Amazon sale on HD Homerun "Connect" HDHR4-2US
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So in researching for a DVR for my soon to be (hopefully) OTA TV, I've been looking at the HD Homeruns.
So the difference between the Connect version and the Extend version seems (besides price) to be a built in transcoder in the Extend.
The Extend version doesn't seem to list any other abilities than what the Connect does.... other than the hardware transcoder.
So help me understand what the hardware transcoder is supposed to get me...
Please and thanks.
I think I'm finding the answers...
So the difference between the Connect version and the Extend version seems (besides price) to be a built in transcoder in the Extend.
The Extend version doesn't seem to list any other abilities than what the Connect does.... other than the hardware transcoder.
So help me understand what the hardware transcoder is supposed to get me...
Please and thanks.
I think I'm finding the answers...
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It's my understanding (and experts please chime in if I'm incorrect) that transcoding helps with streaming over your network.
Some HD channels stream at over 19mbps. That's a lot for some wifi networks to handle (especially the older 2.4 Ghz networks).
So, the transcoder compresses the video stream down to something more manageable.
If you have a fast network at home, or you connect all your devices via ethernet cables, and your PC's and TV's are relatively new, you probably don't need transcoding.
I have an older laptop at work that had difficulty handling the HD Homerun's video streams. Adding a newer 5 Ghz wifi adapter solved it.
If you're going to use one of your PC's as the DVR for the HD Homerun, then be sure that PC is connected via ethernet to your router.
Another side benefit of the HD Homerun: you can use it to join the Live Bandscan
In fewer words, the transcoder takes DTV's MPEG2 video compression (what's used on DVDs) and re-compresses it using h.264 video compression (what's used on Blu-ray). This cuts way down on the bandwidth when streaming directly to a compatible device and saves storage space when sent to a server for later playback. There is a compromise involved in real-time lossy compression but the bandwidth required can be just a little more than half of MPEG2 and that compromise would be difficult to discern on something like a phone or phablet.
It is important to understand that HDHomerun devices are only one element of a DVR system (just the tuners). Additional bits and pieces (media server, guide data handling facilities and media storage) are required to achieve what most consider to be a DVR. If you're planning on using HDHomeruns with a media server (the first step toward DVR capability), the server can typically handle some transcoding either in real time or when the material isn't being actively viewed.
It is important to understand that HDHomerun devices are only one element of a DVR system (just the tuners). Additional bits and pieces (media server, guide data handling facilities and media storage) are required to achieve what most consider to be a DVR. If you're planning on using HDHomeruns with a media server (the first step toward DVR capability), the server can typically handle some transcoding either in real time or when the material isn't being actively viewed.
Right. Thanks to you both.
I have a new AC3200 tri-band router so don't think it will have any problems keeping up with either version. And it will need to stream over wifi at least to one TV.
The direction I seem to be heading currently is using PLEX to handle the DVR'ing. I'm all about eliminating monthly payments during this "cord cutting" so am open to most any that offer the lifetime subscriptions. It didn't appear that HDHomerun offers a lifetime deal...
I have a gaming machine that is on 24/7. I'm sure it won't have any problem transcoding any amount of streams I'd want/need for any of my 4 TV's. I just don't want it to be interfering if I'm gaming when the wife is in the other room streaming something she recorded. Not sure how much head room my PC will have and if I'd notice it transcoding one stream.
So that brings me to one of my questions... and maybe it's the wrong crowd but, how much does one or two streams of transcoding affect an i7-7700 running at almost 4ghz with 32 gbs of ram?
If I have a Homerun Extend, will it do "all" of the transcoding I need? As in writing all recordings to say a network drive and transcoding back to any other device? Granted I would need plex on my or my wife's PC but would hope to have the recording directory set up on a network drive or my NAS with the Extend doing all the heavy lifting.
I have to check if my NAS will load up PLEX, it's a low end QNAP without much of a CPU... but it might install PLEX and would then work if the Extend does the transcoding to and from...
Anyone have any insight? Thanks.
I have a new AC3200 tri-band router so don't think it will have any problems keeping up with either version. And it will need to stream over wifi at least to one TV.
The direction I seem to be heading currently is using PLEX to handle the DVR'ing. I'm all about eliminating monthly payments during this "cord cutting" so am open to most any that offer the lifetime subscriptions. It didn't appear that HDHomerun offers a lifetime deal...
I have a gaming machine that is on 24/7. I'm sure it won't have any problem transcoding any amount of streams I'd want/need for any of my 4 TV's. I just don't want it to be interfering if I'm gaming when the wife is in the other room streaming something she recorded. Not sure how much head room my PC will have and if I'd notice it transcoding one stream.
So that brings me to one of my questions... and maybe it's the wrong crowd but, how much does one or two streams of transcoding affect an i7-7700 running at almost 4ghz with 32 gbs of ram?
If I have a Homerun Extend, will it do "all" of the transcoding I need? As in writing all recordings to say a network drive and transcoding back to any other device? Granted I would need plex on my or my wife's PC but would hope to have the recording directory set up on a network drive or my NAS with the Extend doing all the heavy lifting.
I have to check if my NAS will load up PLEX, it's a low end QNAP without much of a CPU... but it might install PLEX and would then work if the Extend does the transcoding to and from...
Anyone have any insight? Thanks.
I purchased the HD HomeRun DVR feature a few years ago on one of the Go Fund Me type sites. Works well.
You can but now I guess. HDHomeRun DVR Software (does not include hardware) – SiliconDust SHOP
I have been using Plex more and more though. What a great program and my library and TV is with me wherever I go.
You can but now I guess. HDHomeRun DVR Software (does not include hardware) – SiliconDust SHOP
I have been using Plex more and more though. What a great program and my library and TV is with me wherever I go.
