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Start with these support articles:
https://support.plex.tv/articles/226463767-frequently-asked-questions-dvr-live-tv/
I am looking to purchase a tuner to use with my Plex application to give me TV and DVR.
I currently have Optimum Cable (with a cable box) and want to keep that, I just want to use the Plex system for most of my DVR needs.
I want the ability to either DVR a show onto the cable box, or to DVR it onto the Plex server. I want the ability to get all the cable stations (including the premium ones that I subscribe to) through Plex. So I assume the cable would have to connect to the tuner, is this correct?
Can anyone recommend a tuner that will allow me to do what I’m trying to do? I have spoken with the HomeRun people but it appears the prime tuner has been discontinued. I have looked at the Hauppauge products, but I’m a little confused by their offerings. Would like at least 4 tuners if possible.
Will I need a cable card from Optimum to do this, and will the cable card co-exist with my cable box?
Thanks.
Thanks for the quick reply Darcilicious. I actually did check out both those support articles before posting. They will be useful once I get up and running, but I’m still trying to resolve my hardware questions, mostly whether my current cable box will be able to exist with a separate tuner, and if I will need a cable card to receive the cable stations (HBO, Showtime etc.). Any thoughts?
Your only option is to source a hdhr prime, or find hauppauge dcr-2650 (2 tuner) or dcr-3250 (3 tuner).
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You’ll want a tuner like this one:
SiliconDust HDHomeRun PRIME Cable HDTV (3-Tuner)
I don’t think SiliconDust is selling them directly anymore but they may still be available via third party sellers like Amazon, etc.
It will require a CableCARD from your TV provider for premium channels or if all your cable channels are encrypted. It’s like having a second set-top box in your house to view/record TV, they’ll both be entirely independent of one another.
Recordings made via Plex will not be available through your cable company’s set top box but through other Plex apps/clients.
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- you would need a cable splitter, your cable box would work independently of any external tuner
- yes you would need a cable card from your cable company
- no you will not be able to tune any channels with drm
drm could be all channels, or only premium channels, it depends on your cable provider
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Thanks for the quick responses. I’ll see if I can track down a homerun prime or hauppaugue 3250 from someplace.
Just to make sure I am understanding correctly, the HomeRun Prime or Hauppauge 3250 will not be able to DVR DRM channels even with a cable card, is that correct?
Correct. Not only can you not DVR them, you cannot view them live either.
Also keep in mind DRM is not the same as encrypted. You can view/record non-DRM channels that are encrypted.
Indeed, all of my channels are encrypted. Very, very few of them however are marked copy-once (or higher), requiring DRM. You can be (probably) guaranteed any premium channels like HBO etc will be marked copy once (or higher).
I tried that setup… cable card with HDHomeRun Prime…
Found that most of the channels were DRM, contacted the cable company and was told that they were unable to allow those channels on that type of device by contract obligations they have with the providers. Even though I pay for the service, cable box, cable card.
The cable company DVR was cheaper in the long run…
It really really depends on the cable company; and sometimes even which region of the country you’re in with that same provider.
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