Tech-savvy users wanting a low-cost, expandable system. 3.2. Hauppauge WinTV-dualHD (DVB-T2) + NextPVR / MediaPortal | Aspect | Detail | |--------|--------| | Type | USB dual tuner + Windows PVR software | | Tuners | 2x DVB-T2 (Freeview HD) | | Cost | ~£70 (tuner) + free software | | UK EPG | Yes (via NextPVR’s built-in Freeview grabber) | | Multi-client | Yes (NextPVR offers web UI and Kodi addon) | | Skill level | Medium – Windows knowledge required |
Reliable hardware, works without a network (direct USB). Cons: Requires a dedicated PC running 24/7 for network streaming. 3.3. August DVB-T2 (USB) + Plex Pass | Aspect | Detail | |--------|--------| | Type | Single USB tuner (or dual-tuner box) | | Cost | £40–£80 + Plex Pass (£39.99/year or £95 lifetime) | | UK EPG | Yes – Plex’s global EPG works with UK postcodes | | Multi-client | Yes – Plex on any device | | Skill level | Low (if using Plex on NAS/PC) |
Very polished interface; commercial skip; remote access. Cons: Plex Pass required for live TV/DVR; no DVB-S2 support. 4. All-in-One Set-Top Boxes (Standalone PVRs with streaming) These replace the HDHomeRun + server approach entirely. 4.1. Manhattan T4-R (Freeview Play) | Aspect | Detail | |--------|--------| | Tuners | 3x DVB-T2 | | Recording | 1TB internal HDD (2TB available) | | Streaming clients | None – HDMI only to one TV | | UK EPG | Full Freeview Play (7-day scroll-back, catch-up apps) | | Network streaming | No – cannot stream to other TVs/apps | | Price | ~£199–£249 |
