Migrating from TiVo

Channels DVR Server
#1

Longtime TiVo user moving over to Channels. As a trial, I installed the DVR on a 2018 MacMini (i5, 32GB, 512GB SSD) using existing Apple TV's for clients for the last month. I initially copied over the TiVo recordings from my Bolt DVR's and since have been recording everything in Channels. We have been running over the last month or so and everything working very well. Getting the Frndly Docker running was key as the family are big Hallmark users.

Longer term the plan is to use internet with Frndly and antenna for major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS & FOX) as this would provide a significant savings on my current Xfinity bill. My only access to high-speed in my neighborhood is Xfinity. I live in the Minneapolis area and using the HD Homerun Quattro & a small antenna getting very good signal even during recent snow storms. I have also been using TVE with existing Xfinity subscription with the major broadcast networks only selected (not everything available through TVE) as a trial of limiting what's available compared to our current cable subscription which has also worked well. Frndly + the big 4 networks works out great. Can always supplement with other streaming on an ad-hoc basis.

I have several questions and have been following this board closely over the last month so thought I would ask for advice.

  1. Any input on setup? Again, priority is major networks & Hallmark channels and we seem to have content figured out. The MacMini and all ATV's are/will be hard wired. DVR running on the MacMini. (Although see note on Synology NAS below).

  2. Antenna or TVE? I bought the Quattro as I didn't think TVE was going to be an option. If I stick with antenna, I will probably mount an antenna in the attic for aesthetics. As I have researched changing Xfinity plans it appears I may have long-term access to TVE though. Currently running the 4 networks on both TVE and antenna and both work well due to our proximity to broadcast towers evidently. Bonus with antenna is PBS and surround sound (I think?).

  3. Mac mini vs. Synology NAS. I can continue using the MacMini, kind of a semi-retired, backup system. I have a 1TB SSD (USB-C) on the Mac which stays around 60% full and performance is great and rock solid. However, I also have a 2-bay Synology "home" NAS; model 218j, 512MB I only use for backups. Is it worth my time trying the DVR there? The only reason I would do that is because of disk space. My concern is the Synology CPU/RAM resources seem quite low.

Thanks for any input - I've been very impressed by the overall depth of knowledge here on the boards. Other setup threads I found were from Dec 21 and older so thought it would be worth asking in 2023.

Also, I have to say, the product is great - both server and ATV clients. When I started looking at moving from TiVo I got concerned. With streaming only we hated bouncing between different streaming apps - what's where, is it live only or recorded, etc. By the time we added major networks to Hallmark it seemed like only Youtube TV or Hulu were options and was the same cost as I have now with cable & TiVo's so no incentive to switch. And, personally I think the TiVo experience is a tough act to follow, I hate to see both the technology (cable card) and the company become obsolete. However, Channels is just as good a DVR/client experience so kudo to developers.

Thanks in advance for any input.

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#2

I would use both.

I wouldn't recommend that model for hosting the DVR.

#3

As far as TVE (for local channels) vs HDHR Tuner and antenna, stick with the HDHR tuner.
You'll get more stations, higher bitrate, 5.1 audio.
TVE is fickle and not something I would rely on.

As far as MacMini vs DS-218j, stick with the MacMini. The Synology is underpowered and too little RAM. Also it can't do hardware transcoding and will suffer trying to comskip.
The recommended Synology is a Plus Series.

#4

I will add to the don't use a Synology J model to host this.

I've used Channels for years and love it. Also a Tivo refugee, as many others on here. That Mac Mini can handle anything you through at it. I have a 2010 i5 Mini that at one point I had 30TB of external drives, 2x quatro homeruns, TVE, Pluto, and was non uncommon to have 5-6 recordings at a time and several ATVs going. Didn't sweat it. I'm still using the Mini for Channels, but moved the storage to a Synolgy DS1522+. I try to record everythign we might watch so I can avoid commercials. And we have accumulated a nice movie library having jumped around with antenna, Hulu Live, Youtube TV, Spectrum, Pluto, and a few others. The user interface and DVR are a constant for the family so they love it.

Have fun and enjoy it. They keep making it better and better.

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#5

Can you please share more about this, as we're way past weary of the $260+ we're paying each month for Preferred Plus Triple Play (Cable, Internet, VOIP "landline"). We have 3 Bolts, 1 Premiere, and 2 TiVoHDs - all lifetime subscription - still on the network (even though we primarily use only the Bolts), I'd be fine with cancelling the cable along with the 3 CableCARDs still in use (2 Bolts, 1 HDHR Prime) if we could just still get TVE to work without it.

I haven't had much luck with the locals over TVE - most notably FOX - but like you we get great reception with our OTA antenna above the chimney going through a HDHR Quattro and the TiVos deployed without CableCARDs. It's hard to beat the UI of the TiVos, but I've been preparing for an inevitable phase-out over the last couple years and nothing else has come close to Channels, which is better than TiVo in numerous ways.

#6

Yes, although I need to formally switch to new Xfinity internet only plan and will update you then. Testing this for a month I learned I need unlimited data (Thank you Xfinity - another monthly charge!). Moving to that internet only plan, at a speed that is faster than I need, I can get the Flex streaming box which works via TVE for free. So that is what I am hoping will provide Channels the TVE access. I currently have the Triple Play also which they just kicked up to $165 with a "standard" cable tv package. I setup a "watch only" user at Xfinity to test Channels TVE & it has worked flawlessly since setup.

#7

Thank you, that confirms my short-term experience re: Mac mini. I am going to move some Channels recordings to the NAS to see if I can stream files from there as I have plenty of space available and a robust internal network, but don't mind if more effective to replace/add the 1TB SSD I have directly attached to the mini.

#8

Thank you! I have been amazed at the developer response on this board - very impressive!

#9

I would be surprised if the Flex box let you watch TV without a TV package. Channels TVE will not work on an internet-only plan.

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#10

Thanks for the update, it sounded too good to be true. However internet only is where the savings is for me. Since I can get the Flex box for free I'll keep everyone posted.

#11

My ISP only plan, gives me 79 TVE channels. The same ones that are included with other free packages.

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#12

Update on the situation after changing Xfinity plans. Aman is correct, Flex box does not let you watch TV - only the "free" streaming channels (Fubo, Samsung TV, etc.) and Internet only does NOT provide TVE. I currently have an existing Xfinity account at another location that I am using for that purpose (ABC, NBC,CBS, FOX). I am also going to get an antenna in my attic as a little bit of flux when snowing with small set-top antenna. I am fortunate enough to be in a good location for antenna coverage. Kind of sad to be retiring the TiVo Bolts & mini's. The biggest complaint are the Apple TV remotes (3rd Gen), they are a big change from the excellent TiVo remotes. The entire family loves Channels, and I love reducing Xfinity bill from $165 to $55. Only add to Xfinity is the Channels & Frndly TV subs but still a big win. Thanks to all for the input & advice. I'll say it again, I haven't seen developer involvement & response this good in many years. Makes paying the Channels sub feel very worthwhile. Also, a very positive & engaged user base, thank you!

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#13

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