Ideally this should be your HTPC, or a server that’s always ready to record. This is the computer your tuner card and antenna are connected to. Check out our guide to improving your HD reception for more information about what works. This plugs into your tuner card and picks up free broadcast signals. There are internal and USB options available, but Plex only supports a few right now: check here for the official list, which is slowly expanding. This card receives the signal from your antenna and interprets it for your computer. We really find Plex Pass worth the cost if you use Plex, anyway, since it also offers syncing to mobile devices, parental controls, premium music features, and a bunch of other perks. A pass costs $5 a month, $40 a year, or $120 for life. The PVR functionality of Plex is only for Plex Pass members. This setup sounds great, right? Sadly you can’t just download Plex to get started, there are a few prerequisites: If you’re a cord cutter, this is a great way to supplement Netflix or Sling TV, and Plex makes it really easy. You’ll have access to the major networks where you live, including ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, The CW and PBS in the United States. Plus, you can watch live TV or schedule recordings from any device. You can set up Plex’s new PVR functionality in minutes, and it gives you an easy interface to check out what’s on right now, alongside what’s coming up.

Sure, you could set up NextPVR to connect with Kodi, but that means setting up two different programs and fiddling around with a lot of settings. But there hasn’t really been simple software to do this with, at least not since Microsoft killed off Windows Media Center almost a decade ago. Every cord cutter should set this up.Īny computer can, with an antenna and tuner card, pick up live TV signals and even record shows for you. Plex’s DVR and live TV service is easy to set up, streams to all of your devices, and can remove commercials automatically.

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