Update: In our original post, we wrongly noted that the HD HomeRun DVR has a monthly fee. The post has been updated to reflect that there are no monthly charges, but an annual fee for premium features.
With hundreds of DVR options on the market, it would be impossible to compare them all in one post. Today, we’re taking a look at four DVR options to use with antennas.
OTA DVRs make it possible to record content that you get for free with an antenna and watch anytime you want. Below, we’re comparing the TiVo Bolt OTA DVR, Tablo Quad OTA DVR, Channel Master Stream+, and HD HomeRun Scribe Duo.
| TiVo Bolt OTA DVR | Tablo Quad OTA DVR | Channel Master Stream+ | HDHomeRun Scribe Duo | |
| Cost | $249.99 | $199.99 | $199* | $199 |
| Storage | 1 TB | 0** | 1 TB | 1 TB |
| Tuners | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| WiFi Connection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Monthly Charges | $6.99 | None for basic | None | None for basic |
| Voice Control | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Auto Ad Skipping | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This information is for the Channel Master Stream+ Bundle which includes external storage.
**The Tablo Quad has the capacity for 8 TB of storage which can be added with USB/SATA hard drives
TiVo Bolt OTA DVR
With the TiVo Bolt OTA DVR, you’ll get both a dedicated OTA DVR and a 4K streaming player.
With the TiVo BOLT not only will you be able to record your antenna and stream it outside of your house, but you will also be able to stream 4K content from Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. You will also get access to all the TiVo features you love like show discovery, ad skipping, and TiVo’s recommendations.
The TiVo Bolt OTA DVR is the only device you’ll need to access 4K movies and TV shows from Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, and more. With OneSearch, you can also search across apps, your own recordings, and live TV to be sure you’ll always find what you’re looking for. With the TiVO Bolt OTA DVR, you can connect smart home devices, use your TiVo VOX Remote to control your TV with voice commands, and create a multi room setup with the addition of TiVo Mini VOX devices.
Watch our review of the TiVo Bolt DVR here.
Tablo Quad OTA DVR
The Tablo Quad OTA DVR is designed for cord cutters with larger households or channel lineups, who wish to record and stream up to four free broadcast channels from their HDTV antenna simultaneously. Tablo Quad also provides the flexibility to choose the recording storage option (SATA or USB drive) that works best for you.
The Tablo Quad DVR now offers an automatic commercial skip feature. Automatic commercial skip makes it easy to play back most recordings from Tablo OTA DVRs without any commercial interruptions, eliminating manual fast-forwarding. For additional features, you’ll need a monthly, annual, or lifetime Tablo subscription.
Want something cheaper? You can get the 2-tuner Tablo Dual Lite OTA DVR for $139.99.
Watch our review of the Tablo Quad DVR here.
Channel Master Stream+
The Channel Master Stream+ is a streaming media player and over-the-air DVR that integrates streaming services with live broadcast TV and includes an on-screen channel guide and the ability to pause, rewind and record live TV.
Stream+ is built on Google’s ™ Android TV platform allowing users to add their favorite apps and streaming services from the Google Play store. It includes a bluetooth universal remote with voice search that can be programmed to control most TV’s and audio devices eliminating the need for multiple remotes.
The dynamic interface of the Stream+ allows users the freedom and convenience to navigate between live TV, DVR and popular streaming apps without the need to switch devices, TV inputs or remote controls. Stream+ also includes advanced Google features such as built in Chromecast functionality.
Watch our review of the Channel Master Stream+ DVR here.
HDHomeRun Scribe Duo
Watch, record, and store live high-definition TV shows from many devices with this SiliconDust HDHomeRun Scribe Duo with 2 TV tuners. It lets you view over-the-air programs via your home router and Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
With the basic free app, you’ll get full access to all receivable channels in your local area, the ability to watch live TV on multiple devices simultaneously, a search feature allowing you to search by category, and the ability to pause and rewind live TV. For additional features, you’ll need an annual subscription.
Read about the HDHomeRun Scribe Duo here.
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