Originally Posted by
KTF
This is very easily done. Assuming your computer is running a version of windows you have a few options for PVR software. I have had an OTA DVR for 4 plus years now.
My setup includes the following:
PVR software: NextPVR
Electronic Program Guide (EPG): Schedules Direct ($25/yr)
Tuners: 2 HDHomerun Dual (network based)
Server/frontendPC is a custom built Windows10 mid-tower. It has a 2 HDD's and an SSD. 1 HDD is dedicated to recordings only (3Tb). The SSD runs OS and 2 HDD has extra software.
TV unit: windows 10 unit and a raspberri pi 2.
Front end software: KODI 16.1
Network Storage: I do have some network storage however the WD Myclouds have bricked on me so I only have 1TB as a media server via router.
You can start small and work your way up as I did. NPVR can be a standalone as a backend server/frontend media or a backend only. You can pull the EPG either via TV antenna or schedules direct (most complete listing). Depending upon your tuner you might be able to watch/record multiple shows depending upon the number of tuners it has. Strong signal from antenna is required. I would highly recommend an antenna mounted outdoors. I have explored other options especially linux however since my windows 10 machine is used for light gaming, I stick with windows OS.
Living in the Willmar most of my OTA come from the twin cities. I would invite you to review your location via tvfool.com to see what kind of OTA singal strength you have at your location but also what channels you would be able to recieve. My location has roughly 40 channels that I can access. Some are not worth watching however I enjoy the almost free HDTV. Not going to lie though, this fall we subscribed to slingTV. It helps with the days that there is just nothing but infomercials on OTA.
The DVR setup is what has made my family stay with OTA for 4 plus years. If I couldn't record and watch later, we wouldn't have lasted...
Shoot me a PM if you want help setting it up or have questions about how it all works, I am more than happy to help you out if you want to create a setup.