my co-worker wants an ota dvr. what one do you have? and is it easy to use for someone that can barely navigate a tv menu? ease of use and minimal internet bandwidth use (they use a 'jetpack' with crappy signal for internet at home) are their main requirements.

[–] stratosfear@lemmy.sdf.org -1 points 9 months ago

Well, the Tablo that I have is intended to be used over a local IP network. It doesn't connect directly to a TV. Which implies you need a smart TV that can install the Tablo app (which is no issue for any modern TV) and is connected to the network. Or some screen to watch it on, like an ipad. Which, is a feature of the device for sure, as you can use it on multiple TVs in the house, or any screen for that matter, including a computer. Assuming they are connected with a network.

Quality internet is not required. You do get the TV guide content over the internet but I'd imagine with a slow or unreliable connection it would still download fine when it's able.

But you need a local network that will handle the "network centric" design of the Tablo. The Jetpack is that little cell service device that creates a WiFi signal to give internet access to a limited number of close devices. It would likely not be suitable, especially for long term use. So unless they had the necessary equipment to create a local network (most people call this their router, which I'm assuming they do not have with the jetpack) the network "centric" Tablo may not be the right choice.

I'd imagine there are OTA DVRs that plug directly into a TV... And you technically do not need the "built in" TV guide functionality, you would just need to create manual recordings. For sure an OTA DVR would be ideal for off-grid use... It doesn't need the internet (even the tablo) but at least as far as the tablo is concerned you would need local network infrastructure most people living off-grid would not have.

And then the antenna is the other component I didn't speak about. This can be the simple "in the window" antenna that is a flat piece of plastic and cost $20. Or can be a more complex attic antenna that connects with a coax cable to the DVR. That all just depends on the location.

All the DVR product websites provide quality documentation with a way to look up your address to determine what channels you'll get and to figure all this out.