If my understanding is correct, if you have an HDHomeRun, you can choose to stream to your Apple TV via either the Channels app or Plex.
While I would like to use ONLY Plex (because I love it more than chocolate), I am wondering if it is adding an unnecessary step by forcing the signal through my Plex server and then to my Apple TV. Versus going straight from the HDHomeRun to the Apple TV via the Channels app. Does it make more sense to use Channels for live TV on the Apple TV? I would avoid taxing my server due to transcoding that way. And then maybe use Plex as my DVR or for watching live TV on my iPad when I’m not home? Does anyone have any experience with this? Please share your thoughts! Thank you!!
Keep in mind that Plex assumes when you add a device to DVR that it has exclusive access to all of the tuners on the device. So if you are watching a show in the Channels app using a tuner and Plex tries to use the same tuner to record a show the recording will fail.
I’ve played with both extensively and currently have them installed on my ATV4 so here is my summary:
# Channels App on Apple TV
-Initially Apple TV and iOS only but now they are expanding to Android as well.
-Very polished app that’s reliable. I have not tested their DVR as its not available in my region (Australia) but their Live TV and time shifting functionality works flawlessly. Their DVR service is a little pricey but quite stable from reading their forums.
-Channel changes work quickly and picture quality is perfect.
-Have a proper EPG Grid Guide!
-No ongoing subscription (unless you sign up for their DVR). EPG data comes free through the HDHomeRun (Only next 24hrs not 14 days though)
-The MAIN ADVANTAGE over Plex is that they use their own custom video player which can directly output the HDHomeRun signal without the need for transcoding like Plex does.
-The Channels app developers are FANTASTIC. Check out their forums. They constantly communicate with their users and any questions or bug reports are almost instantly answered by developers and quickly fixed
# Plex
In MANY platforms. A big advantage but it’s also a disadvantage as the development efforts are spread so thin across so many that bugs go on for months/years/indefinitely.
-Well designed apps but reliability is questionable.
-Live TV not available yet on the Apple TV but I expect it to be a dog’s breakfast as Plex is not using a custom player like Channels do and instead uses Apple’s built in player which can’t natively play back HDHomeRun Live TV. That means transcoding JUST to watch a channel.
-Live TV already available on the Android TV platform. Playback of DVR recordings on Android TV I have to say it seems to work A LOT better on Android than on Apple TV. On the Apple TV it’s a constant Russian roulette if your recordings will play.
-Integration of Live TV and your shows collection is a big plus which is why I persisted with testing the Plex DVR even though it’s the single buggiest piece of software I’ve used in years! It is still labelled beta but its closer to an Alpha /proof of concept than anything to rely on for TV watching. Considering it has been out for nearly a year development progress is slow.
-Getting the attention of a plex developer in the forums now is like finding a Unicorn. Even the most detailed bug reporting literally telling them where the problem is will be ignored. Bugs go unfixed for months/permanently as they quickly move on to the next project to keep the marketing team happy and keep churning in more Plex Pass subscribers. Effectively consider that your Plex pass membership gets you ZERO company support. The old community Plex development we all used to know is gone and the corporate directives are now in place.
Conclusion
Your suggestion is a reasonable one. Use Channels App (+ their DVR if you want it) which is FAR more reliable and enjoyable to use for everyday TV watching and use Plex only when you need remote access. If you use Plex DVR at home on an Apple TV I guarantee you, your partner will threaten to kill you within a day!
@jayz78 - Thank you for your informative breakdown! @johnm_ColaSC - Very interesting. I wonder if there is a way to designate which tuner(s) an app will used. Probably not…
