What is Channels DVR most current recommendation for compatible OTA tuners and where can they be readily purchased?
They all work. Amazon seems rare these days. Just order directly from them.
What's your use case?
- Do you have access to a decent amount of channels via antenna? If you only have access to 1-2 major network broadcast channels, that may impact your need.
- How many concurrent channels will be watched regularly (1 person household or multi-person household).
- Record a lot or just watch live TV with occasional recording?
- ATSC 3.0 in your area yet (and are they applying DRM)?
- Supplemented by TVE or sole source of live tv?
- Have cable and watch to retain (unlikely but some still use the Prime Cable Card version)?
Choices are 2 tuner (Flex Duo) or 4 tuner (Flex 4k or Flex Quatro) OTA configurations, with 4k also offering ATSC 3.0 tuners (2 of the 4, my current choice) or 3 tuners (Prime) if going with Cable Card though I believe you can only buy those used now.
If you don't run multiple TVs at one time and/or record much or have TVE supplemental, I'd say go with the 2 tuner versions. If this is your primary source for content for more than 1 TV at a time, go with the 4 tuner version.
Ebay is a good source for older yet still supported models if you are looking to save a buck, otherwise order either direct or Amazon (I prefer Amazon for the return policy). I've not seen them go on sale much these days, so if you find the one you want, pull the trigger.
I would not go with a 2 tuners unless I already have 2 tuner. With 2 tuners if you are recording 2 Shows all you can do is watch those Channels that are recording no channel surfing etc ... there are 5 OTA main broadcast channels do the math... also adding padding to before or after will also limit tuner availability.
I'm suggesting an OTA device for a family member to purchase for their location. They are in a rural area so they will need a really powerful antenna (terrain is very flat fortunately). I sent a very old beige 2-tuner unit home with them to test with.
I was targeting the HDHR5-4US because the price has been fair used on Ebay, but I can't find that older unit anywhere. What is the difference between the HDHR5-4US and the newer HDFX-4US? Are they all transcoding now?
I don't see the $300 4k unit as something feasible until we see how ATSC 3.0 pans out. EDIT: I do see that Newegg & Ebay have this tuner for $200.
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That has 4 tuners only ATSC 1.0 the Flex is both a self-contained DVR if you attach a USB HD and also has 2 ATSC 3.0/ 2 ATSC 1.0 Tuners or 4 ATSC 1.0 Tuners,
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