Just bought a Televes Ellipse Mix 148883 HDTV Antenna. I want to be able to use a channel guide and also record programs. I am trying to decide on either a 4 channel Tablow or something like the SiliconDust HDHomeRun Flex 4K ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV: 2/4 Tuners HDFX-4K.
The Tablow configuration looks much simpler and I’m wondering if the HDHomeRun might be the better choice, even though more expensive, requiring a storage drive and a $35/yr subscription.
Seeking opinions.
If the HDHomeRun is decidedly better, what will I need to set it up?
Can a USB external drive be used for program storage? NAS seems too complicated for my 73yo brain. LOL
Links or similar resources for the complete setup as listed above would be helpful.
Thanks in Advance,
Dan Ayo
Newbie Setup advice
Re: Newbie Setup advice
The HDHomeRun DVR system requires the HDHomeRun device, something to record on (this can be a USB hard drive that is directly connected to an HDHomeRun FLEX device), something to watch on (streaming device like a Fire Stick, Google TV device, or Apple TV; smart phone; tablet; computer; etc.), and a subscription to the DVR service. A NAS can be used for the storage, but that's more for people who want to do more advanced things with their recordings like converting them into other formats. Normal recording and watching works great just with the USB drive.
Re: Newbie Setup advice
Hey Dan, I too am experienced at life (old) and recently purchased the HDHR. It was very easy to setup on my Mac, I had it up and running in about 10 minutes. Instead of the HDHR guide/DVR I opted for the "Channels App", plenty of youtube videos explaining it. What I like about the channels app is it allows you to watch outside of your home. So for instance this past weekend my son watched the NFL games off of my antenna/HDHR in Boston, I live in CT. The channels app is a bit more at $80.00 per year but for me well worth it as I do a lot of camping and will be able to watch my local channels from anywhere that has WiFi!. I believe the ***** also allows for watching outside of your network but not sure. The HDHR is also capable of receiving ATSC 3.0 signals (non DRM) if you have any stations in your area broadcasting in that format.
In short I'm very happy with the HDHR and the fact that I am no longer paying the cable company to watch my local channels!
In short I'm very happy with the HDHR and the fact that I am no longer paying the cable company to watch my local channels!
Re: Newbie Setup advice
I didnt think you could do that outside of your network. ????Firewall wrote: Mon Jan 19, 2026 6:32 am What I like about the channels app is it allows you to watch outside of your home. So for instance this past weekend my son watched the NFL games off of my antenna/HDHR in Boston, I live in CT.
In short I'm very happy with the HDHR and the fact that I am no longer paying the cable company to watch my local channels!
Re: Newbie Setup advice
With the Channels App you can. It is a separate download that will find your HDHR device. Works well with Apple TV
I didnt think you could do that outside of your network. ????
Re: Newbie Setup advice
That is great to know. I dont have apple tv , I just have a quatro and a mac m4. Which Channels should I download? There are two on the Apple App store.
Re: Newbie Setup advice
I appreciate all of the replies. I plans to order the
HDHR 4 Flex and an external USB drive. Am I correct to assume the an SSD would be better than an HDD? Are there any minimum Hard Drive specs that I need to be aware of?
Does this drive look good for my application?
https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-1TB-Extr ... B08GTYFC37
It is my understanding that once the unit is cabled to the router that all TVs will connect via wireless with no coax needed?
Again, thanks for the help.
Dan
HDHR 4 Flex and an external USB drive. Am I correct to assume the an SSD would be better than an HDD? Are there any minimum Hard Drive specs that I need to be aware of?
Does this drive look good for my application?
https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-1TB-Extr ... B08GTYFC37
It is my understanding that once the unit is cabled to the router that all TVs will connect via wireless with no coax needed?
Again, thanks for the help.
Dan
Last edited by DanAyo on Mon Jan 19, 2026 5:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Newbie Setup advice
The free one!jph1589 wrote: Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:58 pm That is great to know. I dont have apple tv , I just have a quatro and a mac m4. Which Channels should I download? There are two on the Apple App store.
Re: Newbie Setup advice
Correct, just download the HDHR app on the other TV's.It is my understanding that once the unit is cabled to the router that all TVs will connect via wireless with no coax needed?
Re: Newbie Setup advice
Sorry but there isnt one that says "free one".
Neither one of them can see my Quatro.
