I bought an HDHR Extend and it’s junk. What’s worse, tech support is useless. Macro blocking, lip sync issues, loss of signal, available channels keeps changing, etc. Latest firmware, and connecting the cable to the TV results in ZERO issues.
So, I’m looking for an alternative. Anyone have ideas?
@ember1205 said:
I bought an HDHR Extend and it’s junk. What’s worse, tech support is useless. Macro blocking, lip sync issues, loss of signal, available channels keeps changing, etc. Latest firmware, and connecting the cable to the TV results in ZERO issues.So, I’m looking for an alternative. Anyone have ideas?
Plex support for SiliconDust tuners is lacking … suggest you use another DVR or return the unit if you just bought it you can return it…30-Day money back guarantee.
When the tuner works, there’s no issue with the Plex integration. The tuner is the problem by itself. Trying to watch content via DLNA or the HDHR app results in garbage quality. So, I’m looking for other devices that DO integrate with Plex that AREN’T junk.
Well they only officially support a limited amout of tuners…
I would also suggest you verify all your connectivity and db levels at the HDHR, I had similar issues until I got my cable fixed up properly and no issues since.
I ended up setting up monitoring for this and it would alert me when db levels dropped of signal quality was low until I got it all sorted out.
@nokdim said:
Well they only officially support a limited amout of tuners…
I’d like to understand what any of that has to do with my question / issue… ??? I don’t see the relevance.
I am having problems with my HDHR. My issue is NOT with integration or what Plex supports. I have an interest in having a device in my house that I can reach with Satellite goes out (very bad weather) so that I can watch the local weather. In the interim, recording a few things here and there with Plex is a “nice-to-have”. I have no interest in trying to load up my house with devices and connect them all to Plex.
I would also suggest you verify all your connectivity and db levels at the HDHR, I had similar issues until I got my cable fixed up properly and no issues since.
I ended up setting up monitoring for this and it would alert me when db levels dropped of signal quality was low until I got it all sorted out.
Please explain. How did you find these pieces of information? How did you set up monitors? What did you do to correct signal issues on a cable line that is clearly carrying acceptable signal since it works with the TV tuner directly?
I was just saying your supported alternatives are pretty limited so if not HDHR that leaves you with 2 other options…
That info is available on the web page of your HDHR if you browse to it http://x.x.x.x/
I setup a cacti instance to scrape the value and monitor it.
My issue was a splitter and cable after the splitter down the line that was causing loss of signal or poor signal in general.
I eliminated the splitter and replaced with a better cable from the drop on side of house to HDHR.
@nokdim said:
I was just saying your supported alternatives are pretty limited so if not HDHR that leaves you with 2 other options…
Ok… I can follow that - makes sense.
That info is available on the web page of your HDHR if you browse to it http://x.x.x.x/
I setup a cacti instance to scrape the value and monitor it.
No, it isn’t. That data doesn’t appear anywhere, on any page of the interface for my HDHR.
My issue was a splitter and cable after the splitter down the line that was causing loss of signal or poor signal in general.
I eliminated the splitter and replaced with a better cable from the drop on side of house to HDHR.
My antenna is direct-connect to the HDHR. Signal loss from connectors or bad components should be a non-issue. The only thing that could potentially cause a problem would be the connectors on the cable itself, I suppose.
No, it isn’t. That data doesn’t appear anywhere, on any page of the interface for my HDHR.
you want my.hdhomerun.com
then click on the tuner, then on tuner staus. you will need to have a channel playing to get a readout
The “my” site isn’t necessary for me as I know the IP of my device. Additionally, that site was having trouble detecting my device after Support was mucking around with it. 
The HDHR is reporting low signal quality, which seems inaccurate since I have ZERO issues watching these channels if the cable is connected to the TV. So, something is definitely up.
Sorry I use an HDHR-CC so my Cable Card reports signal as a whole via web gui without needing to tune a channel as motofiller noted but sounds like you can get same info that way.
Also what kind of switch or router does your HDHR connect to? and is Plex also wired to same device directly?
Not to mention what client are you using to watch things and how is it connected to plex i.e. wifi or hardwire?
Good questions, but I have good answers.
All hardwired devices in my house are connected directly to a single gigabit switch with only a couple of exceptions. Those exceptions are a Raspberry Pi that I use as a print server and a Home Automation controller. These two devices are connected to my WiFi Router which has four gigabit ports (one of which back-hauls to the main gigabit switch).
For viewing, I have tried both of my 4K Android TV’s via DLNA (100Mb connection to the main switch), my iPad with the app (WiFi 2.4GHz and 5GHz both tested), and my iMac (1G hard-wired to the main switch) with the app. They all perform equally poorly.
Again - I tuned a few different channels and looked at the stats, and I see low signal quality in places (under 60%). This isn’t lining up with getting perfect PQ and no issues if I connect the cable directly to my TV and tune the channel.
Do you happen to have the 1st Gen Extend with the plastic case? I have read that the first generation was essentially the same as the SimpleTV Gen 2 box. I owned both and they had problems. You can even buy the new case for the old unit:
https://shop.silicondust.com/shop/product/simpletv-gen2-device-conversion/
I’ve now got two of the newer units (HDTC-2US) with the metal case and have had zero problems with them. And they don’t try to burn the house down.
I have the HDTC-2US
Wow. I wonder if you just got a bum unit. Might exchange it and see if a different unit functions better for you. I’d hate to try and troubleshoot Plex DVR problems with a non-reliable tuner.
Yeah, no kidding.
Problem is, I’m way beyond a return / exchange window. And dealing with HDHR tech support is an exercise in pure futility.
Still looking for alternatives to the HDHR stuff.
Company sent a replacement device… it’s better but still not right. Support is clueless about how to get the firmware updated and responses are just way too slow. I need something that’s going to actually work, or will help me understand why it isn’t behaving as expected. Support is clueless.
