PlexDVR
Cut the cord and watch free over-the-air TV with Plex.
Channels DVR Server
There are a few good options for recording OTA TV for playback. I previously used Channels DVR Server. It works pretty well and gets regular updates plus it’s easy to install. Two drawbacks were what led me to switch to Plex DVR instead. First, while watching live TV the system would pause due to running out of space on the client. I would have to get out of the show and go back to watch. Kind of strange but they have it set up to use the client for live TV buffer and most clients don’t have a lot of storage. We use Amazon Firesticks or apps built into the TV. Second, there is a yearly subscription fee but it’s not too much. Read more about Channels.
Plex
This led me to try Plex and their live TV with DVR functionality. I already purchased a lifetime Plex pass so it was worth a shot. They often go on sale and I purchased my pass on Black Friday. With the lifetime pass I do not have to pay for a yearly subscritption which is a savings compared to Channels. Plex does not seem to have the buffer issue that Channels suffered from. Recordings also integrate with your other Plex content like TV Shows and Movies. Plex have excellent documentation and have an article on setting up the DVR.
Hardware
My hardware is completely overkill and I previously used a much older PC for the server that I bought locallly for $100. But I’m an enthusiast so I tend to go a little extra.
Storage
My current setup is a network attached storage (NAS) device by Synology. A DS1522+ with five 14 TB hard drives. However, previously I just used an exteral 4 TB hard drive connected with USB.
Plex Server
I don’t run Plex on the NAS but you could. I have a HP EliteDesk 800 G4 DM 35W that I purchased used on reddit two years ago.
Antenna
I got my antenna from BestBuy. Here is a similar one.
Capture Device
Also purchased at BestBuy is an HDHomerun with four tuners. Similar device here.
Wrap Up
Like I stated, my set up is competely overkill for a simple Plex server with live TV and DVR. The items needed to get started are pretty inexpensive when compared to a monthly cable bill.
- TV tuner like an HD Homerun.
- Antenna for reception. Even rabbit ears will do if you have a strong signal.
- Used PC for the server. Preferrably an Intel 8th gen or newer that supports QuickSync.
- Storage. An inexpensive external hard drive with space for recordings.
- Lifetime Plex pass