Hey, all! Sounds like Channels DVR is finally the fully-functional DVR solution for which I have been waiting. As such, I think I will pull the trigger on the subscription and get it set up. I would love some input on a good, stable hardware configuration.
I want to get something that will be a standalone box specifically to be used with Channels DVR only. I currently have two HDHR tuners, the Connect and an older version that I do not remember the model. My network is fully hardwired and connected using gigabit routers/bridges.
My family doesn’t watch that much live TV, and as such, we cut the cable cord a little over a year ago. Most of our TV watching is via streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu. However, there are a couple of network shows that we’d like to record (e.g. The Amazing Race and Dancing With The Stars). We’d like to record the new episodes and start watching them shortly after they start (i.e. time-shifted viewing).
I guess my point is that we don’t watch enough TV to justify spending a crap-ton of money on a humongous NAS setup with tons of storage. Heck, back when we had cable, we were using the “Whole-house DVR” solution provided by our cable company. I believe the DVR had a 500GB capacity. We never ran out of space.That should give you some idea of the amount of live TV we watch and/or record.
However, just because our DVR usage is not very demanding does not mean that I want to go bare-bones super cheap. I want a standalone solution that will only be used for Channels DVR. I want it to be powerful enough to allow time-shifted viewing (i.e. start watching a recorded HD show while it is still recording) without any hiccups or problems. It does not need a ton of capacity. A couple TBs would probably suffice. I will not need the ability to view remotely. We will only be watching recorded shows on our Apple TV 4. If possible, I would like the ability to set up recordings remotely, if necessary. Say, we’re on vacation, and my wife suddenly remembers that she forgot to record a certain show she’d like to watch when we get home.
I would prefer a configuration that requires the least amount of maintenance possible. Once I finish the initial setup of the system, I’d like to basically forget about all the back-end stuff and just use the DVR as easily and conveniently as when we used to have the cable whole-house DVR.
I’d be open to most any recommendations. Would my requirements best be met with a NAS solution or a PC? Thanks in advance for any help!