Regaining Control of Live TV: My Experience with the HDHomeRun
The Breaking Point with Streaming
You can imagine my frustration when YouTube TV and Disney got into a licensing spat—suddenly I lost Monday Night Football and my wife lost Live with Kelly. It felt like déjà vu.
Streaming once promised freedom from big cable’s grip. But now, those same streaming giants are consolidating power, offering less content for higher prices. This latest fallout felt like a sign: it’s time to reset the table and rethink how we watch television.
Finding a Real Solution: Enter HDHomeRun
While searching for an alternative, I stumbled across a product called HDHomeRun.
This small device might just be the answer for viewers like us who want to regain control of our live TV experience. Big platforms like Hulu, YouTube TV, and Sling have built their business around live TV integration. But what if you could take that piece back—on your own terms?
That’s exactly what HDHomeRun allows you to do.
What HDHomeRun Does (and Why It’s Brilliant)
HDHomeRun captures live local broadcast channels—ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, and more—right from the airwaves using an antenna. It then streams them over your home network to an app available on Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, NVIDIA Shield, Android TV, and others.
Setup was surprisingly easy—just 15 minutes from unboxing to watching TV. I connected it through my wired home network, configured it in my office, and was watching live television in my living room moments later. It doesn't have to be near or attached to your TV. Since it's on the network, it can be anywhere. My setup is wired, but wireless works too.
The Cost Breakdown: Real ROI in Months
Ordering through Amazon was effortless, and it even recommended an antenna to pair with the tuner. My total investment was about $230.
Compare that to the rising prices of live TV streaming services:
- YouTube TV: ~$82/month
- Hulu + Live TV: ~$92/month
At that rate, the HDHomeRun pays for itself in just 2–3 months.
Here’s my setup now:
- Internet package: $35/month
- HDHomeRun + antenna: one-time cost, ~30–50 live channels
That’s $35 per month for internet and local live TV—no subscriptions, no hidden fees. There is an additional fee if you want to add their dvr to their app. it is $35 for the year. Again super easy, add a usb drive to their box and you have a dvr.
The Freedom to Choose
This is where the HDHomeRun really shines: I’m back in control.
I decide what apps to pay for and when. If I want ESPN for sports season, I can add it. If I want HGTV, I subscribe for a month. No more paying for 200 channels I’ll never watch just to get one I care about.
It’s liberating to finally build my own lineup and keep my entertainment budget where I want it.
Final Thoughts
The HDHomeRun isn’t just another gadget—it’s a reminder that we don’t have to play by the rules of streaming giants. It brings back what streaming was supposed to be about in the first place: choice, flexibility, and control.
If you’re ready to cut through the noise and reclaim your live TV experience, the HDHomeRun is worth every penny.
I highly recommend this SiliconDust HDHomeRun Flex 4K ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV tuner
You will also need this HIDB TV Antenna for Smart TV Indoor, Digital Indoor HD Antennas