PlayOn with Channels DVR - Desktop vs. Cloud

Channels DVR Server
#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...

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#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.

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#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".

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#13

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

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#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.

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#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:

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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.

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#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.

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#21

@pdaphone have you tried this yet? I can't find clear evidence that IMDb TV works with Playon. I'm suddenly very interested in this, because after the next season of Bosch on Prime they're making a spinoff for IMDb: https://tvline.com/2021/03/03/bosch-spinoff-imdb-tv-harry-madeline-honey/

#22

IMDB is part of Prime. So if you have Prime you can access IMDB stuff with playon.

#23

Thanks! So far I've avoided IMDb TV like the plague, lol.

#24

It has really gotten better lots of great free shows. I like the Highlander and it has all the seasons.

#25

We have been watching Fringe via Prime via IMDBtv and its not bad. The quality of the stream is good, and the commercials aren't ridiculous. For many breaks there is only one commercial, and the most I've seen is 3. And there are only about 4 breaks in an hour show. Also, if you need to rewind and go back you can FF through commercials you already watched. The only weird thing is pause and play sometimes causes it to jump back several minutes, which bugged me until I realized I could FF back through commercials.

#26

No, I haven't tried it yet. I got roped into repainting our granddaughter's playroom this past weekend and what part of the last week I wasn't covered in paint, I was in agony on the sofa taking Advil. Hopefully this weekend I can give it a run.

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#27

Someone over on TCF just confirmed they can record from IMDb TV to PlayOn. Game on!

#28

Yeah, PlayOn records IMDB TV just fine, but for me the short commercials (30 seconds) don't automatically skip. Longer commercials do.