HDMI for Channels

[johnofcamas]

Sure! It's a complete Frankenstein tbh.

Sources for Channels

• HDHomeRun for OTA
• Youtube TV w/ TVEverywhere (limited, but that's why this hack interests me)
• PlayOn (for a few of the sources that I can't get otherwise)
• Mlb TV (using the mlb-tv-channels docker container)

Streaming content I pay for that is a challenge

• Sling TV
• Netflix
• A few others..

Hardware / Software stack

• QNAP Nas
  • Channels
  • Plex
  • mlb docker container
• HDHomeRun (2 channel tuner)
• Apple TV / iOS for viewing

I push as much of the 'non-live' content into Plex as possible.

I'm hoping HDMI -> Channels solution will behave basically like HDHomeRun, where it tunes to a channel, and records, guide data for obscure channels will probably be my only challenge here.

[johnofcamas]

OK, after three days, I've finally made my way through this entire thread!

I'm about to take the leap, I purchased an onn 4k, and I'm trying to figure out the best HDMI Encoder / Capture device.

I'd like something with 2 inputs if possible

Do folks have recommendations?

[KompilerDJ]

Are you looking for a network based encoder or a PCI-E card you can drop into a box?

[krazijoe]

@KompilerDJ

Are you looking for a network based encoder or a PCI-E card you can drop into a box?

And is money an issue?

[johnofcamas]

I'd prefer network based, I actually have an elgato capture card, but I don't want to leave my PC running 24x7

[johnofcamas]

Budget is not the biggest factor.

I'd rather get something reliable / functional / fast than cheap

[KompilerDJ]

If I was in the position of starting over the uRay encoder (4K) 4 port is what I would purchase. A lot of folks have these units and seem to be happy with them.

EDIT: might also come down to if you watch sports and need 60 fps?

[raulcard17]

Currently running a JTECH-ENCH44 4k x 4 inputs, no issues whatever. So far I haven’t tested the 4k capabilities.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09T7S18RR

[johnofcamas]

ah, is the uRay 60fps?

[KompilerDJ]

It is at 1080P. I haven't found many 4k devices that do 60fps beyond the expensive Magewell capture cards. I am currently using 1080P and won't move to 4K until a lot more content is available.

[Kryptonyte]

@johnofcamas

ah, is the uRay 60fps?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TKMPCZH/

As I understand it, the first (2) inputs are 4k. I just tested port 1 at 4k 60 fps.

My Uray unit will be 2 years old next month.

[KompilerDJ]

That's very interesting! According to the specs:

Max 3840X2160@30fps for Port 1 and 2; Max 1920X1080@60fps for Port 3 and 4

[Fofer]

Expanding my setup, so now I'm looking at 4-tuner models too, perhaps one of these?

https://amzn.to/3Du85GA

https://amzn.to/3q5o1Mk

I recall this note from @JT-DFW though, about a different model, which gave me pause.

@JT-DFW

ADBTuner has been working extremely well for me with a Uraytech encoder ($198 on Amazon) which can do 1080p60 - I purchased this encoder because, at the time, it was one of a few that were cited as working with HDMI for Channels and it does 60fps - the 4K version just downscales the image to 1080 anyways

So now I'm curious if these 4-tuner 4K models do the same downscaling to 1080?

[JT-DFW]

@Fofer

So now I'm curious if these 4-tuner 4K models do the same downscaling to 1080?

Upon further review, I'm not sure about all the URay ones anymore - some claim to do 4K30 output - but I did see a lot of other branded ones that accept a 4K and only can encode to 1080p - I'm looking for a possible 2nd encoder for ADBTuner...

[Kryptonyte]

I guess I'd have to hook a firestick up to it and record part of a youtube video at 4k 60 to verify if it's actually doing it. The 1080p that I'm capturing at 60 fps looks pretty fine, even sports. The only time I've seen it really fall apart is fast panning across a dynamic ocean/wave scene. I have yet to find an on-the-fly encoder that can handle that well.

[raulcard17]

On the JTECH-ENCH44 4k x 4 inputs only the first 2 inputs support 4k. While receiving 1080p it can upscale to 4k @60FPS:

If I set the set the resolution to 4k@30 (max allowed) on the streaming device (CCwGTV) encoding goes to 4k@30.

[KompilerDJ]

More and more Magewell 4k pro capture cards are where its at for 4k but wow they are $$$$$! 4k up to 144FPS on one of the cards I recently was reading about.

[Kryptonyte]

And through all of this, I'm just trying to watch TV.

[KompilerDJ]

• without commercials.

[tree2369]

Which model supports 4K over 30fps? Most I’ve found other than ones on Ali websites max out at 4k30.

Do magewell do hdcp aswell?