Best OTA DVR for Cord Cutters: Amazon Fire TV Recast, TiVo and Tablo – CNET [CNET]

If you live in an area with decent over-the-air reception, putting up a TV antenna is an easy way to cut the cord and get access to free TV. And with a DVR, you can even compete with the convenience of a streaming service. It allows you to pause live TV, save your shows to watch later and fast-forward through the commercials. The majority of the models below will also allow you to stream shows on multiple TVs or when you’re away from home.

The downside, of course, is that “free” can turn into, well, not free, especially if your DVR charges a monthly fee. While a basic DVR like the AirTV 2 starts around $100, before you add a hard drive, a TiVo device with all the bells and whistles is about $500 after you pay the lifetime subscription. Yet, compared to the cost of cable TV and live TV-streaming services such as Hulu Plus Live TV or YouTube TV, even the most expensive antenna DVR will pay for itself in due time.

There are four standout OTA DVR products to consider when buying a cord-cutting digital video recorder: the Amazon Fire TV Recast, the AirTV 2 and the TiVo Edge for antenna, and the Nuvyyo Tablo Quad. Each has its own unique DVR features, tuner and capabilities, but there’s one I’d recommend to beginners and old hands alike. Let’s dive in and take a look at the best OTA DVR options.

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Types of OTA DVR: Set top vs. networked TV streamer?

There are two main types of DVR options: a traditional set top, which connects directly to a single TV via an HDMI output; or a networked TV streamer, which connects to your home network and streams to your devices in the home or on the go. The TiVo Edge for antenna is a traditional set-top (which also has in-home streaming) while the AirTV 2 and Amazon Fire TV Recast are straight networked TV streamers.

A set-top is best for people who usually watch on one TV, while a network device is for people who want to watch on multiple devices — a streamer like a Roku or an Amazon Fire TV and other devices like phones and tablets. In general a networked TV streamer is the more flexible OTA DVR option, and can better complement live TV streaming apps or services like Netflix.

Other features to look for

Regardless of which style of OTA DVR you choose, there are some features common to both that you should look for.

• Two or more HD tuners: One tuner is just not enough. When it comes to HD tuners, the more your device has the merrier. The bare minimum is two so you can record two channels at the same time, or watch one while you record another, but heavy antenna heads might appreciate even more.
• 1TB or more of storage: Depending on the device you have, a terabyte of built-in storage space should offer about 150 hours of program content. But if you choose a device such as the TiVo which automatically records shows it “thinks you like,” you could run out very quickly. Which is why you also need…
• The ability to add extra storage via USB or SD card: An external hard drive is an excellent option, providing your DVR doesn’t need a proprietary model. Generally, a 1TB external hard drive is cheap at about 50 bucks.

• 14 days of guide data: While seven days is really the minimum useful amount, two weeks gives you more flexibility.
• No ongoing fees: Most people cut the cord to save money, so paying yet another monthly fee doesn’t make a ton of sense. TiVo does offer a lifetime service option so you pay for the device and guide data upfront.

More cord-cutting advice

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• Live TV Channels Compared: Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu and More
• Free Movies: 10 Netflix Alternatives That Will Keep You Entertained  
• Best TV Antennas for Cord-Cutters
• Best Internet Providers in 2022
• Amazon Fire TV Recast is One of the Best Cord-Cutter Companions Yet
• 25 of the Best TV Shows to Watch on Amazon Prime Video