PlayOn with Channels DVR - Desktop vs. Cloud

Channels DVR Server
#1

I'm considering trying PlayOn and unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a way to do a trial that I have found. I can either buy 365 recording credits for $45 or pay $59.99 for lifetime on the desktop. I'm running Channels on a Mac, and the only Windows machine I have right now is a Surface Pro, which I'd rather not use for this. Decisions, decisions. I am wondering from those that have tried both... is the quality pretty good making it worth it? It seems like something that might get shutdown by the big streaming sites going after them.

My main interest in this is that we have run out of binge worthy crime dramas on Netflix, Hulu, and Prime and found a couple that are on Prime via IMDB TV, and have commercials in them which are driving my wife and I crazy. I'd want to bring the series into Channels DVR so we can skip on playback of course.

1 Like
#2

There’s a 25 credit option for $8.

#3

Is one credit equal to one episode of a show recorded?

#4

Yes

#5

https://www.playon.tv/offers/cloud/

1 Like
#6

I have used the PlayOn Desktop for a few years now and have used PlayOn Cloud in the past. The quality if 720p for both but there's rumors that they will be upping that to 1080p this year.

PlayOn Desktop Pros:
-You pay once and done.
PlayOn Desktop Cons:
-It only works on a Windows based machine. If you have a server on a different machine, you have to transfer the files yourself or set up an automatic system. I did it manually to make sure everything was OK.

PlayOn Cloud Pros:
-It is EASY to schedule a recording at any time on your phone and now it will automatically push to the Channels DVR.
PlayOn Cloud Cons:
-You have to pay for each recording through credits. If you record something that has a lot of seasons, that can eat up a lot of credits.

I have been signing up for streaming services for a few years and either do the trial - and record a bunch of shows and then cancel, or keep the service for a month or two to get the shows I want. If something else comes out on that service, sign up again. It beats having to pay monthly if there's only a few things on that service you want.

So, I don't regularly subscribe to Hulu but I wanted to see Castle Rock and Handmaids Tale. I sign up for one month, record all of those episodes through PlayOn and then cancel until the next year.

I am leaning towards PlayOn Cloud at the moment simply because the Channels integration makes it much easier. It's worth .12 cents per episode for me, but most of my recordings have 6 to 12 episodes in a season. It wouldn't make sense to record the entire Simpsons catalog.

Hope that helps.

1 Like
#7

11 posts were split to a new topic: Is PlayOn Legal

#8

I know this is stupid, but can I set Channels to automatically import PlayOn TV recordings which are recorded on device and can it categorize them correctly? I have a Windows virtual machine on my work server (I'm the company owner) which I've set up as a dedicated machine so

#9

I have had a Playon lifetime subscription for years and it is clearly the most economical way to go. However, cheaper comes at a cost. I have to keep a Windows machine running which I do not like to do. In addition, various channels break from time to time and I have to go through a process with support to get it working again. This is easier now that I have been through it a few times, but the learning curve was a bit frustrating. Plus there's the added step of copying the files over to my server once recorded -- a process I have not been able to automate because the desktop version does not distinguish between TV shows and movies.

Considering these things, if I were starting over now, I think I would go with the cloud product. It seems to eliminate these frustrations and now with the integration with Channels - sweet. The only thing that gives me pause is that the cloud product does not have a "season pass" option like the desktop option so you have to remember to go in and record new episodes. Maybe that will change at some point. Until then, I will likely use a combination of the two. My two cents...

3 Likes
#10

I agree with all of your statements.

1 Like
#11

I would really like to see 1080p and 5.1 audio recordings with PlayOn Cloud. If that ever happens, I would love to try it out.

1 Like
#12

I have word from one of the developers when I replied to them about the quality of recordings compared to the desktop recordings. I was going to cancel my subscription when he quoted this and gave me 20 credits. "We are also working on building support for 1080p recording in PlayOn Cloud (we won't be able to support 1080p recording in Desktop but because we control the environment in cloud it provides us with additional tools we're able to deploy".

1 Like
#13

Ok, we'll see. I hope they also build in 5.1 audio recording instead of limiting to just 2 channel stereo. Thanks.

1 Like
#14

Does PlayOn Desktop record at a higher (resolution or frame rate or bit rate) than PlayOn Cloud?

#15

Recordings are 720p and the frame rate is the same as if your recording from any streaming channel on Channels DVR. The cloud recordings have better frame rate than the desktop. I just recorded Star Trek from the cloud and I have the one I recorded from Desktop. I will watch both this weekend and will post my opinion on which is better as far as frame rates.

#16

I just downloaded all eight seasons of House with PlayOn Desktop in Windows by recording to a directory on my Channels NAS that I listed as a "Local Content" source to Channels running on the NAS. Works seamlessly -- they show up on Channels like any other recorded program.

3 Likes
#17

I just launched PlayOn Cloud app for iPad (running beautifully on my M1 Mac, along with Channels, incidentally) and was able to sign up for this free week trial:

CleanShot 2021-02-19 at 09.07.38
CleanShot 2021-02-19 at 09.07.38724×572 434 KB

I cancelled right after signup (so I wouldn't forget) and got confirmation that I can still use the free trial for the full week. After that if I'm still enjoying, which I suspect I will be, I'll buy a bunch of credits instead. I'm stoked about this new feature. I'd been eyeing PlayOn for a long while but didn't want to set up a Windows PC to handle it. PlayOn Cloud with Channels seems like a match made in heaven :slight_smile:

#18

Thanks for the info. Is the trial just for iPad? We are part way through season one of Fringe on Prime, which is really on IMDB TV, and it has commercials. That alone isn't horrible, but many times when you pause, it jumps back several minutes and in doing so sometimes forcing you to rewatch the commercials. So I may try it to see how that series does. Its a great show by the way.

#19

I signed up on the iPad app (which is offered in the App Store for M1 Macs, just like the Channels app is) but then the account works everywhere, linked up with Channels properly, etc.

I've heard great things about Fringe. I'll check it out.

1 Like
#20

If you are going to watch the recordings on TV you should setup Video quality to High Definition with the app on tablet or phone, other wise it automatically records in standard. You will be disappointed and will need to waste another credit to get a higher quality recordings. You can also download the video files with their downloader and import them in Channels DVR or what every you have for your video library, that will free up space. I really love the PlayOn cloud. The desktop is ok but the frame rate is better recording through their cloud than desktop app.

1 Like