Review of the HDHomeRun Digital TV Tuner: Pros & Cons, is it worth it?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
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The HDHomeRun Digital TV tuner: is it worth it? What are the pros and cons of the HDHomeRun Digital TV tuner? Here's my full 5-minute review of this product after a client decided it wasn't for her.
SiliconDust HDHomeRun Flex 4K ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV: 2/4 Tuners HDFX-4K on Amazon: amzn.to/3yjR6Ud
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Intro & Outro music (TH-cam free use): Atmospheria
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#hdhomerun #streamingtips #digitaltuner
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You can get a traditional guide if you go to settings and turn off slice view guide
Your video showed it in operation but failed to really explain its pros and cons.
Benefits;
Very sensitive tuner.
A total WIRELESS IP solution for watching TV, including all of your mobile devices meaning you don’t have to worry about running coax, splitters (or distribution amps to maintain your signal.) Every TV or mobile device or computer get’s the same signal level available from your antenna. All you do is plug it into your router and attach an antenna and install their app!
With a LOW subscription fee you can ALSO record your favorite programs and have a full 14 day TV Guide vs. the 24hr guide that comes free with it.
Your recordings (with subscription only) are stored on your OWN drive, not a cloud. Expand it as much as you want. It also interfaces with a NAS for additional storage.
Interfaces directly with PLEX as its tuner. I use it with PLEX.
Can be used with a signal meter app for optimizing your antenna. (Iphone only)
Can be combined with additional HDhomerun devices to add available tuners to your home if you have a large family.
Shows up as an available wireless source on many Smart TV’s without using an app.
Negatives;
No “android” signal level app (If you can find the OLD HDhomerun signal app (now discontinued) it WILL work fine on most of your equipment. An optimum antenna signal for recording is absolutely necessary, therefore a signal app should be included. The company REALLY needs to bring back the old android app.
Requires an optimum wireless network. And this is true for delivering ANY HD video over your network regardless of what IP video distribution system you decide to use. Highly suggest upgrading your wireless network (new router OR simply add on a CAT 6 extender) for optimum results.
Some models, including their current premium model will not do file rendering (compression to reduce file sizes). This is a HUGE negative IMO. This option should be included in all of their devices to help reduce required disk storage.
No app for some of the most popular TV’s on the market. Some smart TV’s will show the device as a network source and allow you to select channels, but it’s a bare bones interface. Nothing polished, like the use of their app.
Summary-
Overall, HDhomerun provides WIRELESS TV from your antenna to all of your equipment vs. wiring your whole home with coax, splitters and amps. IF your reception is good and your wireless network supports HD video well, and you can load their app on your desired device, you’ll love it! If your TV doesn’t have an HD app available, Roku’s and most inexpensive USB dongles on the market have the app available and work just fine.
It’s amazing to me that premium TV’s on the market today don’t come with a similar, detachable Tuner/Wireless IP solution for an antenna, which allows you to place the tuner/antenna somewhere else in your home, like your attic, and have 40 or more stations automatically appear wirelessly on the TV without having to run coax or pay for cable! This technology comes close to that solution and is clearly ahead of most TV’s on the market today for consumers who expect local channels without subscribing to cable.
My model does get (4) ATSC 3.0 signals but these signals will push more video through your network, so if I have a strong WIFI signal, they come in fine, vs. a marginal signal where they may not. I can’t overemphasize the fact that you NEED to have a fast wireless network. If you’re still using that bargain router you bought 4 years ago, or a pair of rabbit ears for your antenna, you may not get the same great experience I’ve enjoyed. I highly recommend this product.
If I've submitted any inaccuracies, please let me know.
Thanks for the feedback, Rick! I'm still learning a lot about making these videos, so I'll keep that in mind for the future.
I bought one a couple of months ago. I have the flex duo which doesn’t have 4k. I’m pleased with it. I have it integrated with Plex and it was just a couple of mouse clicks.
Have been using HD Home Run Device for 4 years now , generally through my lifetime Plex server and a Roku app. Thinking about trying the 4K model. I use my PC to store and deliver my recordings.
Although I didn't get a chance to test it, I suspect that the HDHR really shines best through Plex, and that you'll continue to be very happy if you upgrade to the 4k model.
Great review, can you record to the external hard drive for free, I heard they have some type for subscription service you have to sign up to
I didn't test out the DVR option because it does require a different app with subscription: www.silicondust.com/dvr-service/#compare
3 min in and decided this is not for me. accidentality broke my Hauppauge 4 Tuner and they don't sell them anymore. UGHHH ....they're out everywhere. This Homerum looks too messy.
Need a box for a camper, doses this need an internet connection or just a network with DHCP?
Have 4 tuner 4k model. Picture looks great through Plex. When I use there app picture not so good and choppy soap effect. Can’t figure out what’s wrong. Using on my oleds. Is there hidden settings somewhere or will paid sub make picture on home run app better. Thank you
Dude, not fair to pose with the adorable kitty for your thumbnails, but not featuring the furbaby on the videos!! So that’s one thing I’d love to see 😂😂
Haha! That's Princess Pepper Potts, and when I started filming she was quite involved. Sadly, she seems to have lost interest, and only made a minor appearance in one video, after editing. BUT! She has a new friend, Penny Rose, and you can follow their antics on a friend's channel, th-cam.com/users/Truehealthtrifecta
😂😂😂😂
I have been using HDHomeRun Tuners for years and am not happy with the current generation. There have been two generations and am sad to say that the new generation of turner do not last more than a year or so. My current configuration uses three antennas and 3 HDHomeRun Tuners. The first two Dual (previous generation) receiver were purchased in 2013 and are still running. Unfortunately I have gave one away. Starting in 2021 5 FLEX Duo have been purchased and 3 have broke in a little over a year after purchase. The bottoms become very hot and then go dead. Have you experience this?
New subscriber here! I was able to experience the launch of ATSC 3.0 in my home market (Kansas City, MO) using an HDHomerun 4K. Kansas City, MO, has 2 TV stations (KMCI & KSMO) broadcasting the ATSC 3.0 signals of WDAF 4 (Fox), KCTV 5 (CBS), KMBC 9 (ABC), KCPT 19 (PBS), KCWE 29 (The CW), KMCI 38 (IND), KSHB 41 (NBC) & KSMO 62 (My Network TV), most of which broadcast in 1080p (WDAF broadcasts in 720p.).
I just got the HDHomerun Flex 4K. Waashington DC has ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX broadcasting in ATSC 3.0, but don't know how to scan for those channels.
If you have this at your home and go on vacation, can you watch your antenna channels just like you are at home.
I want to see an OTA antenna that you connect to your TV with wifi or Bluetooth as a device that is controllable/programmable with an app. The antenna would be battery/solar powered so that you have maximum location flexibility for mounting it. Somehow shoot a wireless signal from an outdoor antenna to a receiver near the TV and connect via coaxial. Am I dreaming or is there something like that?
While not a bad idea, I think the cost and complexity of such a device vs. running coax would make the business case pretty tough. A networked DVR such as this is likely as close as you'll find.
wasted time and money both zapper box and HD home run both had issues
1 zappwr box no dvr till 6 months
HD home run crashes needs to be redesigned in sameway as zapperbox
returned both got refunded
The overlay of the HDHomeRun is slightly different depending on the device that the app is being used on...My roommate collects streaming devices and each one is a bit different in how it runs it.
Thanks for adding to the conversation! You're quite correct, as I discovered later that the HDHR app on Roku is much more limited than on Google TV devices.
q1)can this box be connected to a Network Switch and several computers can have access to it at a giving time? q2)the remote he is using is that from the TV or the homerun box?
No need for a switch, it can be accessed by multiple devices in the network as is.
That remote is for my Nvidia Shield, operating the HD HR app.
@@kyrontechnology might not be the right device for me? Looking for "Over the air tuner" connected to the network switch? Witch would also be connect to an antenna +?- 100 feet in the air...The youtube, netflix ect comes from the the internet/ISP.
This product would connect to an OTA antenna (usually 20-40ft off the ground in most residential scenarios; I would check rabbitears.info for realistic expectations and guidance on what antenna would be best for your location) for input, and then connect to your router. Multiple devices and access it over your network via the HDHR app (available for most streaming platforms).
I think the manufacturer FAQ might have some additional information that will help you determine if this will work for your intended purposes: www.silicondust.com/support/faq/
Can you use this tuner ONLY for it's recording function with still using an internet connection (instead of antenna) and Firestick with it's apps?
If I understand your question correctly, that answer is NO. This is designed for use with an antenna as the source only. They also make a model designed for Cable, but nothing for streaming apps. Of course, most streaming services have plenty of on-demand content, or a built in DVR service, so I'm not sure I am interpreting your question correctly. Please provide more information if you'd like.
@@kyrontechnology ok thank you
Is there a traditional or normal text type of a guide or does the HDHomerun only have the hard to see guide on the right side of the screen?
You can disable the Slice View and get a more traditional grid. I believe this is device and software version dependent; i.e. the Roku has several limitations that do not affect Chromecast or FireTV devices.
Hi.. I want to know which service provider provides both telemundo and univision - anything but Spectrum. I haven't been able to find any except youtubeTV which is pricier than what I'm paying for Spectrum.
If that fails, do you know of a tuner that integrates roku content with OTA channels telemundo and univision other than HDhomerun?
I use www.suppose.tv to compare services and find the most cost-effective options.
I believe Roku is making some changes to their home screen that may make such integration easier in Roku TVs, but not through a standalone Roku device.
@@kyrontechnology Greatly appreciate the link. I will look into it.
As for Roku TV, you mention it will modify their home screen. Do you mean to say that OTA channels might be added to the home screen as an easier way to access them directly instead of clicking the OTA TV shortcut?
Can you hook this device up to a projector 🤔
Not directly - it doesn't have HDMI output, but rather serves the signal through your home network to your monitor through an app on a streaming device such as a Chromecast. So, just budget an extra $50 for a streamer, and as long as you have good wifi where you're projecting, you should be able to make it work. Does that make sense?
@@kyrontechnology yes thanks 😊
Are you paying a subscription fee to see any of that TV guide info?
No, there were no paid subscriptions involved.
I was hoping to see how fast channel switching is but you failed to illustrate that and stuck with one channel for the majority of this review.
Can the DVR function work with IPTV services?
I don't believe that's possible.
How many turners is it? I need to be able to record 2 channels and watch another channel at the same time. Can you merge your Pluto, Freevee etc into the OTA TV guild?
3
The Flex 4k models have FOUR tuners, but only TWO are ATSC 3.O, and the other two are ATSC 1.0. You would need to know more about the transmissions in your market to determine whether or not that would be sufficient for your viewing and recording habits.
Nobody broadcasts in 4K. At most you will get 1080p if you have the Flex Atsc 3.0
You're absolutely correct, Richard! Thanks for the clarification. I had a note about that slip-up on our Facebook post with the same video, but forgot to put the same disclaimer here. The channel in question was being broadcast in 1080, and upconverted by the TV. Thank you!
Before the new TV.
hello , i have a doubt , if i upgrade to a 3.0 atsc turner i will have a better reception of the 1.0 atsc signal
More than likely, the ATSC 3.0 signal is more robust than the more fragile 1.0 signal. Part of it's upgrade includes mobile reception and that needs a lot more redundancy in the signal to perform on the go or in more difficult reception areas. There are some interesting reviews of that mobile reception versus 1.0 signals from Antenna Man. He even showed in a static location that he was getting signals (from ATSC 3.0) he could not get from the ATSC 1.0 signal in the same location.
@@marcusdamberger thank for your answer Marcus
Thank you, Marcus, for chiming in with an accurate and thorough response -very much appreciated.
Project V, my apologies for not responding to you in a timely manner. I've been pretty busy installing antennas and streaming devices lately.
@@kyrontechnology don't worry , let me ask you something, imagine that you have a 3.0 atsc receiver and a 1.0 and you start to walk away from the transmission tower how far the atsc 3.0 will receive the signal compared with the atsc 1.0
@@projectv8639 I just realized your question was about tuner sensitivity, but Marcus's reply addressed transmission benefits.
The short answer to what I think you're getting at is this: each receiver has its own sensitivity and variables, so I don't believe you can really quantify the question you're asking, at least not without a lot more known variables. Tuner reception varies from device to device, depending on a few factors. Even within product lines, such as Tablo, users have reported earlier versions of the same model performed differently than newer ones. I've seen the same model Walmart TV, purchased on the same day, use two completely different sets of internal components - one worked fine with the Roku remote, the other couldn't be identified in any way.
Bottom line: you can make generalizations about models or brands (my personal experience is that Sony TVs will autoscan more channels than Samsung or LG), but it comes down to dumb luck to some extent.
If you're looking to upgrade something to an ATSC 3.0 model, there are a lot of benefits to whatever you choose (depending on your market and which stations have upgraded, of course), but I'd focus on other features like user interface first. If you're worried about reception strength, we need to address your antenna, not your tuner.
Sorry that was long winded, but I HOPE I got to the answer you were looking for eventually?
Is there a membership fee?
The basic DVR functions are available for free, but there are advanced functions that can be accessed with an annual subscription fee of $35:
www.silicondust.com/dvr-service/
So you need a good home antenna to use this? Or is the tv channels streamed through WiFi ?
@@Ace2ski it is designed to be used with an antenna, not internet, as an input source. You will need internet access to load the channel guide though.
Thanks. I’m looking for a DVR that can record live tv through a streaming service. Since I don’t have access to an antenna in my apartment.
my box kept loosing access had to return mine had channels lost channels connecticut market
how about yours what about DRM CONTENT ???
“Bad sound makes good video look bad.”
Thank you for the feedback - this is one of the first few videos I've done, and I'm still working on the audio. I just picked up a wireless lavaliere mic to improve the situation. Hopefully all future videos will sound much better!
Would you mind checking out our new videos to see if the audio quality has improved? I'm still playing with volume levels, but I think this new setup should be much clearer. I'd greatly appreciate your feedback!
@@kyrontechnology Today’s sound is great/excellent. Thank you.
Thanks so much for your time, and confirmation of the improvement! Very much appreciated!
After the parody games.