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Velvet Digest

Can I record TV from antenna?

Author

Eleanor Gray

Updated on May 09, 2026

If you're looking to ditch cable, these are the bestDVRs for watching, recording and streaming live televisionusing an antenna. If you live in an area with good access toTV broadcast channels, putting up an antenna is aneasy and inexpensive (read: free) way to get the shows you wantwithout paying for cable.

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Correspondingly, can you buy a DVR for Antenna TV?

With TiVo Roamio OTA you can record and playbackshows just like any DVR you've had with a cable or satelliteTV provider. Additionally, TiVo Roamio OTA includesApps for Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, and Netflix, allowingyou to substitute the Roamio for set-top streaming deviceslike Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast.

Likewise, is there a way to record TV shows without cable? Mediasonic's DVR costs just $35 on Amazon with noextra subscription fees, and offers a pretty basic experience. Youcan record live TV and program it ahead oftime, but you're limited to recording one show at a time.It doesn't offer any built-in storage, so you'll needa USB flash drive or external hard drive, too.

what device can I use to record TV shows?

We just tested the Tablo from Nuvyyo, the ChannelMasterDVR+, and the TiVo Roamio OTA. All of them have a programguide you use to find and record shows, but there arealso some important differences among the devices. The Tablo2-Tuner DVR lets you stream to phones and tablets viaWi-Fi.

Can I record from my TV to a USB stick?

Some TV sets allow users to record TVprogrammes directly to a USB hard drive, withoutusing a VCR or DVR (digital video recorder). This involvesplugging a USB memory stick or external hard driveinto the correct USB port. There's a good chance thatyour TV can record programmes, but it's notguaranteed.

Related Question Answers

What is the best DVR for Antenna TV?

Best DVR for cord cutters who use an OTA antenna
  • Amazon Fire TV Recast: Best DVR for cord cutters. SarahTew/CNET.
  • TiVo Bolt OTA: Best set-top DVR. Josh Goldman/CNET.
  • AirTV: Best supplement for Sling TV. Dan Ackerman/CNET.
  • Nuvyyo Tablo Quad: Best DVR for tweakers. Sarah Tew/CNET.
  • Channel Master Stream Plus. Sarah Tew/CNET.
  • TiVo Roamio OTA Vox.

Is there a DVR for Roku?

Roku device hardware does have DVRfunctionality, but several streaming services on the Rokuplatform offer a cloud DVR, allowing you to record moviesand TV shows and watch them on-demand.

How much is a DVR recorder?

Set-top DVRs range in price from about$100 to upwards of $1,000. TiVo offers $99 models (plus a monthlyservice charge) that can record 40 hours of programming. Afterthat, the prices climb as the hours of recordingincrease.

Can you use DVR without Internet?

You don't need an internet connection torecord the satellite-delivered DirecTV channels. Internet isonly needed for OnDemand viewing and downloads. And those willuse too much of your Hughes Satellite data (2-3GB for a typicalHD movie). Best to skip the internetconnection.

Can you buy a DVR without a subscription?

Many Cable TV subscribers pay a rental fee whichcan be replaced and are surprised that they can DVRTV shows and movies without paying. Most of these No-FeeDVR boxes also have built-in digital (ATSC) tuner. Meaningthey can play and record free-over-the-air channels such a sCBS, FOX, NBC and much more.

What is an OTA antenna?

An off-air antenna is a product people use toreceive over-the-air signals from broadcast TV stations. In orderto use an antenna, your television must have a built-in TVtuner or you must have an external tuner connected to theantenna and television.

What is blue wire TV?

The BlueWire TV antenna is a new TVantenna that receives existing HD television signals,providing you with HD access to local television stationsand other channels like Home Shopping Network.

How can I go without cable?

Here are a few ways you can watch TV without cable,too.
  1. Hulu. Hulu is my personal favorite way to watch TV withoutcable.
  2. Sling TV. Sling TV promises à la carte TV viewing andstarts their Orange plan at $20 per month.
  3. Amazon Prime Video.
  4. Netflix.
  5. CBS All Access.

What is the best TV recorder to buy?

The Best Sellers On Amazon
# Product Price
2 August Freeview Box Recorder 1080p HD DVB415 - HDMI and ScartSet Top Box with PVR for Recording £28.95
3 BT Youview+ Set Top Box (500Gb) Recorder with Twin HD Freeviewand 7 Day Catch Up TV - no £83.99
4 Humax FVP-5000T 500 GB Freeview Play HD TV Recorder -Black from £189.00

How do I connect my DVR to my TV?

Method 1 HDMI Cable
  1. Turn off the equipment. Before making any connections, makesure that the TV and DVR are both off.
  2. Connect one end of the cord to the DVR. Connect one end of afull-size HDMI cable to the HDMI 1 Out port on the back of the DVRbox.
  3. Connect the other end of the cord to the TV.
  4. Turn on the equipment.

What is the difference between a DVR and a PVR?

PVR vs DVR PVR stands for Personal Video Recorder whileDVR stands for Digital Video Recorder. Fortunately, thedifferences virtually end there as both these terms aresimply referring to the same type of device that is used incapturing video from different source; the main source wouldbe cable TV.

Can a set top box record TV?

A PVR – or Personal Video Recordercan work as a standalone digital TV recorder,allowing you to record content from your TV to playback later. It can also work as a digital set-topbox, playing and recording digital TV inbeautifully crisp, clear detail.

Can Apple TV record live TV?

No Apple TV model can record televisionprograms or movies from broadcast, cable, or satellite. They alsoallow one to pay for select movies, in addition to TV shows,from Apple. It has built-in support for streaming Netflix,YouTube, Flickr and other services, too.

How does a DVR recorder work?

DVRs are like dedicated computers, whose soleresponsibility is to record, store and play back digital mediaavailable from their service providers. DVRs recordtelevision programs onto an internal hard drive. Most cable andsatellite TV set-top boxes include DVRcapability—usually at an additional fee.

How does a Roku work?

Roku plugs into your TV using an HDMI cable,connected from your TV to the Roku device. The Rokuis then connected to the internet via a wired or wirelessconnection to your home network. Apps or “channels” areprograms you load onto your Roku device that provide youwith various movies and TV shows.

Can you record live TV on Hulu?

Like many of its competitors, Hulu lets yourecord your favorite live TV shows to watch later.You get 50 hours of cloud DVR storage with the basesubscription, but that doesn't come with the ability tofast-forward through commercials.

Can I watch live TV on Roku?

While you can watch live TV with an antenna or oncable/satellite, there is also plenty of live TV availableon various Roku streaming channels. If you're looking forlive TV, here are some of your best options when you'reusing a Roku streaming device.

How many hours of TV can 32gb hold?

Standard Member There are a number of factors that can influenceit, but on the video camera I use, when recording at 720p, you getabout 20 minutes HD footage, per GB of memory. So on a 32GBcard you'd get about 10 hours 40minutes.