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The AirTV 2 has its pluses, especially as it's the equal-cheapest of our OTA DVR recommendations and also works without incurring a monthly charge. Yet this OTA DVR is really designed to complement a $40-a-month Sling TV subscription by adding local channels. And you need to add an external hard drive (not included) to make the AirTV 2 function as a true DVR, though it lacks live TV pause. If you want pause functionality it's worth upgrading to the $200 AirTV Anywhere which includes an onboard 1TB hard drive.
There are two main types of DVRs: a traditional set top, which connects directly to a single TV via an HDMI output; or a networked TV streamer, which streams to all of your devices over your network and/or the internet. The AirTV 2 and Tablo 4th Gen are straight networked TV streamers.
A set-top is best for people who usually watch TV on a single screen, while a network device is for people who want to watch on multiple devices -- a streamer like a Roku or other devices like phones and tablets. In general, a networked TV streamer is the more flexible OTA DVR option, and can better complement live TV streaming apps or services like Netflix.
Regardless of which style of OTA DVR you choose, there are some features common to both that you should look for.
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The next version of the ATSC broadcast standard, called NextGen TV, is now available in over 70% of homes. NextGenTV promises visuals in up to 4K resolution in the future, as well as interactive features not possible with standard broadcast. While some TVs have onboard NextGen tuners, there's at least two DVRs available for it -- the HDHomeRun Flex 4K and the ZapperBox M1 -- but the drawback is that DRM requirements are still seemingly in flux. Meanwhile, the competitive Tablo ATSC 3.0 Quad HDMI OTA DVR has been delayed or even discontinued. The important thing to note is that ATSC 1.0 antennas will work with ATSC 3.0, so there's no need to buy a new one.
While TiVo famously runs on a monthly subscription -- or after paying extra for "lifetime service" -- there are an increasing number of DVRs which work without paying more. Both the Tablo Gen 4 and the AirTV 2 will work without a susbcription fee, though the Tablo is better suited to this as it's a standalone device and not tied to a service like the AirTV and Sling TV.
TiVo made its name by making DVRs for cable services but there are a number of DVRs which work with OTA TV. Brands like Tablo, HDHomeRun, TiVo and AirTV all offer HD recording in the home with just a simple indoor (or outdoor) antenna.
Source: cnet.com