HDHomeRun

Active

Country: United States (US)
Founded: 2007
Developer: SiliconDust
Pricing: Hardware purchase required; app free; DVR subscription available
Open source: No
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Streaming boxes

Indexes

Media Servers

Overview

HDHomeRun is a network-attached tuner device that enables streaming of live over-the-air or cable TV to multiple devices on a local network. It requires compatible hardware models such as CONNECT, EXTEND, EXPAND, or PRIME, paired with apps for viewing on computers, phones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming boxes. The system supports live TV playback and recorded TV with a DVR subscription, distinguishing it through multi-tuner support and broad device compatibility.

Key Features

Live TV Streaming - Streams live cable or over-the-air TV from HDHomeRun tuners to devices on the local network.
Multi-Device Support - Allows simultaneous viewing on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming boxes.
DVR Recording - Records TV content with a DVR subscription for playback in the app.
Firmware Updates - Updates device firmware via PC app, especially for older models.
Command Line Utility - hdhomerun_config tool for scripting and configuration on Windows, Linux, and Mac.
ATSC 3.0 Support - Plays next-generation ATSC 3.0 content on supported platforms.
Network Discovery - Discovers HDHomeRun devices for playback in apps like VLC via UDP/RTP.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
App Only	Free	Live TV viewing with HDHomeRun hardware.
DVR Subscription	Subscription-based	TV recording and playback capabilities.

Platforms & Requirements

Apps available for Windows 10/11, macOS (up to 26.4), Linux, iOS/iPadOS, Android (phones, tablets, TV boxes), smart TVs, and streaming boxes. Cross-platform hdhomerun_config utility supports 32/64-bit systems on PC and embedded platforms. Minimum requirements include local network access; some features like firmware updates recommended via Windows PC app first.

Integrations & Ecosystem

Plex
Kodi
JRiver Media Center
VLC (UDP/RTP streaming)
HDHomeRun Config CLI
Third-party media servers

Alternatives

App	Difference
Tablo	Integrated DVR hardware with no separate subscription for basic recording, focused on OTA TV.
Plex Live TV & DVR	Software-based using client tuners, requires Plex Pass subscription for DVR.
Channels DVR	Server-centric DVR solution supporting network tuners like HDHomeRun.
NextGen TV Tuners	USB-based tuners for single-device use without network streaming.

Reputation

HDHomeRun is recognized for reliable network TV streaming and wide app compatibility across devices. Users appreciate the plug-and-play setup and multi-tuner support for households. Criticisms include occasional channel scanning issues in some media centers like JRiver and reliance on separate DVR subscriptions for recording.

Sources (9)