Does Channels DVR work with Optimum Stream device

#1

October 2024, Optimum is eliminating and deactivating the use of Powerkey CableCARDs.

Would a Channels DVR work with Optimum Stream device to replace the cable cards and eliminating the need for a HomeRun Prime?
TVE should still work in the interim but I don't foresee it lasting that must longer.

I'm currently using a WIN minipc, SD HomeRun Prime, WD external storage, Firestick on a Google TV Sony Bravia smart TV.

#2

It will IF you can enable developer options and remote control it with adb, then tune and encode channels via HDMI. See the ah4c thread here.

But you'll need to rent a box for every tuner you want, and there's no guarantee it won't be locked down with no dev options.

#3

I don't see why it shouldn't. You need a hdmi encoder tho and something to control it (an ir blaster or using adb). Of course, the more tuners you want, the more boxes you'll need which means probably more rental fees. You should consider an android device instead to avoid that IMO

#4

The problem with cable provider apps is that they usually only run on phones and tablets, not Android TV. Optimum is one of those.

I suppose you could try a cheap tablet that can output to HDMI somehow, or try to sideload the Optimum app on the onn box etc. But I've gone down this road with my provider's app and never got it to work on the onn.

#5

Alternatively, you could just use the network apps instead but yeah

#6

Yeah but that has its own probs, like no live Fox shows unless you have TVE (I don't, it went away), ABC going away soon etc.

There's no good solution unfortunately. I have two Android STBs from my provider and have them connected to HDMI splitters and encoders. Fortunately mine weren't locked down and I can control them with adb.

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#7

True. The old, reliable way is to get a cable box from your cable company and an ir blaster and use that but the rental fees would be too expensive depending on how many tuners you need (and I highly doubt many cable providers will let you run service on any used cable box you buy on ebay). DTV/Stream and Dish does but that's about it