The HDHomeRun is a series of networked TV tuners developed by SiliconDust that let you stream live TV over your home network or the internet. These tuners, designed for cord-cutters, work with over-the-air (OTA) antennas, cable TV, and satellite setups, allowing you to watch live TV on computers, smart TVs, tablets, and phones without a traditional cable box. This tutorial will guide you through the simple setup and use of HDHomeRun so you can start streaming live TV effortlessly.
What you will need
- HDHomeRun device: The physical tuner that connects to your antenna or cable source
- Antenna or cable source: For OTA (over-the-air) broadcasts or cable/satellite service
- A network router: The HDHomeRun device connects to your home network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi
- Client Devices: A TV, smartphone, tablet, computer, or any device capable of streaming TV (Windows, Android, iOS, Roku, etc.)
Setting up your HDHomeRun
- Plug the HDHomeRun into your antenna or cable line
- Connect the HDHomeRun device to your router using an Ethernet cable (or Wi-Fi if supported by your model)
- Power on the HDHomeRun using the included power adapter
- Connect all your devices (TV, computer, etc.) to the same network as your HDHomeRun
Installing the software/app
Install the software or app according to the platform of your client device,
- HDHomeRun software for PC/Mac/Linux: Download the software for computers (available on Windows, Windows Microsoft Store, Mac and Linux)
- HDHomeRun app for smart devices: Download the HDHomeRun app for smartphones and tablets (available on iOS and Android)
- Third-party apps: Some people use Plex, Kodi, or Channel Master to stream content from their HDHomeRun devices. However, this is not required and depends on your preferences
Configuring HDHomeRun
After installation, the HDHomeRun software will scan your network for available channels (OTA or cable).
The software or app will display a channel list, and you can begin watching live TV.
If you’re using OTA, you may need to fine-tune your antenna position for better reception.
Streaming live TV
Once you set up HDHomeRun, you can stream live TV directly to supported devices.
You can watch on computers, smart TVs (via built-in apps or streaming devices like Roku), or mobile devices.
Recording shows
With the HDHomeRun DVR feature (available through subscription), you can record live TV shows onto a networked storage device (like a NAS).
Configure the DVR settings via the HDHomeRun website interface or through compatible apps.
Once set up, you can watch the recorded content at your convenience.
Advanced features
- Multi-tuner models: HDHomeRun offers devices with multiple tuners, allowing simultaneous viewing or recording of various channels
- Cloud DVR: For cloud storage, SiliconDust provides a paid subscription for DVR services, enabling recording to the cloud
Troubleshooting
- No signal: If there is no signal, check the antenna or cable connections and router settings and ensure you are in the range of the signal source
- Device not found: Ensure your HDHomeRun device is connected to the network and powered on
- Signal interference: For OTA reception, try adjusting the antenna or changing its position for better reception
To sum up, the HDHomeRun is an excellent solution for cord-cutters looking for live TV without traditional cable or satellite subscriptions. Setting it up on your network and using compatible apps, you can watch and record live TV on any compatible device.
Alternatively, you can watch IPTV on Kodi with an internet connection without an antenna or TV tuner.
