Is there a PVR type thing...

[Jasandjules]

That I can use the Downloader App and install Apps on?

Just looking at the Humax PV 1TB but it seems to only have the set Apps and not the ability to use a downloader to get other Apps? Seen a few that allow Apps but no hard drive to record onto.....

Is there some form of TV recording box that also allows Apps to be downloaded AND allows me to record TV too?

[dickymint]

Jasandjules said:

That I can use the Downloader App and install Apps on?

Just looking at the Humax PV 1TB but it seems to only have the set Apps and not the ability to use a downloader to get other Apps? Seen a few that allow Apps but no hard drive to record onto.....

Is there some form of TV recording box that also allows Apps to be downloaded AND allows me to record TV too?

A computer

[OutInTheShed]

What apps?

There are PVR systems based on a Raspberry Pi, which can also be used for most things on the web.
People also run android on them.

Personally I find it easier to use a Humax box to record and play back TV
The TV does the iplayer, netflix stuff.
An HDMI lead allows stuff like pictures on a laptop to be displayed on a TV.

If I wanted to display an app on the TV, I might look at mirroring the display of a phone or tablet, not sure what apps are going to enthuse me about that though?

[Captain_Morgan]

Many TV’s allow for the connection of a usb drive and recording.

Or as been said a computer and buy a tv tuner card then there are a number of pvr apps to chose from.

[Mr Pointy]

Have a read of the AVForums threads on the Humax Aura & the Manhattan T3-R:

https://www.avforums.com/forums/digital-tv-video-p...
https://www.avforums.com/threads/manhattan-t3-r-an...
https://www.avforums.com/threads/manhattan-t3-r-fr...

[dundarach]

I think you need to determine exactly what you want and then build a system to match.

(unless you're after as fewer boxes as possible)

So for example, I have:

Panasonic TV - has basic apps for YouTube, Netflix, Disney, Prime etc. (circa £500)

A tiny PC (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beelink-Windows-Refresh-Processor-Computer/dp/B08K2RBPHL like this) this allows for full Windows environment for streaming and installing everything you need (circa £150)

And I also have, although never use really, a secondhand freeview PVR\Blueray, pointless buying them new as you simply don't need to 'record' anything any longer, loads on facebook etc. (circa £50)

I'd ask you:

Why do you need to record?
From which source and or channel?
To remove from the location it was recorded in, e.g. watch later on the train?

[Jasandjules]

dundarach said:

And I also have, although never use really, a secondhand freeview PVR\Blueray, pointless buying them new as you simply don't need to 'record' anything any longer, loads on facebook etc. (circa £50)

I'd ask you:

Why do you need to record?
From which source and or channel?
To remove from the location it was recorded in, e.g. watch later on the train?

Well it is things like currently e4 has Lego Masters. I record it on the sky box then on a Sunday night before bed my son and I watch it... We don't watch it the time it is on and I cheat and I record it and we watch it one week on the drag so I can have a double bill for the final............


Whilst I am sure all such things can be done "on demand" for almost everything these days, I am quite happy to just record and watch at leisure.

[OutInTheShed]

For us, the main reason for recording is to fast forward through adverts.
That's an absolute requirement.

[JimbobVFR]

I've been quite happy with my Humax Aura.

It's not perfect (no Netflix app and the Android TV interface isn't the smoothest to use) but the Freeview and PVR functions work very well and the Android homepage is only used to launch and install apps which all work well once launched.

I especially like the built In DLNA server, web server and Aura app which means I can watch live TV and recordings on pretty any device in the house.

[Ham_and_Jam]

A combo of Manhattan T3R and a Roku stick works perfectly for me.

Excellent PVR and all the apps you need for streaming.

[Jasandjules]

Yes it was the humax and aura I was looking at, but neither appear able to download and install the Apps you want, they have them pre-loaded as I understand it?

ETA : I have a Roku in the playroom and kitchen, but not being able to download Apps annoyed me so have an Amazon Firestick for two bedrooms... Ideally an amazon firestick with 1tb to record onto would work for me, but there we go...

Edited by Jasandjules on Monday 29th August 13:01

[eccles]

Jasandjules said:

Yes it was the humax and aura I was looking at, but neither appear able to download and install the Apps you want, they have them pre-loaded as I understand it?

ETA : I have a Roku in the playroom and kitchen, but not being able to download Apps annoyed me so have an Amazon Firestick for two bedrooms... Ideally an amazon firestick with 1tb to record onto would work for me, but there we go...

Edited by Jasandjules on Monday 29th August 13:01

You can certainly download apps on the Aura. You just go to the play store. It's an Android operating system, and whilst it does have some apps pre installed you can just go to the app store and download others.

[JimbobVFR]

Yes as stated the Aura does have Play store for apps, not all apps are available (specifically Netflix) but plenty are.

VLC is available and will play pretty much any media file, including shared network folders (on a PC, on my iMac. On a hard drive plugged into my router and any available DLNA server on your network)

I also installed discovery plus so I can watch superbikes on Eurosport)

I'm actually in Spain ATM but I'd be happy to check anything specific next weekend when I come home.

[Jasandjules]

Not having Netflix in the lounge is a bit of a pain but I might be able to accept that as it will be in the other rooms. May have to look closer at the Aura then...

[JimbobVFR]

I did install Kodi and a Netflix plugin which worked (haven't used it for a while though) but I also have other ways of accessing NF 8ncluding a few Chromecasts so it's not a problem.

[eccles]

Jasandjules said:

Not having Netflix in the lounge is a bit of a pain but I might be able to accept that as it will be in the other rooms. May have to look closer at the Aura then...

I have a ROKU soundbar which has Netflix built in, but you can have Netflix on your phone and just cast it to the Aura so it's not too big a deal.

[Jasandjules]

I have picked up a Humax Aura 2TB so that ought to cover it for me... I can install the Apps it does not have it seems so that will do me fine, although it does seem to have most I want.

[JimbobVFR]

eccles said:

but you can have Netflix on your phone and just cast it to the Aura so it's not too big a deal.

You'd hope so but sadly that's not true.

Despite having Chromecast functionality you still can't cast Netflix, the Aura appears as a castable option in every app I've tried except for the Netflix app.

[eccles]

JimbobVFR said:

eccles said:

but you can have Netflix on your phone and just cast it to the Aura so it's not too big a deal.

You'd hope so but sadly that's not true.

Despite having Chromecast functionality you still can't cast Netflix, the Aura appears as a castable option in every app I've tried except for the Netflix app.

Ah, my apologies. I have a Roku soundbar that has Netflix on, but I still cast to it sometimes.

[Jasandjules]

Does it need an aerial too? Annoying me by keeping putting up a window that says it has no signal...

And I can't work out how to record from Apps, assuming that is even possible i.e. can I download all of Witcher from Netflix onto it or say Lego Masters from More4 or whatever?

Or does it only record the freeview? (if so that's a PITA as above I have no aerial for it I assumed it would be an app FFS and not need a physical aerial)...