Ideal Set Up - Configuration Xfinity CableCARD X2 HDHR3-CC

Channels DVR Server
#1

What would be a considered good, better, best equipment Set Up for 2 HDHR3-CC for a Channels DVR. I'm currently using a TiVo Roamio w/8TB and I believe that for the time being would remain the 'Watch Live TV' for Every day.

I personally have never seen a configuration including cabling mentioned. Can I accomplish this with an I5 Intel ThinkPad W10 and external drive in an enclosure or should I consider maybe a single disc Server of sorts. I read a thread some time ago that I really didn't understand that mention difficulties with 'com-skip' etc and processor speeds etc.

I believe I'll have a pair of HDHR3-CC Prime in probably 10 days. I'd enjoy doing this very inexpensively for starters and then 'learn'!

If I've overlooked an obvious discussion - head me there. Many years ago I did just a very short attempt using TVE and Xfinity. That's not what interests me.

2 Coax to the HDHR3-CC Prime and then where?

I'll be using an ATV4K for viewing I expect but if there's things a Fire Cube 3 will do better then I night consider that. I want to spend very few $$$.

#2

I have 2 Primes with Comcast Cable Card and 3 OTA Devices running on a low powered N95 mini PC with no problem at all... along With Pluto/Tubi and Comcast TVE..

1 Like
#3

That's interesting, now explain the rest of the Set Up please Coax to HDHR3-CC, connected to what, how, you use what for storage? I'm interested in the components/devices required, how they're connected and managed. Ethernet each HDHR3-CC to what(router/switch?), then to the N95, storage is what and how connected. Can the N95 be used as an occasional desktop for other tasks.

I believe I'd call my request maybe 'Channels DVR w/CableCARD for Dummies'.

I have a 4TB WD HDD that I'd maybe like to use for storage. I need what for a drive housing for that or can some USB external compact be used for storage. Is a single disc NAS a solution?

I mentioned 2 Coax to HDHR3-CC and then to WHERE?

I'd like to acquire minimal devices, cabling, connect them and download something, pay up and be in business.

#4

First of all these are NETWORK tuners so a switch near your cable Coax is needed. You can split the COAX using Splitter. Each HDHR CC unit would net a Coax connection and a Ethernet connection to a switch ... There really is no Cheap way to start this.

1 Like
#5

One nice thing about Channels DVR is you can use whatever PC, MAC, NAS, etc. you have to start with Channels — Channels DVR Server and if you follow the directions Channels Support - How do I move Channels DVR Server to a new computer?, it's easy to move the setup to another device (all settings and recordings).

Personally, I wouldn't use a Windows PC or RPi as the server, but if that's all you have, you can start with that until you decide on a long-term solution.

1 Like
#6

I didn't say 'cheap' but inexpensive certainly interests me. I've a 6 port COAX distribution block so COAX to 2 tuners aren't an issue, I use an ExpressVPN - Aircove router and I believe I've a 10 port 1G switch in the vicinity and I sorta understood the connections that far but how is storage and management handled. How is a storage HDD connected and with a N95 I expect I'd need monitor, and accessories - correct?

@chDVRuser - would a purchase of a single disc NAS be maybe a good first move? Could that be managed by a ThinkPad T550 i5-5300U 2.3GHz? The 4TB HDD I have now is a Purple WD. What handles/manipulates com-skip etc? Suggest maybe a single disc inexpensive NAS if that would be maybe a better first move. I'd like this to just run and maybe require very little maintenance.

#7

I would recommend using what you currently have to start with and get comfortable with how it works and what the limitations might be when using other server devices. You won't be happy if you rush into things and will probably make some mistakes. It's not a steep learning curve, but you will have questions as you gain more experience and may regret any hasty decision you make.

As far as what does the comskip, it's the Channels DVR software running on whatever DVR server device you install it on. There are other considerations to take into account, such as do you want remote streaming, how many device will remote stream, do you want hardware transcoding, 4k or 1080p or 1080i. Do you want to load personal media (DVD rips, etc.) and play that back.

It's kind of analogous to asking people what vehicle you should purchase.

I started using Channels DVR on my old Synology NAS because I already had it.
I now have two Synology NAS's and use Channels DVR on both of them.
The old one doesn't do hardware transcoding, but the newer one does.
Comskip takes longer to run on these than it would on a more powerful platform, but it suits my needs.

#8

I get most of that! Remote streaming doesn't interest me, 1080P works, I'm not looking to rip and store DVDs etc. I want a CableCARD'd solution that will 'Skip' regularly and accurately. Can my ThinkPad with maybe a single disk NAS work? This is for TV!

Would something like this and what I've got get me going? Or won't it work?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1813838-REG/synology_bst150_4t_4tb_beestation_personal_cloud.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A5451&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwrvyxBhAbEiwAEg_Kgh5HTC09FBGvTDvx8J3mCPtNMDeTaiRE-NuH6-oRB4qK6lrnJsSxWBoCEpYQAvD_BwE

Your latest NAS that does hardware decoding is a what? Is there a single disc version of what your happiest with?

#9

If you decide on a Synology NAS, it should be a Plus series https://www.synology.com/en-us/products?product_line=ds_plus, not that one.
Like I said, start with what you have (ThinkPad T550) and do your homework on your long term solution while you get comfortable with Channels DVR.

#10

DS1019+

No, for a NAS I want raid, so 4+ drives for me.

Like I said, I used the Synology because that's what I had and am happy with it.

#11

You've been most helpful. So if I were to use my ThinkPad, I add what type of enclosure for storage using my 3.5 4TB WD? If i were to record 6 - 8 shows an evening would my ThinkPad accomplish the 'Comskip' over night so they would be available the next day? How many threads of the i5 would be required to accomplish that? The ThinkPad would do the Comskip, organize and move to the external storage?

#12

I don't run Channels DVR on Windows, but it can be done.
As long as it has Windows 10 or 11 installed on it.

For the 3.5 4TB WD drive you want to put it in a powered external enclosure and attach it to the ThinkPad using a USB 3.0 port on the ThinkPad.

I can't answer how fast comskip will run on it, your processor is a dual core, so comskip will only use 1 thread(core) when running, and it depends on if the recording is SD, HD, UHD, MPEG2, H.264 or HEVC.

Best to just set it up, install the software and start asking more questions as you go. Like I said, if you follow the instructions you'll be able to move everything to another device when you're ready.

EDIT: If you have Linux installed on the ThinkPad, you can also run the software on it if you're comfortable around Linux.

#13

Correct. When you setup the software you tell it where to record to, so assuming Windows it would be a directory on whatever drive letter you assign to the external USB drive.

You should get familiar with their websites support documentation section that will probably answer a lot of your questions about Channels DVR, how it works and the client devices (Channels Apps) you can use with it. Channels Support — Support Articles

#14

I still have a Lifetime Roamio (OTA reception) and a Lifetime Bolt (CableCard) gathering dust. They were my backups when I started using Channels DVR (6 years ago). Like I said, they're gathering dust but still powered on and active, just in case.

#15

Rather than buy an enclosure for my WD Purple HDD might I consider just to set this up initially would the purchase of a WD USB 3.0 External work? I don't buy Bezos as a rule but for just an example:

https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Portable-External-Drive-WDBUZG0010BBK-WESN/dp/B00CRZ2PRM/ref=asc_df_B00CRZ2PRM?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80333195273644&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583932717458836&psc=1

I've in the past always considered maybe a MAC of some sort. I've NO Apple experience but use an iPhone and ATV. I see many conversations regarding the use of MAC(s). Is now maybe the time to be considering more seriously?

#16

I'm not going to recommend anything I don't use.
A Channels DVR Server should run 7x24x365.
Mac's are expensive. I wouldn't buy one just to run Channels DVR.
I always use powered external enclosures for external drives.
I have a Win10 laptop, but don't run Channels DVR on it.
I use these enclosures AV Pro 2 Storage Hub USB C External Drive – CalDigit US Shop to attach WD Black drives to my Win10 laptop and disabled drive sleep in the windows registry since Win10/11 doesn't expose those settings in the advanced power management.

1 Like
#17

Personally speaking I use a Mac Mini as my primary desktop at home and also my Channels DVR server, and I couldn't be happier with it.

2 Likes
#18

That External Enclosure and a very old WD30EURX HDD that I still have might be good for the first effort. I do have a 4TB Purple that if I were happy with this sort of set up I could maybe just buy one of those newer N100 Mini PC (or similar) and use it. I'll maybe pick up 2 CableCARD(s) this week and decide.

The first HDHR3-CC will be here this week, is it fairly easy to add the second if I set up Channels DVR with just the first one.

@Fofer - I took your advice and wondered on over here and I appreciate your thoughts.

1 Like
#19

You don't need to overcomplicate your setup. A HDHR Prime (if you need DRM'd channels then maybe a HDMI encoder too and a couple of android tv devices), a mini PC with a good GPU (those are very inexpensive), and maybe a wifi router or a PoE switch if you need more ethernet ports will do.

Obviously for the Primes, you'll need to get more cablecards and to get a coax connection to your Primes.

Just make sure you make some space in your house and keep cooling fans (or just fans) in handy on hot days because all of that can get hot

#20

Did the OP mention who their cable provider is and do they know about DRM already? It would be a bummer to purchase all this equipment and then be using Spectrum as a cable provider.

EDIT: Ah, it's in the title. Going blind in my old age.