Required hardware for using DVR feature with a cable subscription

General Discussions Plex Features
1

Hello Folks,

I just purchased Plex Pass so I can use it’s DVR capabilities. I poured through this site as well as others and I am not clear on the hardware I need. I already have Plex Server setup, I understand I need a tuner. Here is issue: I am receiving TV locally via FiOS. So I know cannot use OTA tuner. So it looks like I can use:

  1. HD HomeRun Prime, as Prime is the only one of the 3 HomeRuns that supports ‘digital cable subscription TV’
  2. Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-955Q as this is only one from Hauppauge that supports ‘Clear QAM Digital Cable TV’

Am I right so far?

Now, what are the differences on these? Looks like HD HomeRun has it’s own app. One downside that I saw is unlike the OTA HomeRuns, this one one show only Standard Def when streaming, no HD? True?

If so, will the Hauppauge be sufficient? I just want to be able to record to PC and steam to Fire Stick.

Again, I’m already setup with server so I know how that piece works and I plan to get NAS, etc.

Also, I see the DVR setting under Plex Setting on my PC. But when I go to Fire Stick on TV, I do not see DVR. I assume once this is all setup, I will be able to see my recordings in another link on Fire TV?

Thanks!!
Craig

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Plex will not record encrypted channels (99% of what you get on FiOS). It WILL record unencrypted channels (clear QAM) of which you probably have the locals (ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, FOX, and the like). If you have a newer TV you can connect the coax cable from FiOS directly to your TV and use its QAM tuner to scan and find the channels (though the numbers will be funky most likely).

The Hauppauge would work for clear QAM and should do 1080i/720p (that’s what you’re getting from FiOS).

I can’t speak to the rest for certain but yes, once you have the tuner set up in Plex, the web client will let your set up recordings and you can watch recordings on your FireTV.

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Awesome, thanks for info, Right, currently I am only getting local from FiOS (part of my bundle) so I only want to record local stuff.

Perfect, I’ll look into the Hauppauge.

Thanks for clarifying!