Unofficial Black Friday DVRs

[len_mullen]

My favorite DVR is steeply discounted on Black Friday and you do not have to leave home to get one.  Channel Master’s DVR+ will be on sale for $199 from 4-8 am Pacific Time on Black Friday.  (That’s 7-11 am for those of us on the east coast.)  That’s a pretty good deal.  Buy a pair for $299.  That’s a GREAT deal!

 

You will need to buy a disk for these, but 1 t usb disks are going for $50 these days, so you can shelve a $200 DVR with no monthly fees.  While the DVR+ is primarily an OTA DVR (which requires no internet or phone connection), plugging in to the internet enables additional features like an Enhanced Program Guide and Linear OTT or Channel Master TV (CMTV).  The enhanced program guide extends the length of the guide from a few days to a couple weeks while adding additional information.  CMTV streams media from the internet to your television continuously.  In other words, words select a CMTV station and watch television continuously until you change the channel.

 

I like Bloomberg TV, ABC News, WeatherNation TV, Biz TV, WGN TV, The Hunt Channel, Foody TV, Outdoor Cooking Channel, VevoTV-hits, RT Television, RT Documentaries, and Catholic TV (I’m not Catholic, but I enjoy some of the programming).  WeatherNation TV, on the other hand, is great when the weather is on my mind. I actually seek out that channel regularly.  They have recently added some new channels. I will be paying attention to DRTV (Doctor TV). I’ve stopped for a movie or a show on Backlight TV a few times. Got caught up in that. Stream Shift TV has been running a video called Blokes TV which is a bunch of Aussies riding dirt bikes across Southeast Asia, eating ‘happy pizzas’, and hanging out in strip joints. (It’s more entertaining than it should be.) Rivals is a good channel — when something is on. I have watched a couple college football games on Rivals. TWIT TV is terrific background noise. 

 

The DVR+ is the DVR built for cord cutters and is worthy of your consideration next Friday.

[len_mullen]

Amazon has updated their listing for a TiVo Roamio OTA indicating it will be in stock on 11/26/2015 and can be pre-ordered now.  The Roamio/OTA is my wife’s favorite DVR.  We don’t love the TiVo ‘paradigm’, but do like that it streams Amazon Instant Video/Prime, Vudu, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, MLB.tv, and Plex.  It’s truly a single box solution for OTA first cord cutters.  At $299.99 with four tuners and a 500g disk, it is actually less expensive than the DVR+.  If you want to have a TiVo in a second or third room, you can buy a TiVo Mini for ~$130 or less.  The mini shares tuners and disk with a four/six tuner TiVo.

 

My caution is that TiVo makes their money on monthly and annual fees.  These Lifetime offers are fleeting and often prohibitively expensive.  If you get a single DVR and a couple Minis, you may feel compelled to replace a broken fee-free TiVo with one which has a monthly or annual fee.  I recommend you buy at least two for this reason.

 

If you cannot decide between a TiVo and a DVR+, post a comment below and we can figure things out together.  (I have three Roamios and three DVR+s.)

Edited November 22, 2015 by len_mullen

[bribri25]

 

Amazon has updated their listing for a TiVo Roamio OTA indicating it will be in stock on 11/26/2015 and can be pre-ordered now.  The Roamio/OTA is my wife’s favorite DVR.  We don’t love the TiVo ‘paradigm’, but do like that it streams Amazon Instant Video/Prime, Vudu, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, MLB.tv, and Plex.  It’s truly a single box solution for OTA first cord cutters.  At $299.99 with four tuners and a 500g disk, it is actually less expensive than the DVR+.  If you want to have a TiVo in a second or third room, you can buy a TiVo Mini for ~$130 or less.  The mini shares tuners and disk with a four/six tuner TiVo.

 

My caution is that TiVo makes their money on monthly and annual fees.  These Lifetime offers are fleeting and often prohibitively expensive.  If you get a single DVR and a couple Minis, you may feel compelled to replace a broken fee-free TiVo with one which has a monthly or annual fee.  I recommend you buy at least two for this reason.

 

If you cannot decide between a TiVo and a DVR+, post a comment below and we can figure things out together.  (I have three Roamios and three DVR+s.)

 

 

Here's my current configuration:

http://i.imgur.com/sXUvYAx.png

MAIN TV

Records approximately 15-20 hours of network television per week

Records approximately 5-10 hours of ESPN family per week

Watch/record other random cable tv shows

 

BED TV

Records ~5 hours of network tv per week

Watch/record few random hours otherwise per week

 

LOWER TV

Hardly ever watches much cable/network TV; mostly blu-ray player

Rarely, but sometimes play Wii here

 

XTRA TV

This is still a tube TV (I know; probably will be HDTV next BF) mostly kids watch DVDs

 

We have Amazon Prime & own 2 Chromecast.  No real gaming systems. Wired network jacks available at all TV locations.

 

 

I am planning to cut the cable this winter and currently planning the following:

- Antenna near one of the TVs that gets the best reception; splitting the feed to that close TV & down to the Cable Hub (IN), then goes out to the rest of the house - "cutting" the INCOMING CABLE line

- Signing up for Sling TV (for ESPN family); $20  / month

- Buying at least 1 Fire TV Stick for the Main TV to stream SlingTV, etc.

- WD My Book 4TB External HD (Best Buy $99 BF) for using with the DVR (TBD)

 

Then it comes to the DVR;

The DVR+ 2-pack deal sounds really good and would put that for Main TV & Bed TV...we'd still be able to watch live TV downstairs and potentially stream Amazon Prime content, etc.

The Tivo would be a bigger investment (2 Roamio + maybe 1 TiVo mini), but allow us to share the HD and watch any content on any TV

 

 

What are your thoughts for my situation on:

- Which DVR?

- Which streaming device(s)?

- Is the 4TB HD a good choice?

 

Thanks!

[len_mullen]

My first comment would be that you are not going to be able to easily record ESPN after cutting the cord.  You can get ESPN via Sling TV, but you cannot record that.  Note too that Sling TV is limited to two concurrent streams.  Anything is possible, of course, but sometimes the outcome is not worth the effort.  If you haven't already looked into this, here is a link to a good read...

 

http://www.cutcabletoday.com/how-to-watch-sports-without-cable

 

If you want to post the programs you record, we can talk specifics.  

 

That XTRA TV is going to be a problem.  Chances are it has no HDMI inputs.  Most devices are HDMI these days.  It probably has analog tuners too, so you cannot simply plug in an antenna.  I have one of these.  It's a 36" Sony set we have a WII plugged in to.  I have a DTVPal converting digital signals to component for the television.  Those Pals are not readily available and too old to recommend, but there is a really inexpensive alternative...

 

http://www.amazon.com/Mediasonic-HW180STB-HomeWorx-Converter-Recording/dp/B00IYETYX8

 

Read the description and reviews carefully.  Look at the pictures too.  The Mediasonic HW180STB HomeWorx is composite/HDMI out (component is listed in the description, but the pictures do not show component out), single tuner, and really bare bones, but really cheap and has a lot of fans.  

 

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/42-hdtv-recorders/1880337-homeworx-hw-180stb.html

http://forum.mediasonic.ca/viewforum.php?f=78

 

Similar, more expensive models, include component...

 

http://www.amazon.com/3500STBII-Multi-Function-Converter-Recording-Playback/dp/B00GOILYB6

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00I2ZBD1U

 

I have not used any of these.  

 

If the LOWER TV is a newer television with a digital tuner, you can run coax directly to that set.

 

I have a DVR on every television.  I think they are worth the cost for the electronic program guide and trick play (rewind/pause/etc.) never mind recording.  I prefer set top boxes to 'whole house' DVRs for performance, price, and reliability.  With the exception of a few months this summer and fall and certain special installation circumstances, I have preferred Channel Master's DVR+ over TiVo alternatives.  I think you will too.

 

(BTW, you can use the DVR+ with no external disk for the EPG and trick play plus streaming.)

 

We can talk about the differences, if you like, but at $150/box when you buy two plus another $100 for a pair of 1t disks, price is the one you will like the most.  At this time, all of the TiVo deals are out of stock, so you can expect to pay $200 for a TiVo plus a monthly fee ($14.99).

 

I prefer smaller USB powered disks with the DVR+ since they are inexpensive and you can swap them in and out easily.  Most of my recording is transient, but I have a couple disks of 'keepers' for movies, holiday specials, etc.  Managing 4t of recordings on a DVR is a daunting task and you will cry when a disk fails -- they do fail.  Storage is about 160 hours of HD video per one terabyte of disk.  Channel Master recommends specific disks...

 

Storage capacity/recording hours is dependent on the external USB hard drive connected to the DVR+ (Most external USB hard drive will be compatible but Channel Master has thoroughly tested and recommends five different Seagate Models; 500 GB (STCD500102), 1 TB (STBU1000100), 1 TB (STBX1000101), 3 TB (STCA3000101), and 3 TB (STBV3000100)

 

If you are going to subscribe to Sling TV, they have some promotions for discounts on streamers...

 

 - $50 Fire TV: https://www.sling.com/devices/amazon

 - 50% off Roku 3 or Free Stick: https://www.sling.com/devices/roku

 - Free Chromecast: https://www.sling.com/devices/chromecast

 - 50% off a Nexus Player: https://www.sling.com/devices/nexus

 

I prefer the Amazon streamers.  We can talk details, if you like, but the FTV is the least expensive streamer and it streams just about everything.  They also play 'android' games and support real game controllers (we use Xbox USB sticks).  These will be $75 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Staples on BF. FTV sticks will be $25 at Best Buy, K-mart, and Staples.  

 

Some Rokus have composite out for that XTRA TV.  The Roku SE will be $25 at Best Buy, Kohls, and directly from Roku on BF.

 

So, get a pair of DVRs from Channel Master, get a couple 1t usb powered disks (I use WD, Seagate, and Toshiba), get a Roku SE for the XTRA TV, get Fire TVs for the LOWER and MAIN TVs (so the kids can play games when nothing is on), and a Fire TV stick for the bedroom.

 

Notes: Rokus have adult programming via private channels.  FTVs do via Kodi.  Channel Master has demo'd Sling TV on the DVR+ and continues to hint that this is not far away.  Use http://TVFool.comto select, position, and point your antenna.  You may need to amplify your antenna signal to support all four televisions.  

 

Russ Gerken I will pay full price, get the sling tv app. That's one of the reasons I bought first one , thinking of buying a roku 3/4 beginning in 2016 if you cant get it on the cm.
1 · November 19 at 1:41pm
Channel Master Hang in there with us, Russ. That's all we can say right now, sorry!
November 19 at 3:08pm
Michael Juan This is exactly why I bought mine as well. Quite dissapointing. I've been waiting since my purchase 8+ months ago. More details other than 'hang in there' would be much appreciated. Be more transparent Channel Master...
1 · November 20 at 4:05am · Edited
Channel Master We are all about transparency, except when the lawyers say we can't. frown emoticon We know it's frustrating! But seriously though... please hang in there. You won't be disappointed.

Hope that helps.

[bribri25]

YES!  Loads of help.  I feel bad you spent so much time talking about that Extra TV and I should have put a disclaimer that I don't plan to do anything there....yet.  I'll get an HDTV in there (probably the bedroom TV and upgrade that one) before I do anything with it.  Right now, it doesn't even use a cable box and just plays DVDs; maybe Gamecube when the kids get a little older.   Let's leave that out of the equation for now, but good to know about maybe needing an amplifier for 4 TVs; is that even true if only 1 or 2 are used at a time?  The network TV towers are only 8 miles away with nothing else within 35 miles, so I just plan on getting a 25-mile range antenna with no amplifier.

 

I'm aware that I can't record ESPN with SlingTV; no worries.  I actually expected I could only have 1 concurrent stream of SlingTV at a time, so knowing 2 is actually a bonus.  Thanks!

 

I am definitely leaning toward the DVR+ 2-pack.  Noted about the USB-powered (aka portable, not desktop) HDs - also a fan of WD (Seagate a close second) - and the recommendation on 1TB size (now on the hunt for deals).  We have about 110 hours on our current DVR and it's pretty full, but also has 50 hours of archived shows; I can just stash the HD when that happens.  Can you plug that HD into a PC and play the shows from there; what's the format of the videos on the HD? (not a deal breaker, but good to know)

 

The lower level TV is a Sharp from 2006, so I'm not sure that'll directly accept coax input; however for as much as we watch TV there, I can just pull the DVR+ from the bedroom, if necessary.  If all goes well with this plan, maybe I'll be getting 2 more DVR+ for the rest of the locations on BF 2016.

 

I'll get Fire TV on BF from BB, and one from SlingTV offer.  Also, a Fire Stick on BF.

[len_mullen]

YES!  Loads of help.  I feel bad you spent so much time talking about that Extra TV and I should have put a disclaimer that I don't plan to do anything there....yet.  I'll get an HDTV in there (probably the bedroom TV and upgrade that one) before I do anything with it.  Right now, it doesn't even use a cable box and just plays DVDs; maybe Gamecube when the kids get a little older.   Let's leave that out of the equation for now, but good to know about maybe needing an amplifier for 4 TVs; is that even true if only 1 or 2 are used at a time?  The network TV towers are only 8 miles away with nothing else within 35 miles, so I just plan on getting a 25-mile range antenna with no amplifier.

 

You may need an amplified splitter.  It doesn't matter if you use one television or four the power is still split.  Your broadcasters put so much RF signal in the air.  By the time it gets to your antenna it is diminished.  Your antenna will collect a certain amount of the signal and some of that will be lost as it runs through the coax.  Every splitter divides the remaining signal among its outputs.  You can calculate these things, but trial and error works too.  Also, too much signal can cause problems.  Here's another link for you...

 

https://freetvforme.wordpress.com/2014/09/24/broadcast-tv/#antennas

 

It would help to have a link to your tvfool report.

 

I'm aware that I can't record ESPN with SlingTV; no worries.  I actually expected I could only have 1 concurrent stream of SlingTV at a time, so knowing 2 is actually a bonus.  Thanks!

 

I am definitely leaning toward the DVR+ 2-pack.  Noted about the USB-powered (aka portable, not desktop) HDs - also a fan of WD (Seagate a close second) - and the recommendation on 1TB size (now on the hunt for deals).  We have about 110 hours on our current DVR and it's pretty full, but also has 50 hours of archived shows; I can just stash the HD when that happens.  Can you plug that HD into a PC and play the shows from there; what's the format of the videos on the HD? (not a deal breaker, but good to know)

 

no, but you can convert the files to a format that will play on a PC and stream from a Plex server.  Another link...

 

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/42-hdtv-recorders/2039802-dvr-lister-channel-master-dvr.html

 

The lower level TV is a Sharp from 2006, so I'm not sure that'll directly accept coax input; however for as much as we watch TV there, I can just pull the DVR+ from the bedroom, if necessary.  If all goes well with this plan, maybe I'll be getting 2 more DVR+ for the rest of the locations on BF 2016.

 

I'll get Fire TV on BF from BB, and one from SlingTV offer.  Also, a Fire Stick on BF.

 

Remember that the DVR+ is HDMI only.  That 2006 set probably does not have HDMI.  Have fun!

[bribri25]

Thanks.  I PM'd you the link to my report a few weeks ago and we chatted a bit about this already.  Let me know if you no longer have it or after seeing it any recommendations change.  I have clear LOS from my window in my house (not a tree to be found) to the towers; I think time will tell once I have the antenna hooked up and start getting a signal.

 

Cool. Plex server will be in at least Phase II of this project

 

Actually, my 2006 does have HDMIs...though I think just 1, but the input currently comes from a 7.1 receiver anyway, so that'll take in my Blu-Ray & DVR to send to the TV.

[len_mullen]

OK.  Sometimes I don't connect the dots.  I'm having a few TVFool conversations via PM.  I gave you some pretty good answers ;-)  

 

You get some pretty nice sub-channels...
 

Realistically, you can expect to get that set of green channels (plus subchannels).  ABC, CBS, CW, Fox, and NBC is pretty good.  You will also get MyNetworkTV on WISC, GetTV and Grit on WMSN, MeTV and Decades on WKOW, WeatherNation and Antenna TV on WMTV, Wisconson Channel and Create TV on WHA, and Fox Movies and Heroes and Icons on WBUW.

Reading through our messages, I come across as consistent...that is a great relief.  Here are some antenna reviews.  Your situation is very good because your stations are clustered and all uhf at close range.  

 

http://www.consumersearch.com/tv-antennas/best-indoor-uhf-tv-antennas

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-indoor-hdtv-antenna/

http://lifehacker.com/five-best-indoor-over-the-air-hd-antennae-1513572532

[Tigger97498]

I have a question related to this I have the Magnavox DVR that is in walmarts black Friday ad (sounds very similar to this channel master one) can I DVR from the ustvnow app on the firetv or roku with it? My cable has made it so their channels can't be dvr'd unless you are using their DVR.

[len_mullen]

Please post a page or a model or something

[Tigger97498]

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Magnavox-MDR557H-F7-1TB-Hard-Drive-DVD-Recorder-with-Digital-Tuner/36246088

[len_mullen]

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Magnavox-MDR557H-F7-1TB-Hard-Drive-DVD-Recorder-with-Digital-Tuner/36246088

Thank you!

 

I have a question related to this I have the Magnavox DVR that is in walmarts black Friday ad (sounds very similar to this channel master one) can I DVR from the ustvnow app on the firetv or roku with it? My cable has made it so their channels can't be dvr'd unless you are using their DVR.

 

I think the answer is no.  The AVS forums say this DVR respects macrovision and Roku has implemented macrovision, so I suspect recording some, if not all, content will result in a very poor picture.

 

Checkout PlayOn/PlayLater to see if it will work for your needs.  It records in HD and the files are unprotected except for a screen at the front and back that says who (name, email, IP address) recorded the file.  The files are 720p and you can stream from the server to a Roku.

[bribri25]

 

I prefer smaller USB powered disks with the DVR+ since they are inexpensive and you can swap them in and out easily.  Most of my recording is transient, but I have a couple disks of 'keepers' for movies, holiday specials, etc.  Managing 4t of recordings on a DVR is a daunting task and you will cry when a disk fails -- they do fail.  Storage is about 160 hours of HD video per one terabyte of disk.  Channel Master recommends specific disks...

 

 

 

 

This looks to be one of the CM supported hard drives.  Any objections to this one (or 2-3 of these?)

 

Staples $39.99 at BF price.  I'm not sure what the "mobile device backup" stuff is, but imagine I can re-format that to eliminate that reserved functionality.

[len_mullen]

Yeah.  Great choice.  Great price.  I may grab a couple myself.  I was looking at the pile of disks next to the DVR in my bedroom.  All are Western Digital Passports, but there are 1t, 2t, ultras, mac, pc...I think I mostly shopped on price.  They all work.  No need to worry about the software (mobile device backup) as the DVR will format the disk before use.

[bribri25]

Oh, good.  I've always been a WD guy (every computer ever built, internal HD, external HD....), but for $40, it's hard to pass up a stack of those 1TB drives.  The 1TB WD Passports seem to be $60 and if I can get 3 Seagates for the price of 2, I'll be going Seagate.

[riven3d]

You can get a 4 TB one at Office Depot for $99 but it's a Toshiba HD

[bribri25]

As mentioned, that would be 640 hours of HD programming for my DVR.  The HD would die before I'd get a chance to watch even half those shows... lol

 

I'd consider the 2TB for 69.99, but really I can almost get 2 1TB for that price, so I think I'm set on those.

[bribri25]

@len_mullen - will I just be able to add 2 of those DVR+ to the cart and check out for the $299 price?  I don't see anything about a promo code or anything.

[len_mullen]

that's how it worked last year.

[len_mullen]

Thank you!

 

 

I think the answer is no.  The AVS forums say this DVR respects macrovision and Roku has implemented macrovision, so I suspect recording some, if not all, content will result in a very poor picture.

 

Checkout PlayOn/PlayLater to see if it will work for your needs.  It records in HD and the files are unprotected except for a screen at the front and back that says who (name, email, IP address) recorded the file.  The files are 720p and you can stream from the server to a Roku.

 

Tigger, I have found a guy who may have done this...

 

http://forums.roku.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=91019(in case you want to follow along)

 

Frankly, I would suggest that you buy the DVR and Roku locally and return them if you cannot record what you want.

[Ripn]

Note too that Sling TV is limited to two concurrent streams. 

 

From SlingTV FAQ

 

Can I watch Sling TV on multiple devices at the same time?

There are no limits to the number of devices you stream on with Sling TV.  Download the Sling TV app on all of your devices that we support.  While you are able to stream on all these devices, you may only stream Sling TV on one device at a time.

 

 

Can you explain how you get slingtv to work on 2 tv's simultaneously?

[len_mullen]

From SlingTV FAQ

 

Can I watch Sling TV on multiple devices at the same time?

There are no limits to the number of devices you stream on with Sling TV.  Download the Sling TV app on all of your devices that we support.  While you are able to stream on all these devices, you may only stream Sling TV on one device at a time.

 

 

Can you explain how you get slingtv to work on 2 tv's simultaneously?

 

Correct!  Thank you.

[bribri25]

Booooo. But that's what is originally read too so I was prepared for that.

[bribri25]

Ordered the pair of DVR+  $299.  Recommendations on the 2-year Extended Warranty? I was debating getting 1 $39 plan and could apply to either DVR+ if they broke down, or do you think I'd have to register it with one of the two devices up front?

[len_mullen]

I once advised a woman to buy her own cable modem.  She asked if she should get an extended warranty.  I shrugged my shoulder.  Her $100 modem was lost to a power surge ten minutes out of warranty.

 

And, of course, you saw that I was wrong about concurrent Sling TV users, right?

 

So, the warranty is one year and you credit card may have doubled that to two.  That's plenty of time for problems to reveal themselves.  There are no moving parts -- no fans, no disk in the box -- and the power supply is outside the box.  I really do not expect these things to fail...ever.

 

Visited my in-laws yesterday. They have one of the launch DVR+s (from December of 2013). It is not connected to anything and has never been updated. Other than scanning for new channels, cleaning up recordings off their 1t seagate disk, and cancelling some unwanted series recordings, everything was fine.

[bribri25]

I did see the correction on concurrent streams of Sling, and my CC adds another year warranty on.  I've never actually used that from any of my credit cards, so it'd be an adventure should I ever have to use it and make a claim; but I will opt not to get the warranty from Channel Master. I think even the full year would uncover any issues.

Edited November 27, 2015 by bribri25

[Ripn]

I wasn't trying to correct anyone on sling and 1 stream only...I was really hoping you knew of a workaround.  

[len_mullen]

I wasn't trying to correct anyone on sling and 1 stream only...I was really hoping you knew of a workaround.  

 

Worse I KNEW it was one stream -- I have complained about this a lot.  Netflix and Prime are two streams.  Just a brain fart and I am glad you posted the correction.

[bribri25]

2       ChannelMaster DVR+                    $299    (ChannelMaster.com)

3       Seagate 1TB Portable HD             $119.97  (Office Max)

1       AmazonBasics 25-mile Antenna     $14.39   (Amazon.com Lightning Deal)

1       Amazon Fire TV Stick                     $24.99   (Amazon.com)

1       Amazon Fire TV                              $74.99   (Amazon.com)

1       Amazon Fire TV                              $50        (Sling TV Promotion)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      TOTAL                                              $583.34

 

 

Current Monthly Cable Bill:         $179 (incl. Internet)

New Monthly "Cable" Bill:           $45 + $20 = $65    (internet + Sling TV)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Monthly Savings:                        $114

 

 

ROI = 5 months @ savings of $570 pays for the equipment bought this week.

 

VERY excited to receive everything, set up the antenna and start watching shows OTA, pull the existing shows from the cable DVR and finally cut the cord!

[len_mullen]

At my house, we keep track of the savings.  Half of it can be reinvested in our infrastructure and half goes to other stuff -- like a family vacation.  We toasted Comcast who sponsored our trip to Disney a couple years ago.  Comcast paid for our 60" 1080p plasma television and a lot of the beer that is consumed in front of it.  On Sundays, we like to say that The Beer's On Comcast!