Digital tuners

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Level 2

308 points

Digital tuners

I have the 4th Gen Apple TV and am in the process of trying to cut the cord. I have a couple media streaming software products installed to determine the best for my usage (InFuse 6, VLC, Plex and Emby), my question here is regarding digital tuners for OTA broadcasts.

I have been looking at the HDHomeRun series of tuners, not sure about the ones with a built-in DVR.

Does anyone have any experience with these, or are there other tuners out there to consider? When I do an internet search the only results are from HDHomeRun, so I figure either they're paying Lord G big bucks to be #1 or they're the only game in town for Apple TV.

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.13

Posted on Jan 24, 2020 1:39 PM

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Answer 1

vazandrew

Level 8

40,948 points

Jan 24, 2020 3:34 PM in response to Mike Lipay

With HD Home Run, you can sign up directly with their DVR service ad use hardware with built in DVR. Otherwise, you would be looking at using channels service (which requires a server).

I'm pretty sure the only alternative would be Tablo, which I am not as familiar with but as far as I know it is more expensive and would require a separate hard drive for using their DVR.

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Answer 2

Mike Lipay Author

Level 2

308 points

Jan 24, 2020 3:55 PM in response to vazandrew

Looked at the Tablo, initial cost is less:

HD Quatro (4 tuner, 150 hr (?)) is $250
Tablo Quad is $200 w/o storage

I have USB drives sitting around that I've rescued from laptops. The advantage that I see to Tablo is that if I want more storage, or if the drive cr@ps out, it can easily be replaced. Not so sure about swapping out the drive in the HD.

Annual subscription for the two:

HD is $35/year, no lifetime option
Tablo is $50/year, but you can cut that by purchasing a lifetime $150 option

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Answer 3

Urquhart1244

Level 10

147,682 points

Jan 24, 2020 2:34 PM in response to Mike Lipay

For hardware, HDHomeRun is an excellent option. For software, there are alternatives to HDHomeRun’s own software, i.e. the Channels app. Which is good, as the HDHomeRun app doesn’t have a tvOS version.

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Answer 4

Mike Lipay Author

Level 2

308 points

Jan 25, 2020 7:01 AM in response to Mike Lipay

Anyone have any experience/knowledge of Hauppauge? I was looking at this item on BestBuy's site:

https://tinyurl.com/w3enngv

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Answer 5

vazandrew

Level 8

40,948 points

Jan 24, 2020 3:11 PM in response to Mike Lipay

Channels has a DVR service, which you can find out about using the link below

https://getchannels.com/plus/

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Answer 6

vazandrew

Level 8

40,948 points

Jan 24, 2020 4:19 PM in response to Mike Lipay

Yes, unfortunately that tends to be the norm with a lot of these systems. I've looked at Plex in the past and was not impressed. Your best best is definitely the two options mentioned, both of whom provide email and phone support. Tablo provides their own app and there is also email support for the channels app if you have questions surrounding that.

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Answer 7

Mike Lipay Author

Level 2

308 points

Jan 24, 2020 2:41 PM in response to Urquhart1244

Thanks, I've seen Channels but haven't downloaded it yet since I don't have the tuner yet.

Do you know if the Channels app will record shows? If so, will it record to the HDHomeRun device, to Time Capsule, both?

I know HD is a good product, but I don't want to dive into it if there are others out there. I like to review every option before I settle on one. Also, HD makes quite a number of different devices with different options, want to get the right one. I spoke with HD and they are working on a native ATV app, hope to have it out 2nd Q.

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Answer 8

Mike Lipay Author

Level 2

308 points

Jan 24, 2020 3:21 PM in response to vazandrew

Read that. At this point I'm having a problem with a "server" for this to run on, same as other media servers. I either have to keep my MBP running 24/7 or ??? Not sure what other options are out there.

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Answer 9

Mike Lipay Author

Level 2

308 points

Jan 24, 2020 3:23 PM in response to Mike Lipay

I appreciate the information I'm getting, more helpful than you may realize, hopefully for others as well. But, as to the topic itself, anyone know if there is something out there other than HDHomeRun?

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Answer 10

Mike Lipay Author

Level 2

308 points

Jan 24, 2020 4:05 PM in response to vazandrew

Still looking around, not sure which would be better. I know Tablo is sold at Wally World, so I may take a trip to see it and read whatever they provide as a manual (if anything). Unfortunately, HD only seems to sell online.

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Answer 11

vazandrew

Level 8

40,948 points

Jan 24, 2020 4:10 PM in response to Mike Lipay

It's actually the opposite here in Canada. I do agree it is nice to be able to see the product and relay any questions to a sales associate. Best to continue to research and you will find the right one in time. Cheers.

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Answer 12

Mike Lipay Author

Level 2

308 points

Jan 24, 2020 4:13 PM in response to vazandrew

Same problem I've been having with the streaming software. Plex is very customer unfriendly, no way to contact their people with questions. You have to rely on the forums, and I've gotten conflicting answers from the people there. Others seem the same: VLC, Emby. Only Infuse has email access to their support people.

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Answer 13

vazandrew

Level 8

40,948 points

Jan 25, 2020 7:44 AM in response to Mike Lipay

Never heard of it, though most of the reviews don't look good. Also, the app appears to only be for IOS. I think you will find the ones mentioned are your best options, but you are free to keep looking.

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Answer 14

vazandrew

Level 8

40,948 points

Jan 24, 2020 4:03 PM in response to Mike Lipay

As I say I am not as familiar with them so they must have brought down their prices, good to know. Looking at them now it does look like it would better suit your needs. Best of luck.

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