Using AI, Copilot, I asked what is available to DVR OTA and this is the response.
I love my $100 Tablo saving me $250/month from Comcast…
If you don’t like this cutting edge technology then try something else…
DVR for over‑the‑air (OTA) TV is very much alive in 2026, and honestly better than it’s been in years. The landscape has shifted a bit with ATSC 3.0 rolling out unevenly, but you’ve got several solid paths depending on how you like to watch and record.
Below is a clean, up‑to‑date breakdown based on the latest info from recent reviews and comparisons.
Yes — here are the best ways to DVR OTA TV today 1. Tablo 4th‑Gen (No subscription required)
• Very inexpensive (often around $70–$100)
• No monthly fee
• Streams live and recorded OTA TV to all devices in your home
• Works with your existing antenna
• Great for simple “plug in and go” setups
• Cloud‑style interface but recordings are stored locally
Best for: People who want the easiest, cheapest OTA DVR with no ongoing cost.
2. ZapperBox M1/M2 (ATSC 3.0‑ready)
• Supports ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) where available
• More advanced interface
• Better picture quality (4K/HDR where broadcasters support it)
• More expensive than Tablo
• Still evolving with firmware updates
Best for: Power users or anyone wanting to “future‑proof” for ATSC 3.0.
3. Channels DVR (Software‑based, very powerful)
• Runs on a PC, NAS, or mini‑server
• Requires your own tuner (HDHomeRun)
• $8/month subscription
• Extremely flexible: commercial skip, remote access, deep metadata
Best for: Tech‑savvy users who want the most control and features.
4. Plex DVR
• Similar to Channels DVR but integrated into Plex
• Requires a tuner + Plex Pass subscription
• Great if you already use Plex for media
Best for: People with a home media server already running.
5. Standalone DVR boxes (less common now)
Some older‑style “set‑top DVRs” still exist, but they’re fading.
Examples include ClonerAlliance or basic converter‑box DVRs.
They work, but the interfaces feel dated and features are limited.
I would add the Amazon FireTV Recast. Basically the same as the Tablo4G but better developed. The only negative is that it is discontinued and future support/functionality is unknown.
Well put. The only thing I would disagree with is “Great for simple “plug in and go” setups.”
I love my Tablo, I really do, but they advertise it as a simple plug-and-play solution, but it is really not. You need either to be reasonably tech-savvy, or have access to someone that is.
To get the best out of it, you need to spend some time researching an appropriate antenna, and get it mounted and aimed correctly. Except in certain markets, the ‘mudflap’ antenna that you can get bundled with it is junk. I think this is where they get them most complaints from dissatisfied customer. I always feel bad when I hear “I bought one for my mother-in-law and she can only get two channels.”
You also get a lot of complaints from folks that have mediocre home networks. “I can browse Facebook just fine, but my Tablo won’t work.”
90% of the users who get these two issues straitened out have a great experience.
I love Tivo… I had a house full of Tivo. But once it started breaking, I didnt have the $$ to replace it all. I bought into the life time licenses too. I went to DirecTV stream and then the prices hiked after covid. I went with Tablo… No monthly fee.
There is a small amount of science behind it any OTA setup in your home… the 1st step is to ask and be hands on. MOST of the issues is wireless/networking. Everyone should know about RF signal associated with OTA. My 80 year mom knows that much.
I had a HDHR in hand for a while and ran Channel DVR… Channel DVR is awesome. BUT its tech intensive, which I LOVE ABOUT IT. BUT its not for everyone though. Also there is a monthly fee. I wouldnt mind it as a side project. I was trying (still am) to reduce my TV/Streaming bill as much as I could… it was over $150 a month!
After all that sht I liked/disliked about all those vendors… The main player in the game in the wifey. Tablo GUI is pretty enough and easy enough for her to use. Happy Wife Happy Life!
@KGBnut
Not my words (AI said it) and I agree with you. I’m not a techie but like trying. Those that want everything perfect need to wait. But don’t wait too long since ATSC 3.0 may be coming and all of this will probably be a moot point if OTA goes away…
Yes — here are the best ways to DVR OTA TV today
1. Tablo 4th‑Gen (No subscription required)
2. ZapperBox M1/M2 (ATSC 3.0‑ready)
3. Channels DVR (Software‑based, very powerful)
4. Plex DVR
5. Standalone DVR boxes (less common now)
Quick comparison