I love the Channels app on my M1 Mac. I also just got a second Dell display for my desk, right now its on sale for only $300 on Amazon.
What I didn't realize until I set it up, is that this Dell model, specifically the 4K S2722QC, has PIP and PBP modes (Picture By Picture, i.e. split-screen.) Cool, more multitasking possibilities!
I also had an older AppleTV on the shelf, so the obvious next move was to plug that in to HDMI 2, to set it up and see how it'd work. Turns out it works very well:
I'm liking it so far, the remote control in hand (along with "shake to mute" since it's the older Siri remote) are fun to have on the desk. I also set up some Shortcuts on the Mac side that control the AppleTV and bound them to buttons on the Stream Deck mini controller. There are pros and cons to this method of course, an app's freely-draggable window feels like better UI, but at least this PIP implementation has two sizes and can be placed in any corner, and can be toggled of/off quickly with a button. And not everyone has an M1 Mac yet, so I figured I'd share this fun discovery, as another means to enjoy Channels on your desk, without having to rely exclusively on the DVR's web UI, or having to purchase a separate TV.
The Lenovo Smart Clock running Channels can now be put to good use, in another room.
"My name is Fofer, and I'm addicted to Channels DVR."
