Tips for using SiliconDust Quatro and Prime devices

Channels DVR Server
#1

Right now I am using only TVE with xfinity and Locast to get all of my needs. However, I am having some audio and video issues with Locast and can only get a few of my local channels (CBS, CW and FOX) with Locast. Since my wife watches several shows on those channels, I need a more reliable method of recording them. So, I am going to get a SD Quatro OTA device for access to my locals.
My question is if there is anything I need to do to make this work smoothly?

I'm also considering the Prime to since they are offering up the 3 tuner version again for a limited run. I'm not sure if OTA will be reliable either, that is why I am considering getting the Prime. Any thoughts on Prime vs the Quatro if all I really need is for my 3 locals mentioned above? Again, I have no clue how reliable my OTA stations will be but I do know they work with the antenna I bought when I plugged it up to my TV.

Thanks for any help!

#2

Not sure how you are correlating the Quatro-Prime here 3 vs 4 tuners?
In my experience with HDHR tuners they are pretty reliable. OTA usage might require an LTE filter if you are anywhere in the vicinity of a cell tower (like within 50 miles so you probably are). Outdoor or attics antennas work best - unless you are close to the broadcast antennas.

#3

PRIME + Xfinity CableCARD is the best solution. That's what I used for years and I wish I still had Xfinity in my area after I moved.

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#4

I currently have a Ceton card in my computer using cable card and SageTV. Actually, I have two cable cards for two Ceton cards. However, with the recent ruling that cable companies don't have to support cable cards going forward, I am a little hesitant buying a $150 SD Prime just to be able to record 3 channels at one time. I would save money on not having the 2nd cable card in a device but I was hoping TVE would solve my problems. Which, for the most part it does. The only thing that we watch that TVE via Xfinity doesn't give us is CBS, FOX and CW. I'm hoping that will change at some point but not sure if it ever will. The only TVE channel I have had trouble with was NBCSN not always working, but there isn't much on it I watch. So, since those 3 stations are normal broadcast channels that I can get via OTA, that is why I will first try the $150 SD Quatro device. It is a plus that it has an extra tuner just incase. I'm not sure if this is any indication that I don't need the LTE filter you mention but I have my desktop antenna plugged into my TV directly and I get those 3 channels, and more, with out issue. At least when I checked them. Since it is OTA, I know that there is a chance of interference at any time, that is why I like the TVE option the best, then followed by cable card (if cable card was going to be around forever, which we don't know). So, that is my thinking on what I am doing.
However, my real question is more of any setup tips I need to do to make it work with Channels reliably. Other than the normal SD setup first, then adding it as a source in Channels. I hope it is that easy, but wanted to ask.

Thanks for your reply!

#5

I currently have two Ceton cards that can do 8 total recordings at once and using them through SageTV. The reason I have moved to Channels is due to the news that cable cards don't have to be supported anymore and I know how Comcast is, so I doubt they will much longer. As mentioned before, I get all the channels we watch through TVE via Xfinity but those three do have a lot of shows we watch and I can get them OTA (CBS, FOX, CW), so that is why I am going with the SD Quatro first. I'm just not sure how reliable any OTA device will be since we are talking about over the air and interference can ruin a recording. So, I plan on setting it up soon and see how it goes. If it doesn't work well, I may order the Prime and use one of my cable cards for it and hope Comcast proves me wrong and will support it.
I have had good success with my Ceton setup and I am sure SD prime will be fine but since they scrapped the 6 tuner model, I am reluctant to get one just for 3 channels that I might be able to get fine OTA.

Thanks for your help!

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#6

I have both here. The Prime has been without problems from the beginning. The Quatro has experienced occasional bad reception during rainstorms. (I also got a 4K unit from the Kickstarter and am hoping whenever ATSC 3.0 stations start up in my area their signals will be better, but I'm not counting on it.)

For the Prime I used the Xfinity website to install a CableCARD that used to be in a buggy TiVo Bolt here. The only possible issue is if it's hard to get a CableCARD now. The cable companies are no longer required by the FCC to provide those cards, but they still have some and once it's on your account I'm guessing you're all set for at least five years.

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#7

Based upon what you mention I would recommend the Quatro.

I would suggest - not using any type of splitter like you can buy at say Lowes or Home Depot. You could go the route of a dedicated antenna for the HDHR or single antenna plus a powered distribution amp (think splitter without the signal loss) for feeding the HDHR and TV's throughout the home. The LTE filter I would add, but you will know if you need it if your otherwise good signal levels randomly go to hell and then back.

Channel Master is a brand I can personally vouch for and recommend for a Distribution Amp and LTE filter. If you go this route get a model with more outputs than you need - need 4 get a 6 or 8 output model and terminate any unused outputs.

#8

I have a Prime with Xfinity cable card and it’s been flawless for years. Before Channels DVR, I used Windows Media Center since 2006 with a cable card and again, no issues.

#9

Thanks to all your help.

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#10

If you are planning on recording a lot, I'd get the 4 tuner. I bought a Quatro Connect refurbished from SD directly... I think it was via Ebay. I have a lot of passes and noticed that if they are all in use, that when you try to watch live TV on one of those channels you end up with a lot of "no tuner available" messages which was not wife friendly when we were starting out with this. There is no way to override the recordings. So I bought a second refurbished Quatro Connect, giving me now 8 tuners. Haven't had a single problem since. It diminished the signal slightly to put a splitter in front of them, so I lost a couple of weak channels that were actually too weak to reliably watch anyways. Its been very reliable.

#11

I did go ahead and buy the quatro. Thanks for your information about the splitter.

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