I would like to know if I could use a CableCARD device that would allow me to use Plex Media Server from Synology as a source for Live TV and DVR? I am trying to get Spectrum CableCARD and the only hardware that I have found that reads Spectrum CableCARDs is TiVo but I would like other alternatives for a Spectrum CableCARD reader that will work with Plex Pass loaded in a Synology NAS.
The only supported tuner I am aware of that supports cable cards is the HDHomerun Prime HDHome runs are network tuners that don’t get plugged directly into your computer or Synology.
be aware that Plex cannot play from or record channels encrypted with DRM. Though it depends on the cable company most “premium channels” like HBO are encrypted for example.
I just called Spectrum. They told me that their encryption is handled by a tuning adaptor that will be provided by spectrum. Here is what I found about the tuning adaptor:
https://support.tivo.com/articles/Features_Use/How-to-Install-a-Tuning-Adapter-for-Switched-Digital-Video
The technician called Switched Digital Video decryption and they did not know what was DRM encryption.
I got a TiVo Bolt and I do not know if TiVo will allow me to make my Plex Media Server on Synology to take control of DVR and live tv.
You cannot use any tuner. It has to be one that the Plex Media Server can interface with. Generally ones like your cable provider tuner or a Tivo are not designed to connect to a computer like the server needs them to be.
Info on supported tuners can be found here. https://support.plex.tv/articles/225877427-supported-dvr-tuners-and-antennas/
You won’t be able to use your TiVo with Plex. You’ll need to get your hands on a HDHomeRun Prime as previously mentioned. Those support CableCARDs. They also support the tuning adapters via USB.
They are correct that you generally do need a tuning adapter. However, there is DRM on top of that for certain channels which are often referred to as Copy Protection or Protected Channels. These channels will only play on certified hardware/software. Plex is not certified and thus the channels will be unusable by Plex.
If you get the HD HomeRun Prime, their apps do allow watching live on some devices. I believe they have a subscription DVR service now, but you’ll only be able to playback via the same restrictions.
Back when I had a CableCard setup with Spectrum it was fairly random what channels were protected. Of course all the premium channels were, but then even basic channels like ABC HD were protected. This all varies by region though.
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I believe ABC is owned by Disney and they are very protective. I’ve heard all their channels are protected
Depends on the provider. Comcast is surprisingly decent about not using copy flags on any channels except the movie ones. ABC channels are fine.
Also, IIRC, the local ABC network affiliate (aka ABC proper, the one you can receive via antenna) is not supposed to be using copy flags. It’s technically a no-no if Spectrum copy-protects it, but they’d never get in trouble for it.
You absolutely need to talk to someone about DRM. If they don’t know, ask them to escalate to someone who does. As others noted, DRM and SDV are separate things. If Spectrum is using DRM, Plex Live TV and an HDHomeRun will be a worthless investment to you. Definitely learn about this in advance.
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I got an email from Silicondust, and they told me that their upcoming device will work with Plex and Spectrum. Here is the response:
We are aiming for a release by the end of 2019 for the HDHomeRun PRIME 6. It will work on Spectrum with tuning adapters.
The HDHomeRun PRIME/PRIME 6 will relay the signal as-is, so if they send a 4k video signal, then it will work with a 4K video signal. The device should support 6 different channels at once when using 1080 or 720 video streams, but we have not tested it with 4K content due to the lack of available 4k cable content available, so it might max out the network interface when trying to do 6 different 4k streams.
Multiple people can watch the same channel if you run our DVR software. Even without a DVR subscription, the software acts as a free buffer so that one channel will only use one tuner, while allowing multiple people to watch that channel.
Just to reiterate: SDV and DRM are different things. The Prime can technically “work” with Spectrum, but will not be compatible with Plex for any channels that have DRM.
Two other things to keep in mind:
- Silicondust has been promising delivery of the Prime 6 since 2017. They really are working on it, but until recently, it was promised by the middle of 2019. Now it’s the end of 2019.
- Silicondust has their own app that does support DRM. So they can say their card works with anyone, but it doesn’t mean it works with Plex.
You really need to confirm the status of DRM on Spectrum if you want to be sure a Plex Live TV setup will work.
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