Anyone trying Plex DVR?

[Puzzled]

My Sky Q multiroom deal is up soon so looking at alternative ways to get TV / recordings to the bedroom(s).

Been thinking about upgrading the media server anyway and Plex DVR looks kinda interesting, bit different from the usual DVR with the way they present recordings but I do like the idea of having it all tie in with my Plex user profiles.

Anyone here trying it yet? Seems to still have some issues but could be promising if the Plex dev team actually keep working on it rather than going on to the next thing and leaving it half baked.

 

[MG42Maniac]

I looked into it, seems the software is a long way off. This review on Amazon was the decider for me to hold fire for a while:

A brief explanation of my house network topology:

Asus router
Mac Mini: used as a central multimedia server, connected to an 8-drive Synology NAS.
iTunes serving films and TV shows across network to iDevices including Apple TV
Plex (with Plex Pass) is used to serve all non-iTunes media

The following are used to consume media:
Mac Mini, various iPads, iPhone and Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

I took a punt on the HDHomeRun, mainly because I was enthralled with the idea of "cutting the cord" as Plex's almost frenetic marketing machine has been extolling these past months. As far as I'm aware, no ISP (Virgin, BT, TalkTalk etc) provide a set top box that allows you to transmit live TV or recordings around the home to any device? There's only one TV in the house (in the lounge) connected to an Amazon Fire TV, and there's an iPad in kitchen, bedroom, Mac computer in office etc, so if those could access recording from a central point, that would be great.

If only it were that simple....

Installation was a breeze though; Plug network cable into HDHomeRun and router or switch; plug in aerial; plug in power supply. On OS of your choice (I'm a Apple person, but there are versions for Windows, Mac, Android, NAS/Linux and FreeBSD) download and install the HDHomeRun software. Job done.

I am currently liaising with SiliconDust regarding their HDHomeRun app on Mac, where I have an issue with dropouts. Worked fine on day one, but it's currently fairly useless. Their tech team are being very helpful so I'm hopeful of a resolution.

Use with Plex: I love Plex, I use it each and every day, but if you are buying the HDHomeRun for use with Plex DVR, be aware that live TV is limited and there's no EPG to speak of. Plex DVR offers categories to choose from, such as News, or Movies. If you want to see what's on BBC One tonight at 8pm, you can't. Likewise you probably can't successfully search for a programme you know exists, even if you know it's on and when it's on. A bizarre approach in my opinion, great for pot luck, but useless as a central hub of your TV pleasure. Plex DVR is free insofar as no subscription is required, but I'd stick with Plex and pay an annual subscription if they did things properly. I've uninstalled Plex DVR software. I may reinstall it at a later date, but for now ... nah.

Native HDHomeRun software: As mentioned above, I'm having a problem with it on my Mac, but have installed Kodi and the HDHomeRun add-on and it works perfectly. On my Amazon TV there is a free app which works well, although it sometimes loses signal on HD channels.

iOS: There is no HDHomeRun software app developed by SiliconDust, which is something of an oversight in my opinion. There are however third-party options, such as Channels (for a fee) which works for live TV only on any modern iOS device. NB: You cannot access your recordings or indeed set them using Channels for iOS.

HDHomerun DVR features: Out of the box you cannot record, but you get a 'free' 24-hour EPG. Pay an annual DVR subscription (circa £28) you get a 14-day EPG and the ability to record individual broadcasts and entire series. I took this option after the Plex DVR fail and play recordings on the Kindle Fire.

In summary: Hardware = 5 stars. Software = 3 or maybe 4 stars.

The hardware has worked flawlessly and I have zero issue with it. The software is what lets things down. Plex DVR is useless (to me) without a conventional EPG, but it is free. The HDHomeRun app on Mac currently has issues (for me, but others report it works fine); on the Kindle Fire things tend to run smoothly, it's certainly the best platform for consumption, since you can view recordings (but there are issues with HD channels); on iOS, you have to look for third party solutions and there's no facility to record or view recordings at this time.

Overall a mixed bag, but I've no regrets because despite the outlay of the HDHomeRun box, the associated DVR subscription and an app purchase on iOS, I'm very satisfied with what it does. The forum community both on SiliconDust, Plex and Channels' websites seem to be active and keen to see this "cord-cutting" solution work. Prepare to use beta software though.

Update: 13th July, 2017: I mentioned above about "liaising with SiliconDust" ... this has come to nothing. I had two contacts, one on the forum and one via their trouble ticket system and then ... silence. They really aren't interested in helping me with my Mac problems. To elucidate: On one Mac (a Mini) the picture stutters, is jerky although the audio is solid. On another Mac (a Pro desktop) the picture and sound are perfect. However, the HDHomeRun software frequently crashes on both machines (running MacOS Sierra). The solution of sorts was to stick with Kodi on the Mac Mini, but that's not without its problems with occasional issues with a blocky picture and a clunky mouse interface, which do not manifest itself on the other Mac or the Amazon Fire TV! You still cannot view live HD channels or recordings on the Amazon Fire TV... The software is an absolute mess.

The HDHomeRun software has been under development since a Kickstarter to sponsor its development in April 2015, so I'm not holding my breath on any of these issues being resolved any time soon.

I'm knocking 1 star off my review for the lack of interest shown by SiliconDust, but stand by my appreciation of the hardware

 

[Puzzled]

It does seem to be in early stages at the min, hopefully they will continue to develop it.

The lack of conventional epg is a bit odd, I know plex like to keep things consistent so the groupings make sense in some ways but to not even have a basic epg seems to be more down to licensing fees.

I do intend to try it but looking to buy a tuner second hand. Already have a youview box so plex would be for accessing recordings in the bedroom and live tv in the room without an aerial. From that review the HD homerun looks the better way to go as you have their own app as a backup (I don't have a mac and all the TV boxes are Android so should work ok).

It's a shame more dvrs aren't playing with wireless / networked multiroom. The sky q system can work well but too expensive, virgins system needs both boxes to be connected to the cable grid. I know you can get around it with catch up and live TV apps but just not as tidy.