OTA DVR

[AudioHTIT]

We are streaming almost exclusively but still have DirecTV. In our rural location, before we had the higher bandwidth Starlink provides, I was reluctant to give up the pipe DTV provides. Now however, it’s obvious we aren’t watching much on DTV at all, except the local & national news, and some network programming we can also get (in better quality) via our OTA antenna (though I will occasionally miss the DTV 4K documentary & concerts channel). 

I know there are TiVo users here, and they’re the granddaddy of this technology, but maybe there are other options to consider.

Here’s our setup:
OTA Antenna cable (RG6) runs to network closet, where it currently hits a four-way splitter, three are currently active (Master, Guest, HT).

Here are our wants:
* Main requirement of ‘DVR’ is only for pause / play / rew / ffwd (30-60 min)
* Might also want to be able to record 1 channel at a time, would like these functions in MBR & HT.
* Heat and ‘always on’ power consumption are a concern (heat especially in network closet). 
* Not keen on a computer based system, even have an old HDHomeRun in the closet, too much power, too much heat.
* ATSC 3.0 a bonus, though none of my current TVs support it (HT & MBR are 4K)

Seems the requirements are simple, what do you guys like?

[LuisV]

SlingTV and their DVR service may suffice as long as you don't mind paying for a subscription. I believe the DVR functionality resides on their end, all you need is an internet connection and their app.

www.sling.com/service

[AudioHTIT]

Jul 11, 2023 14:38:19 GMT -5 LuisV said:

SlingTV and their DVR service may suffice as long as you don't mind paying for a subscription. I believe the DVR functionality resides on their end, all you need is an internet connection and their app.

www.sling.com/service

So I will probably get a subscription to something (Hulu, Sling, YouTube, etc), but hadn't considered making my local stations a requirement of that want (though did start a spreadsheet with 'cable' channels we'd like to have). With that solution I wouldn't even use my OTA, at least not w/DVR (doubt it could match my OTA PQ). However when I put in my Zip code, it doesn't list any locals. I guess it would also mean using my TV Apps if I only want to turn the TV on?(normally use TV with the system) Different metaphor, have to think about it, but thanks for the suggestion.

[LuisV]

I used to use Plex, an HDHomeRun and OTA antenna... it worked perfectly for my needs; roughly used it for a year while I was moving out of state.   However, that doesn't fit into your low power, no heat scenario.   Plex ran on my NAS as a docker and I used an Nvidia Shield at the TV as the streamer... zero issues.  When I traveled, I had a spare Shield that I took with me... worked like a dream.  

Today, I don't have a need to watch local news channels as a couple of them have free apps and I follow these news channels on Twitter; so it's much quicker / easier to see what's happening as it happens than waiting for a broadcast timeslot to hear what happened.  For weather, I rely on the Weather Channel app and since we live on Florida's Gulf Coast, I follow various National Weather Services, NOAA, and Jim Cantore, again all on Twitter... I can rest assured that as long as Jim isn't reporting locally that I have nothing to worry about.      

[MusicHead]

You may find this interesting:

hotdog.com/blog/the-best-dvr-without-subscription-fees/

I have an old PC with a Hauppauge Tuner Card, still running Win7 and Windows Media Center. Antenna is in the attic. I used that as a OTA DVR and then stream recorded content to the 55" OLED TV using Plex. Low tech but it works.

[AudioHTIT]

Jul 11, 2023 22:08:47 GMT -5 MusicHead said:

You may find this interesting:

hotdog.com/blog/the-best-dvr-without-subscription-fees/

I have an old PC with a Hauppauge Tuner Card, still running Win7 and Windows Media Center. Antenna is in the attic. I used that as a OTA DVR and then stream recorded content to the 55" OLED TV using Plex. Low tech but it works.

The Tablo Lite Dual looks interesting to me, and it’s on Prime Days sale, may give it a try. Our OTA quality is so good, I’m hoping their tuners, stream, and app look as good, but if I understand the architecture, I could keep our existing cabling set up, and just hook the Tablo to the open splitter port to DVR/stream when wanted. You do need a subscription for a TV guide, but we can probably get by without. Thanks for the article, it was helpful. 

[MusicHead]

Jul 12, 2023 1:56:26 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

Jul 11, 2023 22:08:47 GMT -5 MusicHead said:

You may find this interesting:

hotdog.com/blog/the-best-dvr-without-subscription-fees/

I have an old PC with a Hauppauge Tuner Card, still running Win7 and Windows Media Center. Antenna is in the attic. I used that as a OTA DVR and then stream recorded content to the 55" OLED TV using Plex. Low tech but it works.

The Tablo Lite Dual looks interesting to me, and it’s on Prime Days sale, may give it a try. Our OTA quality is so good, I’m hoping their tuners, stream, and app look as good, but if I understand the architecture, I could keep our existing cabling set up, and just hook the Tablo to the open splitter port to DVR/stream when wanted. You do need a subscription for a TV guide, but we can probably get by without. Thanks for the article, it was helpful. 

You are welcome, glad you found a potentially workable solution for you. Although my setup works at the present time, I know that sooner or later I will need to "upgrade", so I keep an eye on what is out there.

As for the TV guide, it is certainly a convenience. When Microsoft stopped supporting Windows Media Center (I believe it was removed from Win8 on) they also terminated the automatic updates to the TV Guide even on the existing WMC installations. I found a workaround through a clever script that harvests the TV guide from here tvlistings.zap2it.com/?aid=gapzap then converts it in a format the WMC can read and copies it in the appropriate directory.

This is the advantage of using a PC for this stuff. For a closed system like the Tablo you probably have no other option but the subscription.

[AudioHTIT]

Jul 12, 2023 7:02:33 GMT -5 MusicHead said:

This is the advantage of using a PC for this stuff….

Yes, it does add flexibility, and possible efficiency, we are now (almost) all macOS, but have a PC running iSpy Agent DVR, we’ve tried to put other things on it, but though it works well, it needs to be on its own for stability, and with 16 cameras, it stays pretty warm. I also tried to run it with docker on a Mac, but it seemed kludgy. Which is to say, everything seems to want its own box, I get by with a VM to run Visio in my Mac, and am about to try running Home assistant that way, at least for testing, but it will probably need its own hardware. What I really need is a cool zone elevator (patent pending :~) so I can have a server rack down in my crawl space where it’s cool, but bring it up through the floor somewhere when I need to work on it (hence my focus on low power and heat). If I get a tablo, I’ll probably put it in the HT Credenza where a DTV client is now, that will keep heat out of the network closet (one negative comment about the Tablo is heat, still trying to learn its consumption). 

[cawgijoe]

I will be in the same boat by end of 2024. If plans go well, will be moving to a brand new home build for retirement. I plan on using a Televes rooftop mounted antenna for the locals as well as streaming services which would likely include Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and Apple TV Plus. Disney Plus and Hulu, and Discovery Plus are included with my Verizon cell phone plan.

Currently have Directv...been a customer since 1995...may go with a streaming replacement service to ease the "pain" of switching, but will drop Directv due to cost.

Two TV's will be connected using Belden RG6 and connected to a Kitztech preamp and high quality two way splitter. The internet service is Firefly and I would pay for the 1 Gigabit service.

No network closet as I plan to run ethernet cable(s) from the centrally mounted router to each TV location and use ethernet switches to expand as I do now. Works great.

The one thing I will need is DVR functionality for OTA. Unsure as to what "box" is currently the best and I'm sure there will be new or updated choices by end of 2024.

I so want ATSC 3.0 capability. Will be buying new TV's, at least one OLED for the family room. Unsure whether the TV's with have a built in ATSC 3.0 tuner or not.

Anyway, will keep an eye on this thread.....

[MusicHead]

Jul 12, 2023 8:24:25 GMT -5 cawgijoe said:

I will be in the same boat by end of 2024. If plans go well, will be moving to a brand new home build for retirement. I plan on using a Televes rooftop mounted antenna for the locals as well as streaming services which would likely include Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and Apple TV Plus. Disney Plus and Hulu, and Discovery Plus are included with my Verizon cell phone plan.

Currently have Directv...been a customer since 1995...may go with a streaming replacement service to ease the "pain" of switching, but will drop Directv due to cost.

Two TV's will be connected using Belden RG6 and connected to a Kitztech preamp and high quality two way splitter. The internet service is Firefly and I would pay for the 1 Gigabit service.

No network closet as I plan to run ethernet cable(s) from the centrally mounted router to each TV location and use ethernet switches to expand as I do now. Works great.

The one thing I will need is DVR functionality for OTA. Unsure as to what "box" is currently the best and I'm sure there will be new or updated choices by end of 2024.

I so want ATSC 3.0 capability. Will be buying new TV's, at least one OLED for the family room. Unsure whether the TV's with have a built in ATSC 3.0 tuner or not.

Anyway, will keep an eye on this thread.....

Since you are going to subscribe to a number of streaming services anyway, Sling TV with the Air TV dongle (which they often give away for free if you prepay two months) might be a good option.

They have pretty decent packages with several of the channels you would get through cable and with AirTV you add HD OTA.

SlingTV has a few slick features: you can DVR both streaming and OTA channels, you get 50 hours a month of recording time (or up to 200 hours for $5 more a month), unlimited number of simultaneous recording and, since it is all in the cloud, anywhere access to your recordings.

I subscribe to SlingTV on and off, usually for just a month at time when there is a big sport event, i.e.: Olympics, Soccer World Cup, etc. I never had cable and they have always been a great alternative to it. Unfortunately, their pricing (while still competitive) has been on the rise. When I first used their service it started at just $15/month, if memory serves me well.

See here for more info on their DVR service:

www.sling.com/help/en/troubleshooting/dvr-help/use-dvr#:~:text=Watching%20Local%20Channels%20on%20Sling%20%3E&text=Local%20channels%20received%20through%20an,with%20an%20external%20storage%20device.

And these are their current offers:

www.sling.com/supported-devices/airtv-mini

[AudioHTIT]

Jul 12, 2023 8:24:25 GMT -5 cawgijoe said:

I will be in the same boat by end of 2024. If plans go well, will be moving to a brand new home build for retirement. I plan on using a Televes rooftop mounted antenna for the locals as well as streaming services which would likely include Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and Apple TV Plus. Disney Plus and Hulu, and Discovery Plus are included with my Verizon cell phone plan.

Currently have Directv...been a customer since 1995...may go with a streaming replacement service to ease the "pain" of switching, but will drop Directv due to cost.

Two TV's will be connected using Belden RG6 and connected to a Kitztech preamp and high quality two way splitter. The internet service is Firefly and I would pay for the 1 Gigabit service.

No network closet as I plan to run ethernet cable(s) from the centrally mounted router to each TV location and use ethernet switches to expand as I do now. Works great.

The one thing I will need is DVR functionality for OTA. Unsure as to what "box" is currently the best and I'm sure there will be new or updated choices by end of 2024.

I so want ATSC 3.0 capability. Will be buying new TV's, at least one OLED for the family room. Unsure whether the TV's with have a built in ATSC 3.0 tuner or not.

Anyway, will keep an eye on this thread.....

We’ve had a ChannelMaster UHF Antenna on the outdoor ‘communications tower’ since we finished building this house about 20 years ago, and luckily even up in the foothills have a good direct shot at the four major transmitters in the Sacramento valley, the PQ from OTA can only be beat by disc. The four major network affiliates here all broadcast in ATSC 3 (aka NextGen), and that would be nice to have, especially if a DVR type device with a 3.0 tuner would then stream that picture to a non-3 TV — but I don’t know which 3.0 features are currently in use by most broadcasters in our area. At the moment though I just want to see how we handle the transition, what we think we want, and what we actually use, and broadcast is increasingly decreasing in use, with exceptions for news, sports, or network hit.

I have to say I’ve been happy with DirecTV for the roughly five years we’ve had it (Dish before that), the PQ & sound has been very good (especially 104), and the price has pretty much stayed the same (we did drop one client). But still, paying for a subscription to anything you don’t use doesn’t make sense (though I dread the conversation to get our service cancelled). 

If you’re running Ethernet back to a central location (home runs), that’s a good thing, and while you might not call it a network closet, it’s serving that function. We ran close to 50 runs throughout the house and into the garage, it’s now extended into the pole barn and even some direct bury out to cameras & APs — we currently have about a dozen network devices (router, switches, & APs) covering our 10 acres. You probably don’t need that much, but run plenty of CAT6 to anyplace you might have a network device/client, a wired connection is always better if the device supports it (I just had an expensive replacement of the HVAC hub and thermostat, just because the WiFi on it failed, an Ethernet port would have been welcome). We’re approaching 100 clients on the network, most are wired, though obviously many devices don’t have ports (phones, tablets, iOT, AND HVAC!)

As for Internet, Starlink is our fastest option and mostly keeps up with our needs, it averages 10 times the speed of our previous fixed wireless, sometimes 20+, but it’s nothing like the Gigabit+ options available to many city folk. Still, it’s nice to have a better connection to the world. 

The end of a long babble, I’ll probably pickup the Tablo today while it’s on sale, and see how it works. 

[monkumonku]

Jul 11, 2023 22:08:47 GMT -5 MusicHead said:

You may find this interesting:

hotdog.com/blog/the-best-dvr-without-subscription-fees/

I have an old PC with a Hauppauge Tuner Card, still running Win7 and Windows Media Center. Antenna is in the attic. I used that as a OTA DVR and then stream recorded content to the 55" OLED TV using Plex. Low tech but it works.

The article you linked was updated in June 2023 and it recommends the Amazon Recast as the first choice for a free OTA DVR. However, Amazon discontinued the Recast last year. Looks to me like that was either an AI-generated article or the author was irresponsible.

[MusicHead]

Jul 12, 2023 11:31:59 GMT -5 monkumonku said:

Jul 11, 2023 22:08:47 GMT -5 MusicHead said:

You may find this interesting:

hotdog.com/blog/the-best-dvr-without-subscription-fees/

I have an old PC with a Hauppauge Tuner Card, still running Win7 and Windows Media Center. Antenna is in the attic. I used that as a OTA DVR and then stream recorded content to the 55" OLED TV using Plex. Low tech but it works.

The article you linked was updated in June 2023 and it recommends the Amazon Recast as the first choice for a free OTA DVR. However, Amazon discontinued the Recast last year. Looks to me like that was either an AI-generated article or the author was irresponsible.

Sorry for involuntarily spreading misleading information. It looks like sloppiness on the part of the site editor.

There is another article, similar to the one I posted, with more alternatives, supposedely recently updated as well, and yet the Recast is still listed:

hotdog.com/tv/best-dvr/

I guess the saying "trust but verify" always applies...

[cawgijoe]

Jul 12, 2023 10:19:11 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

Jul 12, 2023 8:24:25 GMT -5 cawgijoe said:

I will be in the same boat by end of 2024. If plans go well, will be moving to a brand new home build for retirement. I plan on using a Televes rooftop mounted antenna for the locals as well as streaming services which would likely include Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and Apple TV Plus. Disney Plus and Hulu, and Discovery Plus are included with my Verizon cell phone plan.

Currently have Directv...been a customer since 1995...may go with a streaming replacement service to ease the "pain" of switching, but will drop Directv due to cost.

Two TV's will be connected using Belden RG6 and connected to a Kitztech preamp and high quality two way splitter. The internet service is Firefly and I would pay for the 1 Gigabit service.

No network closet as I plan to run ethernet cable(s) from the centrally mounted router to each TV location and use ethernet switches to expand as I do now. Works great.

The one thing I will need is DVR functionality for OTA. Unsure as to what "box" is currently the best and I'm sure there will be new or updated choices by end of 2024.

I so want ATSC 3.0 capability. Will be buying new TV's, at least one OLED for the family room. Unsure whether the TV's with have a built in ATSC 3.0 tuner or not.

Anyway, will keep an eye on this thread.....

We’ve had a ChannelMaster UHF Antenna on the outdoor ‘communications tower’ since we finished building this house about 20 years ago, and luckily even up in the foothills have a good direct shot at the four major transmitters in the Sacramento valley, the PQ from OTA can only be beat by disc. The four major network affiliates here all broadcast in ATSC 3 (aka NextGen), and that would be nice to have, especially if a DVR type device with a 3.0 tuner would then stream that picture to a non-3 TV — but I don’t know which 3.0 features are currently in use by most broadcasters in our area. At the moment though I just want to see how we handle the transition, what we think we want, and what we actually use, and broadcast is increasingly decreasing in use, with exceptions for news, sports, or network hit.

I have to say I’ve been happy with DirecTV for the roughly five years we’ve had it (Dish before that), the PQ & sound has been very good (especially 104), and the price has pretty much stayed the same (we did drop one client). But still, paying for a subscription to anything you don’t use doesn’t make sense (though I dread the conversation to get our service cancelled). 

If you’re running Ethernet back to a central location (home runs), that’s a good thing, and while you might not call it a network closet, it’s serving that function. We ran close to 50 runs throughout the house and into the garage, it’s now extended into the pole barn and even some direct bury out to cameras & APs — we currently have about a dozen network devices (router, switches, & APs) covering our 10 acres. You probably don’t need that much, but run plenty of CAT6 to anyplace you might have a network device/client, a wired connection is always better if the device supports it (I just had an expensive replacement of the HVAC hub and thermostat, just because the WiFi on it failed, an Ethernet port would have been welcome). We’re approaching 100 clients on the network, most are wired, though obviously many devices don’t have ports (phones, tablets, iOT, AND HVAC!)

As for Internet, Starlink is our fastest option and mostly keeps up with our needs, it averages 10 times the speed of our previous fixed wireless, sometimes 20+, but it’s nothing like the Gigabit+ options available to many city folk. Still, it’s nice to have a better connection to the world. 

The end of a long babble, I’ll probably pickup the Tablo today while it’s on sale, and see how it works. 

We have a roof mounted Winegard antenna that has been up since 1990...33 years. Working wonderfully. Still in great shape. Bought a Televes just because I wanted to try them out. Using a Kitztech preamp now, but had a Winegard previously. I'm about 25 to 30 miles from the transmission towers.

The new location will be more "rural", however the transmission towers are only about ten miles away.

I currently have a CAT6 cable run to each floor of the house...family room (main system), and basement (exercise area). The router unfortunately in the house is in the master bedroom. I'm using old Apple Airport Extremes for wifi strength in the main area of the home and basement. They are old but do the job well. Most of my equipment that requires it is wired to the internet.

I would likely have a similar setup in the new home. But I will make sure to run CAT6 to other locations, like the upstairs bedrooms and maybe the garage just in case.

RG6 will go to the main family room TV (Atmos system) and to the master bedroom TV. I will also run RG6 to the other two bedrooms upstairs just in case. I can always change the splitter out in the attic near the antenna from two to four outputs.

Let us know how the Tablo works out.

[cawgijoe]

Jul 12, 2023 9:32:52 GMT -5 MusicHead said:

Jul 12, 2023 8:24:25 GMT -5 cawgijoe said:

I will be in the same boat by end of 2024. If plans go well, will be moving to a brand new home build for retirement. I plan on using a Televes rooftop mounted antenna for the locals as well as streaming services which would likely include Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and Apple TV Plus. Disney Plus and Hulu, and Discovery Plus are included with my Verizon cell phone plan.

Currently have Directv...been a customer since 1995...may go with a streaming replacement service to ease the "pain" of switching, but will drop Directv due to cost.

Two TV's will be connected using Belden RG6 and connected to a Kitztech preamp and high quality two way splitter. The internet service is Firefly and I would pay for the 1 Gigabit service.

No network closet as I plan to run ethernet cable(s) from the centrally mounted router to each TV location and use ethernet switches to expand as I do now. Works great.

The one thing I will need is DVR functionality for OTA. Unsure as to what "box" is currently the best and I'm sure there will be new or updated choices by end of 2024.

I so want ATSC 3.0 capability. Will be buying new TV's, at least one OLED for the family room. Unsure whether the TV's with have a built in ATSC 3.0 tuner or not.

Anyway, will keep an eye on this thread.....

Since you are going to subscribe to a number of streaming services anyway, Sling TV with the Air TV dongle (which they often give away for free if you prepay two months) might be a good option.

They have pretty decent packages with several of the channels you would get through cable and with AirTV you add HD OTA.

SlingTV has a few slick features: you can DVR both streaming and OTA channels, you get 50 hours a month of recording time (or up to 200 hours for $5 more a month), unlimited number of simultaneous recording and, since it is all in the cloud, anywhere access to your recordings.

I subscribe to SlingTV on and off, usually for just a month at time when there is a big sport event, i.e.: Olympics, Soccer World Cup, etc. I never had cable and they have always been a great alternative to it. Unfortunately, their pricing (while still competitive) has been on the rise. When I first used their service it started at just $15/month, if memory serves me well.

See here for more info on their DVR service:

www.sling.com/help/en/troubleshooting/dvr-help/use-dvr#:~:text=Watching%20Local%20Channels%20on%20Sling%20%3E&text=Local%20channels%20received%20through%20an,with%20an%20external%20storage%20device.

And these are their current offers:

www.sling.com/supported-devices/airtv-mini

I'll check out Sling and some of the other "cable replacements" before signing up end of next year. Thanks for the info.