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How to Record Shows Without Cable Using DVR

Cutting the cable cord but still want the functionality of a DVR? There are several excellent options for recording over-the-air (OTA) TV shows without an expensive cable subscription. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Overview of OTA DVRs

An OTA DVR allows you to record free broadcast channels from an antenna onto a storage device like a hard drive or flash drive. It works very similarly to a traditional cable DVR box but does not require a cable subscription.

There are several types of OTA DVRs:

  • Standalone boxes – These are physical DVR boxes, similar to a cable box, that connect directly to your TV via HDMI. Most include built-in storage but some allow you to connect an external USB drive. Examples include Tablo, HDHomeRun, and AirTV boxes.
  • TV tuner cards – These cards install directly into a computer and allow it to receive OTA signals. Recording is handled through DVR software on the computer. Examples include Hauppauge and AVerMedia cards.
  • Networked tuners – These connect your antenna to your home network so you can stream to devices on the network. They require a NAS (network attached storage) or computer for recording. SiliconDust HDHomeRun is the major brand here.
  • TV recorder sticks – These plug directly into TV USB ports to record OTA signals onto attached storage devices. The Mediasonic Homeworx is a popular option.

No matter which type you choose, the basic functionality is the same – schedule recordings, watch live TV, and play back recordings.

Steps to Set Up an OTA DVR

Setting up an over-the-air DVR is a straightforward process:

  1. Get an antenna – A quality outdoor/attic antenna is essential to pull in all your local broadcast channels cleanly. An amplifier may be needed for whole-home setups.
  2. Choose a DVR – Decide which type of OTA DVR meets your needs and budget based on the number of tuners, storage space, and platforms it supports.
  3. Connect the devices – Connect your antenna to the DVR input and the DVR to your TV using HDMI. Connect external storage if applicable.
  4. Run setup – Complete the initial setup process, scanning for channels and configuring storage settings.
  5. Download apps – For networked DVRs, download the accompanying apps to mobile devices you want to stream from.

Once setup is complete, you can view live TV from your antenna and set recordings either directly on the DVR or through a mobile app. It works very much like familiar cable DVRs.

Recommended OTA DVRs

Here are some of the best OTA DVR options to consider across categories:

  • Tablo Dual Lite – The best standalone DVR overall. Stream to all major platforms with no monthly fees. Internal storage holds up to 40 hours.
  • HDHomeRun Flex 4K – Top networked tuner with broad device support. Requires external storage like a NAS. Records 4K OTA channels.
  • Mediasonic Homeworx – Leading budget pick. This stick recorder with USB storage input starts under $40. Very easy to use.
  • AirTV 2 – Fire TV users should look at this option. Includes Sling TV integration and 1TB storage. Streams anywhere with the AirTV app.
  • Hauppauge WinTV-dualHD – For PC users, this dual tuner PCIe card adds OTA recording directly through Windows Media Center or Plex.

Tips for Using an OTA DVR

Follow these tips to get the most out of over-the-air DVRs:

  • Use antennas with amplifier and range boosters to ensure you receive all your local broadcast channels
  • Position antennas high up, near windows to optimize reception
  • Connect DVR boxes with ethernet for faster guide updates and video streaming
  • Add extra USB storage rather than relying on limited internal storage for expanding recording capacity
  • Set scheduled recordings for entire series so you never miss episodes of favorite shows
  • Take advantage of apps that allow watching live and recorded TV anywhere

The ability to record and timeshift OTA TV makes free broadcast television even more valuable. With the right antenna and DVR, you can customize a setup that mirrors cable without the expensive monthly bill.

Conclusion

A quality OTA DVR unlocks DVR functionality like pausing live TV and setting recordings without needing a cable subscription. Whether you select a standalone box, networked tuner, or TV tuner card, setup is straightforward. Combine an antenna DVR with streaming services to create a robust cord cutting entertainment system on par with cable.

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