Connecting an HDHomeRun tuner to your Plex server allows you to view over-the-air TV channels alongside your existing media library. This guide will walk you through the entire setup process, ensuring you can seamlessly integrate live TV into your Plex experience.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, there are a few prerequisites you'll need:
- An HDHomeRun TV tuner, properly installed and configured.
- A Plex server, installed and configured.
- A subscription to Plex Pass, which is required for using live TV and DVR capabilities in Plex. Plex offers monthly, yearly, and lifetime subscriptions (the latter costs $120 and is a good value).
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
1. Launch Plex Application
Start by launching your Plex application. Ensure that both your Plex server and HDHomeRun tuner are powered on and connected to your network.
2. Access Live TV & DVR Settings
In the Plex app, go to Settings. On the left-hand side, scroll down until you see the Manage section. Under this section, you'll find Live TV & DVR. Click on it.
3. Set Up Plex DVR
Click on Setup Plex DVR. The application will search for your HDHomeRun tuner on your network. Once it locates your tuner, select it and click Continue.
4. Scan for Channels
Next, click on Scan Channels. This process may take some time depending on the number of channels available in your area. The tuner will scan and capture all available over-the-air channels.
5. Verify Channels
Once the scan is complete, scroll through the list of channels to verify that the tuner has captured all the channels correctly. Click Continue to proceed.
6. Enter Zip Code
You'll be prompted to enter your zip code. This allows Plex to create a guide tailored to your local market channels. Enter your zip code and click Continue.
7. Match Channels
On the left side of the screen, you'll see your TV tuner channels. On the right side is the channel guide. Make sure that the channels on the left match up with the channels on the right. Scroll down to ensure all channels are enabled.
8. Enable and Match Channels
If you see a channel on the left that is not enabled, you can click it to enable it. Then, go to the right side and select the corresponding channel from the drop-down menu. If a match is not found, it might be because the channel is outside your local market. In that case, uncheck the channel to disable it, as it won't show up in your guide.
9. Complete the Setup
Once all channels are matched and verified, click Continue. The setup process will finalize, and the guide will begin to build. This might take a few moments.
10. View the Guide
After the guide is built, click on View Guide. You will see a message indicating the guide is being built and a progress percentage. Once complete, you will have a comprehensive guide of your over-the-air channels.
11. Explore the Guide
The guide provides a detailed view of what's currently on. It categorizes content into various sections such as movies, news, etc., making it easier to sort through. Additionally, it offers recommended videos based on your viewing habits.
12. Play a Channel
To start watching a channel, navigate back to the guide, select a program, and hit play. The selected program will open and start playing immediately.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you have successfully connected your HDHomeRun tuner to your Plex server, enabling you to view over-the-air TV channels alongside your existing media files. Enjoy the convenience of having all your media content in one place!