– SiliconDust HDHomeRun Flex Quatro 4xDVB-T/T2/C Tuners - HDFX-4DT

I have this connected to my router, it shows up on my smart TV (not used it this was through); I mainly use this on my Synology NASwhich has PLEX running on it, it shows clearly, Plex is able to record multiple channels for free and the recorded items and live TV can be viewed outside the house / in other households over the internet. I found setting this up needed the PC/Mac to run the HDHomeRun App to be able to search for channels/Tune the box (it was already up to date so did not need a software update) everything else I have done has mainly been within Plex. I have found the Home HD app clunky and you cannot record on this unless you have a subscription to do so on their own app. I have read it can be powered through a POE switch but read that this is not advised from the maker so i have not tried this (expensive if i break it). Although expensive, it has been doing what I is intended for really well, and fairly simply and in good time (not clunky or slow).

The product was smaller than I expected (not a bad thing at all!), but setup couldn’t have been easier. It’s truly plug-and-play—just connect the antenna, power it on, and you're all set. It integrated seamlessly into my home network with no need to run messy coax cables around the outside of the house. I added it to Plex, and it was instantly discovered on the network (after assigning it a static IP, which I highly recommend for stability). Everything has been working flawlessly since. One downside: the HDHomeRun app doesn’t support remote viewing via VPN, which is a bit frustrating. Fortunately, Plex fills that gap perfectly for streaming away from home.

So, I have been using a couple of USB tuner sticks for my Media server to give me 4 tuners, along with a signal amplifier to ameliorate signal issues and to allow me to split the feed between two devices. I had lost all the Freeview HD channels at some point though. Enter the HD Home Run. (a best buy of 2023 for me!) First minor issue was the instructions provided seem to be incorrect. They state you need to browse to my.hdhomerun.com to configure the device. This didn't work. Instead you need to browse to the device's IP (discovered from your DHCP server) or more simply, http://hdhomerun.local Channel scanning is simple and fairly quick (and doing it once in the device's web interface prevents the need for a scan in my Media server.) Second issue was I then discovered I still had no HD channels. Suffice it to say, this was a little perturbing. BUT! it would seem that the issue was, in fact, being caused by the signal amplifier as, with this removed, I now have a 100% signal strength and a full compliment of HD channels. The fact that this discreet little box of tricks has a standalone app for Firestick & Chromecast means the Freeview channels are available locally, regardless of the status of my Media server. It's also got better picture quality than my Media server, certainly on the SD channels. For now, I'm reluctant to add HDHR's recording facility as I'll continue to use my Media server for this. The HD HomeRun's app works on mobile but only on the local network (it scans the network on launch for the device) and will not work remotely which is where my Media server will work. There may be a way to use port forwarding (or VPN) and a third party video app, but that's a lot of trouble to go to when I have a Media server. In summary, the HDHR is a great device; I wish I had got one sooner.

I bought the HDHomeRun to add live TV and DVR to my Plex setup, mainly so I could record shows (and skip the ads in Plex) and watch/rewind in any room, on any device (like my PC). It also lets me watch on the go, by accessing my Plex server from my phone when I'm out and about. Why not just use streaming? For me, the HDHomeRun + Plex route solves two things: (1) Plex can automatically remove or skip adverts on recordings which is better than using services where ads are baked into the app and ad‑blockers don’t help; and (2) I can keep everything in one library, offline and under my control, without shows disappearing from services later. Price‑wise it’s on the higher side for what looks like a simple box, especially when standalone recorders are available for about the same price, but those are tied to one TV and don’t solve the “no aerial in this room” problem. The HDHomeRun gives whole‑home access with proper DVR features through Plex, which is the real value here. Setup was incredibly simple. The unit is small enough to tuck away in the TV unit, and once I’d plugged in aerial, Ethernet and power, Plex found it straight away. Channels and the guide populated automatically, and I was watching within minutes. Picture quality has been consistently good, and streams have been stable across the house on different devices. The included Ethernet cable is a nice touch. I can’t comment on SiliconDust’s own apps or DVR, as I’m using it exclusively with Plex. I think it's a great addition to anyone's existing Plex server to add more content, assuming there's anything on the TV you'd want to watch.