I had been able to stream my TV tuner and control it via a playlist using VLC 0.8.6. It was nice watching TV when I was on vacations, visiting family and such. Since I've been busting my butt in college I really hadn't had time to set up TV streaming in Linux. Nor did I have a real need. Well, now I have a real need again. Come to find out in version >= 0.9.3 (I think) playlist control is no longer an option. I've done a fair amount of reading concerning the "main input error: unsafe option "dshow-vdev" has been ignored for security reasons" type errors. There does not appear to be a solution other than command line control which is akin to trying to control a modern TV without a remote control. Sure, it can be done, but, it's neither convenient nor fun. Is there a solution?