Top 5 DVRs for Cord Cutters

[@rossmiller4228]

Thanks for the video. There is nothing that I miss about dumping cable except the DVR.

[@Paggy6668]

HandyDadTV, if you buy a Tivo Bolt OTA DVR, the subscription is only $7/ $70/ $250. I just bought one with the yearly subscription. It's a 4 tuner version. I gotta say it's fantanstic!! That knocks down the 3 year cost to only $430. The $15 subscriptions seem to be for only the Tivo's that work with cable. Mine is OTA ONLY.

[@handydadtv]

Oh wow. Good to know. Thanks.

[@Fender178]

For the tech savvy people there is a way of offload your Tablo programming you need software called Tablo-RIpper if you have a Windows PC or if you have a Linux live boot media you can use that to transfer files from one drive to another for offline storage or if you have full fledged Linux install it will work in the same manner because the Tablo formatted HDD uses a Linux File system. That is how you transfer programming from one hard drive to another if you upgraded the storage to a larger drive.

[@berniehf]

I'm located in Costa Rica, please excuse my poor english, great videos by the way. I'm planning to keep my cable subscription (not planning to go OTA) and buy myself a DVR to record series and TV shows. My actual supplier is charging a crazy monthly fee for a DVR servie that is crap. Before investing on a DVR, my concern is to get access to my cable provider TV guide in order to choose what and when to record a show. Based on your experience, which DVR fits best to my personal needs?

[@edstar83]

I know tivo was just trying to be creative, but that box would bug me. I'd keep wanting to straighten it.

[@sherryblack8942]

I will be keeping my cable and just need a recorder so that I don't have to pay the huge monthly charge for a DVR through my cable service. On one of these you said quickly that it was also usable with cable, but I can't remember which one. And are there others out there that are better for recording from my cable? Do note that this is for a senior couple and are technical skill is highly limited! It's what I asked for as my 50th wedding anniversary.

[@handydadtv]

TiVo is the only option I know of, but it still requires a fee. It’s tough to setup (cable companies don’t like 3rd party equipment) but it’s great once it’s working. Keep in mind, the cable box rental includes support and the ability to immediately swap equipment if necessary. Getting TiVo means having two separate support numbers and they often blame each other. If your TiVo dies, you’ll have no TV until a replacement box arrives. With the cable box rental, you are paying for simplicity and convenience. That’s very valuable as we age.

[@willwade1101]

What I'm looking for is a cable DVR that I can transfer shows to my computer because I'd like to save a lot of HGTV programs.

[@handydadtv]

You can use an HD HomeRun with Plex as long as your HGTV doesn’t have DRM encryption.

[@What_Fred_Said]

After watching this I will just have to learn to live without a dvr. I have Amazon Prime for movies and some tv shows, Netflix and local channels through my antenna so I should be fine!

[@realgagne2956]

I'm looking for a DVR that while recording a show, I can watch another channel. ANT suggestions?

[@handydadtv]

They all have multiple tuners (that’s what you need to watch one show while recording another).

[@SuperFredAZ]

@@handydadtv Tablo, you can record up to 4 ( there are 2 tuner and 4 tuner devices) shows and watch one

[@ronnieparfait]

Real Gagne Literally stated in the first minute of the video. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@hookedonfishing.6021]

If you have to buy a subscription or use proprietary hardware its not really cord cutting isn't there a some dvr that can connect to my ota with a built in hard drive and no subscription? Thanks for the clarity on all the products

[@handydadtv]

FireTV

[@wildwestunlimited]

GREAT video!!!..... Does anyone know if you can archive your recordings from your Tivo Bolt Vox to your PLEX server or PLEX device? In other words, does the Tivo and PLEX communicate with one another?

[@handydadtv]

No I don’t think that can be done because they are encrypted on the TiVo drive.

[@MrMikey1273]

I do that with my Roamio OTA. You need TiVo to go on a PC and your TiVo media key that you can look up on your TiVo account page. Then you can pull recordings from the TiVo. As far as I know it should work on the Bolt. You can only do this with non DRM protected shows. Example of protected shows is HBO programs or anything your cable company marks DRM protected usually those are premium channels but I hear time Warner cable does it to all channels though Comcast did not when I used cable. Nothing off antenna has been DRM protected for me. After you get the show on your PC you will want to encode the video into the h.264 or h.265 codec to make it smaller files then the mpeg2 video off the TiVo. Handbrake can this so can MCE buddy. then you just move the files to your media folders. Plex will find it when it rescans you media library. And delete the big mpeg2 files. Look on the TiVo community forum for help with this that is where I learned it.

[@thecoltsnohuddle]

Hello, Which ota dvd recording system connects to the router via wifi? My tv/ antenna cable isn’t in a spot to connect via Ethernet to modem/router.

[@handydadtv]

I showed Connectivity in the feature table of each DVR.

[@jburghau]

Tablo and recast

[@EarlBalentine]

They make adapters that use your electrical 110v wiring in your house. plug a adapter in an outlet next to your router and another into a outlet next to your TV.

[@MrBluedanube]

Does anyone know how to use a tivo box as a dvr without a subscription? I got a used tivo box but didn't know I needed a subscription and not willing to get one just to record Jeopardy.

[@handydadtv]

The best way is to buy a used TiVo DVR that already has lifetime service.

[@davek3891]

Any ideas for just recording what's on the tv? Like if I want to backup shows I already have into a multi-use format (like MPEG) that doesn't need to be viewed via specific software. I could always set a tripod up with a camera set up in front of the TV but I'd rather have an external storage device I could direct connect to the tv like old school VCR's. Any info would be appreciated..

[@handydadtv]

Any of these DVRs record broadcast TV from your antenna. If you have cable, you can use TiVo or your cable company’s DVR.

[@davek3891]

@@handydadtv Thanks for the reply. To specify: I have no wifi capability at my location (hills to N & S). I can receive satellite TV & record to their DVR that's in their receiver. I want to either: 1) move those videos onto an external device in MPEG format (or another format that's playable on just about any source), or 2) be able to record those videos to an external source while replaying the recorded video that's on the satellite co's DVR so that I can then delete it from the satellite co's DVR and free up space for new recordings. It didn't seem like the DVR's you described would do that. Am I incorrect in that assessment? Any new ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@handydadtv]

I’m not aware of anything that can do that. Those recordings are DRM encrypted. You won’t be able to play them on anything other than that DVR. They won’t even play if you moved that hard drive to a different DVR.

[@maryzachary607]

Am I able to use any of these with the Mecool KM3 ?

[@curtchase3730]

Is there anything out there that is nothing more than a VCR replacement? No sub, No internet, No app, just a TV and antenna provided.

[@77coryw]

YES, what you want you will find at Walmart and/or Best Buy.

[@artdogg50]

@@77coryw Care to be a little more specific? 🤔

[@thebigmann81]

@@artdogg50 damn I was thinking the same thing. He tells you where to go but what about the brand name and model name?

[@larryj5192]

Exactly what is it that I will find to just record from my tv and antenna? Don't need or want all this streaming crap, just want to record from my tv and antenna.

[@lizgoble1]

Can you use any of these to record Hulu or ESPN if you have this streaming.

[@handydadtv]

No. But ESPN and Hulu have apps that show replays. Why would you need to record?

[@gatgolf]

WOuld be interested in your opinion on the HD homerun through the Channels App on the Apple TV

[@TuPhonez4Free]

What about clear Stream TV or Localcast

[@cultural1180]

How to get fire tv recast? Plz tell me.

[@handydadtv]

Amazon?

[@georose33]

I've been a Tivo user since their Series 2 DVR was introduced. Due to my absolute hatred for Comcast (although I'm stuck with them for internet), I'm cutting the cord. The newest Tivo OTA Edge is only 2 tuners and may not support Minis. And even if it does, I have to wire every room in the house where I want a TV or am stuck buying their new Mini for $200 and the wireless adapter for another $60. I think I'm done with Tivo, I have a Tablo coming, I'll see how that goes.

[@handydadtv]

TiVo’s days are numbered. The FCC is no longer mandating cable companies to support CableCARDs, so I’ve been investigating alternatives as well. Im fortunate to have Locast in my area. It’s not the best quality but it gives me all my local channels that I couldn’t get with an antenna. For cable channels, I like Philo for $20/mo, but it doesn’t have sports.

[@MrMikey1273]

The TiVo Romaio OTA i bought in 2017 has been good. I even had a cable card slot added so I could use it on Comcast but in the last year quit cable. The Roamio OTA has 4 tuners and supports my used mini. You can get referbishsed Romaio OTA from weak knees for 199 with all in service. I think the Edge OTA TiVos are not a great deal. I do love my TiVo Romaio OTA but I think it's day are numbered. Once atsc3.0 comes to my market I'm going to switch to an HD home run flex 4k and their DVR service or try to use my Plex server. However I can wait until nexGen tv is here. I don't think TiVo has plans for equipment to support that so far. How are you dealing with the LoCast shutdown?

[@handydadtv]

Luckily I never cancelled my Optimum TV subscription so I can still use TiVo as well as stream from all the apps that require a cable subscription. My main TV only has a FireStick 4K. The TiVo DVR is upstairs and I rarely watch it. Coincidentally, my original TiVo Bolt DVR died and I bought a used one with lifetime service. My main reason for using Fire TV instead of TiVo is for newer apps that weren’t supported by TiVo. 90% of our entertainment comes from Netflix, Hulu and Discovery+, which all are commercial free. The only thing we religiously watch on network TV is Survivor, and we need to use TiVo to record it because it doesn’t go on Hulu.

[@nems_girl3777]

I just want to be able to use an OTA antenna to get CBS to record Survivor so I can watch it later on my smart TV or pause if I need to use the bathroom, rewind if I miss something, etc. .... What do I need? Please HELP!!!! I know how to stream other shows via netflix hulu, youtube, etc and I know how to just watch the local channels via an OTA, but I need to know what I need to be able to record the local channels from an OTA antenna and just watch them from home via my TV.

[@handydadtv]

Assuming you already have an OTA antenna and you’ve verified that you can receive CBS, I’d recommend you try the Fire TV Cube. If you don’t like it, Amazon will take it back.

[@billdavenport3266]

will any of this work with iptv

[@77coryw]

Plex will using Xteve Google it...you're welcome!

[@StephEWaterstram]

I learned about this scam a Year ago! I was having trouble with DirecTV's arm and Leg billing. So I went with DISH NETWORK. Not complicated!

[@johnrand93]

I've had TiVo for 20 years and the only way Im giving up on them is they go out of business and have no life left in the company to keep the content up to date. People have no idea how much they really lose out on not having one. I have 10 with lifetime subscriptions and my library is extensive. I could cut ties with the cable company and not watch the same thing twice in a year. I love the 3tb Bolt plus Vox with the old IF.

[@handydadtv]

I’m still using mine, although I swapped it for a resale with a lifetime subscription from eBay after my original DVR died. There’s plenty of them on the secondary market, which unfortunately provides no additional revenue to the company. So… I wouldn’t bank on the longevity of the service. I tried the TiVo Stream and hated it. The only way I’d use it would be if it could watch content from the DVR.

[@yarsftks]

For the TiVo, can u record some for later and watch offline from work? Can't seem to find the answer without buying it. Also, can u do one that talks about sound? Dts Dolby? Thanks.

[@handydadtv]

I can’t help you with the sound question. I just plugged in my sound bar and it sounds great to me. I don’t know anything about the different standards. As for TiVo, you can definitely save shows to your phone for offline viewing, if the channel allows it. I just tested it.

[@clarkss12]

Broadcast TV only supports DD at this time, not DTS. Wait for the ATSC 3 to hit the market, it will support 4k video AND HD audio.

[@richardremmele8685]

I don't understand his position on Plex and HD HomeRun. You need a OTA tuner to use Plex and the only one that I am aware of that integrates with Plex directly is HD HomeRun. You either use the HD HomeRun DVR software or the Plex DVR services.

[@richardremmele8685]

Now it does work with other tuners but you still need a tuner "Previously, Plex only worked with HDHomerun tuners. Now, though, the company has expanded its list of tuners to include a handful from other companies, including Hauppauge and DVBLogic."

[@richardremmele8685]

Unless you know your way around routers and have on that lets you do it, you cannot do remote and my Asus router is suppose to allow it but I can't figure it out and I have been working with computers (not necessarily router stuff) since the Radio Shack Trash 80.

[@richardremmele8685]

Let me expand a little on Plex, yes Plex is extremely flexible, but you really have to know what you are doing. For some reason I had trouble playing back 1080i and it always tries to transcode, so it is quite resource heavy. Also even when I got CC to work on a series, it would only work part of the time. Work on one episode and not another and I had very few shows where it worked at all. It is not for the novice but HD HomeRun just works. You can even enable CC while watching the recorded content.

[@lweather]

@@richardremmele8685 Or you can do what I did - hire an in-home IT person to adjust your router and firewall settings to enable remote access - in my case, for our HDHomeRun tuner with Plex Media server. I didn't want to risk messing up our Wi Fi setup.

[@LewisDrakePhD]

You should’ve reviewed Channels DVR software that uses the HDHomeRun tuners and DVR hardware. It’s cheaper and just as capable as the TiVo.

[@handydadtv]

Does it record DRM channels?

[@LewisDrakePhD]

HandyDadTV yes

[@04DynaGlyde]

What if your tired of DirecTv and or cable itself, and you only want TiVo for over the air television watching? If you out right buy a TiVo Bolt Vox is service free for life? If so where is least expensive place to buy it or should a person by from TiVo? I'm not interested in paying for other movie/tv show services anymore. Please explain????

[@handydadtv]

Yes, you can get TiVo for an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. Mine supports both, OTA and cable. I pay $150/year for the service, but you can pay a one time fee (equivalent to around 3.5 years of service in advance) for “All In Service” or “lifetime” support (lifetime if the box). It’s a steep cost of entry, but it’s worth it in the long run. You can also buy a resale TiVo DVR on eBay that already includes the All-In Service Plan, which is transferable with the box.

[@captaincrypto9660]

With the Fire Tv Recast can you record from the Fire Stick apps or just Antenna? I am looking for something I can record from ESPN app or NFL Sunday ticket.

[@handydadtv]

Just antenna.

[@EarlBalentine]

@@handydadtv Could you record Pluto since it's a scheduled Tv shows and movies?

[@dads8253]

@@EarlBalentine my question exactly

[@jasondessenberg6096]

If you have sling tv, I would go with their sling air. It brings in your OTA channels and works in conjunction with sling tv.

[@handydadtv]

Have you tried their DVR? My only issue with Sling is they didn’t have PBS and that was one of our must-haves.

[@richardsmith1161]

@@handydadtv The air tv connects to your antenna so you get Pbs if your antenna picks it up.

[@handydadtv]

Oh wow. I’ll have to check that out. Thanks!

[@jasondessenberg6096]

@@handydadtv I have not had any issues with the DVR. I believe the cost is $5 a month for 50 hours of storage. Unlike some services, your programs are not deleted after a specified period. Some people have reported not being able to record some shows on certain channels but I have not run into this. If someone has cable & they are going to cut the cord. No matter what service you switch to, there will be trade off's. There is not one single service that will cover my needs, so I had to decide what was important. With the Sling Air box there is no DVR function built into it. You can use it independently of Sling TV to stream your OTA channels over your network. You will still need a streaming device or a smart TV that supports the app. It does not connect to your TV but you would probably want to run ethernet to it.

[@richardremmele8685]

@@handydadtv No Streaming Service has PBS yet except the new Streaming products from Spectrum because they are just the cable channels in different configurations without the cable boxes, so you use their Standard Streaming app that comes with cable. But as was pointed out the integration of OTA into Sling with that box gives you PBS.

[@dwanders]

One rogue thing that is still working well is using Windows Media Center and a USB TV tuner to record OTA shows. I'm using Plex server on the computer and the Plex player app on Amazon Fire TV Stick to play the recorded shows on other TVs. I have a Happauge WinTV USB tuner. It's beyond frustrating that Microsoft removed Windows Media Center from Windows 10, but some people have figured out a way to download and install it. There are sites that discuss that. MCE is sometimes removed again when Microsoft pushes out a major "feature" update, so I have to reinstall and rescan channels a few times a year. Otherwise, zero fees for recording, a program guide, and streaming to other devices.

[@handydadtv]

I was thinking of trying that route, but then I discovered TiVo. It’s awesome and SUPPORTED, unlike MCE.

[@kevinj8258]

Looks like if I want to experiment for 20 hours to work around the MCE legacy software. Figure my time is more precious so am willing to put a price on the learning curve of anything. MCE May be too costly to deal with.

[@dwanders]

I thought cutting the cord was about cutting the expense. I'm simply giving a FREE option. Ignore if you don't like it. Haters gonna be haters. MCE is a great software product that has reliably recorded my shows using a free downloaded schedule for years, and it streams to other devices using PLEX. Every so often I have to reinstall and resetup (maybe twice a year). No big deal. There are many that like MCE. That's why the community has kept it going.

[@kevinj8258]

dwanders -. Understood about the option. Hauppage USB timers are $50 to $70 on amazon. Plus you need a computer, but suppose you can use your existing laptop. After that the old software is free. Am surprised the channel guide still downloads and updates. Will that channel guide end when Win7 support ends in January 2020?

[@dads8253]

Maybe, but you gotta dance with the devil

[@Mitchell34604]

Are you able to record antenna OTA as well as streamed content with the Tivo ? Will the OTA and Streamed channels be in the same guide?

[@handydadtv]

You can’t record streamed content with any of these DVRs.

[@EarlBalentine]

@@handydadtv That seems to be the issue here is streaming TV show from any streaming service like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime to name a few you can't program streaming shows when they are not set to play at a certain time from the streamers. OTA TV shows are on at a certain time and that's why you can record them. I hope this makes sense.

[@joe10117]

HD homerun has issues not reccomended I tried twice lost my paid dvr access dvr not found atsc 3.0 tuner only limited channels

[@handydadtv]

Agreed. POS

[@m3rdpwr]

Often, TiVo will have the renewed 500GB Bolt with lifetime guide for @279.

[@handydadtv]

Awesome! But I wasn’t prepared to wait for a deal.

[@handydadtv]

Actually, I did get a deal. Brand new 500GB Bolt Vox was listed for $199. Best Buy had it on sale for $169 so I called TiVo to ask if their continual care protection applies to boxes bought from a third party. She said yes, but I can help you buy one right now. I told her about the sale and asked if they price match. After putting me on a brief hold, she said she could give it to me for $149. Naturally I said yes. 👍🏻

[@m3rdpwr]

@@handydadtv awesome! I have a bolt with 4 tuner and cable card. I was considering getting a renewed bolt with lifetime for 279 cuz in the long run it would be a good idea.

[@handydadtv]

And sell the old one?

[@m3rdpwr]

@@handydadtv I could, to recover the costs.

[@crazytexan7532]

With a lifetime subscription of 150 for Tablo which allows the 14 day guide as well as the channel skip I think that Tablo is a really great option. This is the one that I am looking into plus the ability for 8TB EHD it seems to be the best option plus that is all one time costs if you get the lifetime subscription.

[@handydadtv]

It’s great if you can get all your local channels over antenna. But I can’t. If Tablo could only take a cable card…

[@james10739]

Is surviver a thing i had not heard about it since like 2012

[@handydadtv]

Yes, and my family still watches it.

[@blooding77]

Thanks for the video.

[@richtrost2676]

I was hoping for an OTA programmable recorder/playback that connects directly to your TV via HDMI. Simple, like the old VCR but with modern HD resolution. None of these five fill the bill for me.

[@handydadtv]

I use TiVo for that

[@mrbrock72]

It's looking like Tivo will be using Android TV for their app store for this years new Tivo release. This is way overdue. Tivo app selection is rather slim. I am looking forward to getting one since I am a KZbin premium sub that also includes Google play music. And if they finally add support for roku and fire tv etc. to be able to stream live and recorded tv from the main unit then it will be unbeatable!

[@EarlBalentine]

I like Amazon Fire stick TV because you can use Kodi app to watch anything and every thing for free, HBO, movies that are still at the theaters and so on. If you can think of it you can watch it on Kodi.

[@gobananas1620]

What is the channel guide experience without a subscription?

[@YaYaLee]

I live in a rural area, internet is not available. Do any of these boxes work just with an antenna and no internet? Thanks. From a low tech granny

[@handydadtv]

I don’t think so. Sorry.

[@scottss213]

Have you checked out AirTV

[@handydadtv]

No. Tell me about it.

[@OurOregonlife]

@@handydadtv Right now its free with an antenna, and allows recording. And like the ones you mentioned there is no subscription. It comes with SlingTV if you pay for 3 months. But it would cost 199.99 to buy it so. If you do not like SlingTV stop the service and you still have this at 1/2 the cost. It allows and external drive the limit I am not sure but could let you know.

[@jayp3564]

Love my Tivo but pricey. I have a Plex server and bought the lifetime like 5 years ago when it was like $50 or something. Got me a TV card with 4 tuners and use it as well. The downfall is live tv is slow to respond because of transcoding. Tivo doesn't have that problem. I've heard that Tablo is slow as well. I've seen HDhomerun is fast but hate the guide and interface. NO Roku for them either and still need a pc. Tivo now has good deals ever so often and some of the OTA have DVR service as low as $7 a month. The simple and easy way is Tivo. I think it is the best and even better at $7 a month.

[@handydadtv]

The Plex lag was driving me crazy. I couldn’t deal with it. Anyone interested in TiVo should start by getting on their mailing list and you’ll get notified when the run deals. For example, my sister recently got a refurbished Bolt Vox for $299 including lifetime service. Not a scratch on it.

[@mrbrock72]

That's why I don't want a network attached DVR. Too many playback delays.

[@handydadtv]

No delays on TiVo, even from another room using a Mini.

[@KingJT80]

@@handydadtv sweet my kids and their uncle temporarily staying with us have fire TV's I have an outdated lg plasma that had half of it's streaming apps cut do to an old OS so I'm going Roku with a TCL 6 series 65 inch next year. Should work out great with an antenna and one thing you forgot to mention is the TiVo can do 4k I believe..it would be perfect if it had sling but dish owns the TiVo brand so that would cut their legs off

[@jayp3564]

@@handydadtv You might need to update the video now that HDhomerun has that new DVR without a PC. AirTV has a sling box with DVR as well.

[@gselby8107]

Great review. So if I had to pick a "winner", and my math is right, it looks like it's Plex. 4 stars for both Usability and Price. But i have one question. You mentioned one of your criteria was to pause/rewind live TV. Does the Tablo do that?

[@handydadtv]

Yes Tablo can pause live TV.

[@gselby8107]

@@handydadtv Thanks

[@shyamdevadas6099]

I'm wondering if anyone out there knows of a streaming box that can be set up to access pre-programmed channels via a simple channel up/channel down command. I have an 89 year old parent who will never learn how to navigate menus and tables that most of these boxes use. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[@handydadtv]

TiVo can do that with antenna or cable channels. I hide the ones I don’t watch. That doesn’t include streaming, though.

[@shyamdevadas6099]

@@handydadtv Thanks a bunch, sir. That really helps.

[@jesussavesrick]

If I get the college football package on like HULU...can I record those games to watch later?

[@handydadtv]

Not with a physical DVR. Many streaming services have cloud DVR services available. Not sure about Hulu.

[@edcummings8114]

Did you consider the Channel Master Stream +? I was wanting to buy it but I was looking for some non bias evaluation.

[@handydadtv]

No I don’t know anything about it.

[@edcummings8114]

@@handydadtv Okay thank you. I know it has a DVR and does not require a subscription. Just don't know how the equipment is.

[@metalpose]

My mom has the channel master. It’s not bad, poor remote though. Decent functionality. No longer available

[@robertcoups3918]

Important note. If you are a Windows 7 holdout like me, the HD Quattro will work fine but the Servio DVR software will not work with a Windows 7 system.

[@arus3765]

Great comparison. Did you look into AirTv Anywhere?

[@handydadtv]

No

[@bigchew3149]

I Have a Hd HomeRun As Well As Plex & I Love It But I Have A 24Tb Server To ! I Dont Pay Any Thing For My Dvr Service Im A Long Time Plex User & They Work Realy Well Together ! I Just Bought The Device And Plex Pass & That Is All I Spent So Maybe 200$ And I Have A Dvr For OTA Tons Of Shows ,Movies ! Cant Go Wrong With Plex & The HdHomeRun..IMHO !

[@handydadtv]

That’s a good solution.

[@jbdragon3295]

So ice been using a Tivo set up force number of years. I got one of those 4 tuner HDHomerun and it's setup with Plex and it's a backup for me right now.

[@handydadtv]

I wish my antenna was more reliable. 😒

[@wklorenz]

I see a lot of OTA tuners that have USB ports for portable hard drives or thumb drives that allows you to record live OTA tv. These devices are very inexpensive on eBay. What about this solution?

[@kevinj8258]

Bill Lorenz - actually bought four different ones to try. They all failed within days. The guide failed. The box locked up. It’s all primitive electronics that is being resold, but fails too easy.

[@briankelley9035]

Will any of these work with a fire stick or android box don't want to take any memory cards out and don't want to pay a arm and leg

[@thehal]

Fire Tv recast does.

[@droneworks6340]

I have the Tablo OTA now and thinking about switching to the Tivo OTA. The Tablo is a piece of crap. Very Slow never stays connected. Every time i open the Tablo App on any of the Nvidia Shields (Connected Wireless and Ethernet) I have to re-connect to the Tablo very frustrating.

[@handydadtv]

Well that sucks. Be aware, you can’t use the Nvidia to stream from TiVo. You can only stream to TiVo Minis.

[@droneworks6340]

@@handydadtv Yea that sucks too... I guess there is no real good solution. Might look into the Home Run also.

[@droneworks6340]

@@handydadtv Yep so that's out. Might try the home run and us plex for recording.

[@thebigmann81]

What is Dvr recorder box best option for people without internet

[@handydadtv]

It was called a VCR

[@thebigmann81]

@@handydadtv funny, they also had dvd recorders as well. So what you're saying is there nothing on the market like a vcr or dvd recorders that has a hard drive instead or a tape or disc that can record without internet

[@altha-rf1et]

seems like all these by the time you buy it and pay monthly for the subscription not saving that much.. I got

[@KingJT80]

My parent pay 300 a month for direct TV. You shouldn't be paying more than maybe 50-60 a month for Netflix/Hulu/Amazon combo. The tivo is probably the best all around but you're gonna pay. But at least it's one time for an antenna and one time for buy all in

[@altha-rf1et]

@@KingJT80 got the youtine TV $55.00 hulu $7.00 dropping Netflix about 62 vs 80 was paying droooes home phone got majic Jack saving another 10 got tired of the cable companies

[@KingJT80]

@@altha-rf1et oh shit majic Jack i forgot about those lol almost 10 years since I've heard that name brand

[@bigchew3149]

@@altha-rf1et I Also Have MagicJack 3-4Years Now Best Phone Deal Any Where IMHO ! I Use Plex& HdHomeRun for my movies,tv stuff one time fees& done ! & i runa a adblocker to.lol.!

[@philipbaxter3863]

What is a streaming device?

[@handydadtv]

Firestick, Roku, Nvidia Shield, etc.

[@warrenjackson_TylerChronicles]

Can I use any of these DVRS to record my IPTV?....thanks

[@handydadtv]

Google “record iptv”

[@handydadtv]

These DVRs can’t, but there are other solutions.

[@greenidguy9292]

Warren Jackson Plex

[@greenidguy9292]

Go beyond 3 years and Plex wins the price war...simple!

[@bobriemersma]

Sorry, I won't "cut the cord" only to chain myself up again. There is a lot of room for a device that builds and maintains its own "guide" from schedule data sent via the OTA broadcast signals. And streaming "outside the home?" Who wants that?

[@brentjohnson6654]

Thanks for the video. New sub here. I am a dish customer moving to antenna. No streaming as country internet is not reliable.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subbing!

[@EarlBalentine]

You need a wifi antenna on the roof for better wifi reception or cellular.

[@curtwatters4395]

Why, why is everything sold now have a mixed race couple in it? Makes one wonder if we are being programed.

[@handydadtv]

Nah

[@bookon999]

Tivo OTA is much cheaper subscription than indicated here. 7 -70-250

[@handydadtv]

Good to know

[@jbdragon3295]

When I git my Tivo, it was $299 with lifetime service and so I jumped on it.

[@typhoon2245]

Cord cutting is a little misleading. Sure OTA tv but for the streaming where are you getting your internet connection from? Most of these guys gloss over the cost of the internet connection for the streaming portion.

[@handydadtv]

I agree. An Internet connection has become a necessity in every home. If not cable broadband, it could be delivered via DSL or satellite. That’s why I decided to get the $64.99 double-play bundle because it was like getting TV service for free.

[@visionquest414]

How come air tv wasn't mentioned?

[@handydadtv]

I never heard of it

[@leeforex8441]

Ok, I COULD be wrong and since I have ONLY been searching about this topic for 2 days now, it IS possible I could be, but, it seems the one common flaw ALL of these DVR/PVR's have is that they are all OTA (over-the-air) recorders ONLY! This is very limiting and unfortunate as it will not record cable/sat TV shows/sporting events/shows that interest ME! Has anyone found a way around this or a dvr that DOES what a typical cable companies' dvr does yet ... WITHOUT staying with said cable/sat TV provider?

[@handydadtv]

My TiVo Bolt records OTA or cable.

[@leeforex8441]

@@handydadtv Both of which are not going to be options for me, unfortunately. OTA includes programming I am not interested in recording anyway and I am trying to CUT the cable with cable as it is now. So, I guess I need it to be able to record programs in advance and without needing to have a device turned on AND tuned into the channel I want recorded. May as well use screen recording software if I have to do it that way. I guess this industry still has some work to do, lol. Thank you for your reply though. :-) Lee

[@handydadtv]

If you don’t want OTA or cable, then you’re left with streaming services, like SlingTV which offers a cloud DVR option.

[@nooralrfaae2644]

Can I record 5 or 10 channels in same time!?? Plz 😬😬

[@handydadtv]

That depends on the number of tuners in the DVR.

[@UttRConcrete]

The TiVo wins for me

[@KingJT80]

Exactly. No one would be able to touch it if it had sling but tivo is owned by dish..they'd be cutting there own legs off

[@Taylor-ys2vh]

I'm eyeballing the Tivo to replace my Channel Master stream+. How well does the Tivo remote function with a collage of diverse products, TV, receiver, etc? This is a neat function of the stream plus, I can control volume but not power to devices. But, on the flip side, if I control power, it often doesn't turn something on with the other devices, it turns on. Items get out of sync and is annoying.

[@handydadtv]

Not sure how complicated it can get, but it does support a separate audio device besides the TV. I have sound bars on 2 of 3 TVs and it works great. Although I’m not sure if TiVo turns them on, or they go on and off automatically when they sense the TV signal.

[@clarkss12]

Nice DVR comparison but you left out the EMBY DVR.

[@handydadtv]

Emby is Plex with a smaller user base.

[@americanpatriot8996]

You should mention what happens if your TiVo box breaks or goes bad - your shYt out of luck with the money you paid towards you ever service.

[@handydadtv]

Best value is to buy a resale on eBay.

[@johnwelbornjr519]

Tablo is the best. Best on price best in customer service and best in performance .

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@bishoptony7767]

This is not helpful, If I cut the cord, cable and internet, THEN how do I record all my OTA tv shows, and can I record old VHS thru thus device to make it digital? 2021 July 20 usa.

[@handydadtv]

Modern DVRs are intelligent devices that offer an onscreen guide for you to select programs to record. That requires an internet connection. If you are truly cutting all cords and using OTA antenna only, then fire up that VHS recorder like you're back in 1975.

[@miko-t2d]

Is there a dvr that records IPTV off the firestick?

[@handydadtv]

You could possibly use an HDMI recorder.

[@sebaszwarc6028]

It should be noted only in USA

[@edmsing]

Look at what I found on USA Today’s news website, which got me to wondering; why is my no-frills cable bill, no premiums or movie buys a little over $200.00 monthly? “USA TODAY is launching a weekly series on how to lower your monthly bills and cut your costs so you can put your money to work for you. Each week, we will look at one of your monthly bills and offer tips on how to cut that bill down to size and save you money. In this week's installment of Taming your budget-busting bills we look at how to cut your cable bill”. “There's perhaps no bill capable of generating peak frustration more than the one for cable TV”. “Cable television companies report average spending per subscriber of about $85 a month, while the average among satellite TV providers tops $100 a month, according to Leichtman Research Group”. So, am I being cheated by Verizon fios? while they keep urging me to purchase more televison, at over $200.00, I can’t be watching that much television…or am I?

[@handydadtv]

I’m assuming you watched this one first (I ditched FiOS and saved $150/month - Cord Cutting 2019 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqaTmmqclrpmpJY), but watch it if you didn’t. You definitely don’t watch all that TV. But you should log it for a month to prove it to yourself. Verizon is expensive. You’re paying a premium for the name but also for the best service and quality. Let’s not forget the convenience of their rented equipment. Press one button and you’re watching TV. Every streaming service has a lot more clicks and start time. But it’s definitely expensive.

[@kevinj8258]

Guess that recording streamed channels ( Netflix, etc) will not be a thing for the DVR. As they are available to instant stream. - my unique need is given that I move every two weeks to a new location. Sometimes without internet. So I want to watch the shows later from DVR archive. - each streaming service has its owned proprietary app with time out erasing content for offline use.

[@handydadtv]

Yeah, none record streaming channels, as you said. But you can supposedly copy Tablo recordings to an Android device for offline viewing using a 3rd party utility: www.tablotv.com/blog/download-tablo-recordings-android-ota2go/

[@Jerseyboy777]

Kevin: Check out Playon www.playon.tv/ for recording streaming services like Netflix, hulu and most others. They have a desktop version you install on your computer (for unlimited recordings) or a cloud version where you pay per recording. I have the desktop version and use it to keep shows that are about to be removed.

[@me4654]

So your paying for a service! I may as well stick with DirecTV! And I'm sure I won't like the Roku streaming stick either

[@eig1979]

I believe with the Amazon, there's no price with the service. The HD HomeRun, they have the 24 hour guide service for free, and the 14 day guide service for like at most, $5 a month. TiVo is the only pricy one. But if you go to the TiVo website, they have a $0 down, $19.99 a month, and that price includes the cost of the box, and the service. 2 Year contract tho, 30 day money back guarantee.

[@eig1979]

Or buy the TiVo outright, and pay $14.99 a month, no contract. With a 30 day money back guarantee.

[@jacquesparaskevas7881]

Anything that does what a tape recorder does. I don't want to pay a subscription to TIVO or anyone else to record from my TV set.

[@cavitycreep]

bring back vcrs

[@jacquesparaskevas7881]

@@cavitycreep You are right, and I am glad I still have one

[@thebigmann81]

Tivo ota roamio lifetime subscription

[@thebigmann81]

@@cavitycreep thats not going to happen, best bet i guess would be a dvd recorder for tv. I was looking for a dvr box with a decent hard drive that didn't require internet but no luck.

[@elmerviviennejohnsonhomemo7784]

Thanks for the warning! What happened? Did the IQ of all electronic engineers drop to room temperature? The old-fashioned VCRs were light-years ahead of all this garbage. No subscriptions. No requested accessories. Just plug it in and use it. This proved the good old days were fabulously better than today.

[@handydadtv]

No way. DVRs are far superior to VCRs.

[@elmerviviennejohnsonhomemo7784]

@@handydadtv Remember Occam's Razor: Simplicity is the essence of good design.

[@siulbarra]

MAGNAVOX

[@bnzstheboy6520]

what is this Cable card slot people talking about.. and they say they cant get from cable company because they ditch them

[@handydadtv]

Old technology that won’t be around for long.

[@metalpose]

TIVO is the best. People need to stop complaining about the cost. Fork out the cash, pay up and you won’t regret it.

[@handydadtv]

I dropped it for KZbinTV.

[@Brittanee2008]

Best recommendations for Grandma's?

[@randydevone6686]

Tivo

[@Brittanee2008]

I'll look into that..she's doing good with the Roku..

[@aapkatv09]

I don't see how did you figure $220 for Plex for 3 years. It cost only $120 for life. The only other cost is the tuner which is only one time cost and I hope everybody has the computer.

[@handydadtv]

During the summary at the end, I show how I calculated each of the 3-year prices. For the Plex solution, I said the subscription would be $120 plus $100 for a TV tuner that is required to be fully functional as a DVR.

[@slelliott14]

With HDHomeRun and Plex there is no hdhomerun monthly fee

[@handydadtv]

True, if you pay for a lifetime Plex Pass.

[@slelliott14]

Either way, no hdhomerun fees. It was stated in the video you had to pay $35 per year but that is for the hdhomerun dvr. You don’t pay that using plex, just the Plex pass fees. (Wouldn’t have to pay both). Just clarifying as that’s exactly what I’m using.

[@slelliott14]

Great video by the way! I just went through the process, setup a NAS, Plex and hd Quattro. Great work with the fees, most don’t clearly understand nothing is free!

[@SWLinPHX]

Wait, he said Tivo was $500 lifetime right? So why would you pay $600 for three years?

[@handydadtv]

TiVo hardware and the service fees are separate. Lifetime service costs $550 on any of their DVRs. The breakeven is 4 years. But there’s a big limitation: lifetime service is tied to the box. It’s not transferable to new hardware.

[@SWLinPHX]

@@handydadtv Ah yes, sorry. I thought that $500 was total with device and lifetime service. Just 30 min. ago, after I has left that comment, I just ordered my first Tivo with their Spring Sale which is $450 + tax for the new Tivo Edge for cable with support for lifetime of box and 5-year warranty replacement program and no other fees.

[@handydadtv]

I used TiVo for a few years. Recently switched to KZbinTV.

[@SWLinPHX]

@@handydadtv I do have KZbin Premium but a KZbin TV subscription is not cheap and from what I've heard you may not get all the local channels and networks or easily skip commercials. I have no subscription fees going forward with my purchase today. Of course the worst thing is if it breaks down after 5 year warranty is up and it costs a lot to fix or replace, but in two years it will have paid for itself considering I was paying $23/mo. in DVR rental & service fees thru my cable company.

[@lisawhicker]

HandyDad, I need to speak with you personally. I need someone to hold my hand through this transition process. I am beyond ignorant of my options and will pay you for your expertise. Please contact me.

[@handydadtv]

What transition process? Email me [e-mail]

[@soncosa]

Do any of them come with a scholarship to a good school to learn how to hook all this crap up?

[@handydadtv]

KZbin University

[@MichaelMantion]

Have HD home run, would love to have a plex lifetime pass, but they want $120. Its a fair price but lots of people get emails for $75 life time. I asked them nicely a bunch of times for a code but nothing. I have no idea why they give some people a deal but not others. I would have bought plex 3 years ago but again, Its wrong that some people get $75 while others do not. I think the would love to use the amazon box but don't use fire stuff on anything.

[@handydadtv]

I heard they usually do a deal on Black Friday, but they didn’t in 2018 for some reason. Maybe this year. Let me know if you hear of one and I’ll spread the word!

[@4STEVEJOY34]

My TIVO uses 10 Amps / 1200 watts (24x7). So, add about $40.00+ every month to your Ele Bill.

[@LewisDrakePhD]

Steve Joy No way that the TiVo uses 1200 watts!!

[@altha-rf1et]

why pay $15.00 for a monthly sub just get a cable box

[@thanutz]

altha 2014 recast is $0 for the guide per month

[@emonvidaly]

Yo, isn't cord cutting an attempt to get away from monthly bills?

[@handydadtv]

This video is more about the process than my specific solution. I stuck with cable TV because it made the most economic sense for my needs. But I still saved $150/month.

[@EarlBalentine]

@@handydadtv, Satellite TV and Cable TV have their limitation of what you can watch. With my Amazon Fore stick and ustilizing the Kodi app I can watch anything that was ever put on film for free.

[@ishdawg9860]

Why wouldn't someone be home at 8pm? Unless you work second shift.

[@peters8758]

Haha, wait till you have kids. That's bath time, not Dad time!

[@EarlBalentine]

We are not home every evening so we would miss out on some of our TV shows. Our problem is some TV some it doesn't mater where you watch the 1st episode, last episode any any episode in the middle because they are not in a sequence. Other show are in a sequence meaning the show pickups up from the last show. SO if you miss a episode you can just watch the next one because you didn't what happen on the one you missed. So that's why we record 99% of all our shows and fast forward thru commercials so we don't miss any episode s in the middle. We use to be on the road and could only watch certain TV shows the ones that were not in a sequence.

[@richardsmith1161]

Until Tivo adds a server, Its useless, no way i'd pay $600 to watch on one tv. I use Hdhomerun and a cheap Wd nas. The others transcode, lessen the PQ and takes longer to change channels..

[@handydadtv]

Not sure what you mean by a “server”. I bought two used TiVo Minis so I can watch on three TVs in my house. So the DVR is a server. They are supposedly going to support streaming devices, like Fire Stick and Roku, this year sometime. Is that what you mean?

[@jacobjack1865]

The main issue that a lot of people pass over is that when these boxes record with all the tuners you can't just jump into a channel and start it from the beginning as it is recording. So far the only box that can do that for over the air is the channelmaster DVR+.

[@handydadtv]

I haven’t tested them all, but I know TiVo can do that.

[@mdebough]

Talbo doesnt require a fee to use it.

[@jbdragon3295]

M DeBough If you want a program guide you do.

[@jbdragon3295]

M DeBough If you want a program guide you do. I know lifetime is $149.99.

[@tommyjw4527]

Add one more criteria... no subscriptions needed.

[@handydadtv]

Good point

[@Chas_Reno]

beware... tivo tuners just don't last..be using service for over 15 years aand my last BOLT bit the dust in exactly 2 years, the prior lasted ~ 4 years the prior to that ~4 years and the original about 5 years.... and a real pain in the ass to deal with cable company thta doesn't want you to use a cable card. SUCKER me ..I just bought a new EDGE (with independent 3yr. service agreement..since TIVO only gives 90 days or is it just 30) and Spectrum has spent days attempting to pair without luck. Time will tell ... if this Friday service call succeeds then OK if not ..return unit to Amazon.

[@handydadtv]

I agree with everything! CableCARDs are the worst. 90s technology that nobody knows how (or cares) to support in 2022. My original Bolt died with a hard drive error so I tried to be Mr. DIY and replaced the hard drive. Waste of money. Didn’t work. So I bought a resale on eBay with lifetime service. So all is well for now.

[@Chas_Reno]

Two years and crap out on my Bolt also .

[@mikedoe6585]

This video was only ok. But I am not interested in any of these products.

[@clarkss12]

What are you looking for?

[@mikedoe6585]

@@clarkss12 I am almost a senior citizen. I previously used VCR. (Which seems out of date). Seems like there is too many steps to do to use these. The product itself. Computers. Monthly Fees. Etc. You made a good video. Thinking about all these steps,to use these products, and I was already tired before your video finished.

[@Brittanee2008]

Trying to get this for my Grandma..this will confuse her as well..I guess I'll have to keep looking..