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HDHomeRun SCRIBE (DUO/QUATRO) and HDHomeRun SERVIO FAQ

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Introduction

What is HDHomeRun SCRIBE?

  • The HDHomeRun SCRIBE is a self-contained DVR storage device and HDHomeRun tuning device in one unit. The HDHomeRun SCRIBE runs a full copy of the DVR software, and does not require a PC or NAS, nor does it require another HDHomeRun tuner. In addition to recording from its own internal tuners, the HDHomeRun SCRIBE can record from other HDHomeRun tuners on the same network, so long as they support DVR.
  • Multiple HDHomerun SCRIBEs can be used on the same network and will automatically configure themselves. HDHomeRun SCRIBE can also be used along side HDHomeRun SERVIO or a NAS/PC/Android/DIY DVR storage option, for additional storage or redundancy.
  • The HDHomeRun SCRIBE DUO is the two tuner model, and contains a 1 TB internal hard drive rated for 24/7 video use.
  • The HDHomeRun SCRIBE QUATRO is the four tuner model, and contains a 1 TB internal hard drive rated for 24/7 video use.

What is HDHomeRun SERVIO?

  • The HDHomeRun SERVIO is a self-contained DVR storage device. It can be added to any supported HDHomeRun tuner on a network to create a full HDHomeRun DVR system. The SERVIO runs a full copy of the DVR software, and does not require a PC or NAS.
  • Multiple HDHomeRun SERVIOs can be used on the same network and will automatically configure themselves. HDHomeRun SERVIO can also be used along side HDHomeRun SCRIBE or a NAS/PC/Android/DIY DVR storage option, for additional storage or redundancy.
  • The HDHomeRun SERVIO contains a 2 TB internal hard drive rated for 24/7 video use.

What are the requirements for HDHomeRun SCRIBE or HDHomeRun SERVIO?

  • HDHomeRun SCRIBE and HDHomeRun SERVIO requires a wired ethernet connection to a router or network switch and an active internet connection. No video is transferred over the internet connection, only guide data and recording tasks are downloaded from the Silicondust servers, so no particular internet speed is needed.
    • Once connected to a home network, wifi can be used if connected to a router with built-in wifi, or a wifi access point. Please note that broadcast TV signals and recordings are very large, and we recommend using at least an 802.11AC “Wireless-AC” connection for viewing live TV or recordings on the HDHomeRun app.
  • A DVR subscription is required to make new recordings. Both the HDHomeRun SCRIBE and HDHomeRun SERVIO come with a year of DVR service. Additional years of service can be purchased on our online shop, or additional years can be added through buying more HDHomeRun SCRIBE or HDHomeRun SERVIO units.
    • Existing recordings will always be accessable, even without a DVR subscription.
    • HDHomeRun SCRIBE will still function as a normal HDHomeRun tuner and allow free access to live TV, as well as working with third party apps, even without a DVR subscription.
  • HDHomeRun SCRIBE requires an UHF/VHF antenna for receiving ATSC broadcasts on its internal tuners.

Basic functionality

What can be recorded?

  • HDHomeRun SCRIBE and HDHomeRun SERVIO will be able to record all over-the-air content and non-DRM-restricted cable TV programs. Anything that a NAS/PC/Android DVR storage device can record can also be recorded with either the SCRIBE or SERVIO.
  • The HDHomeRun SCRIBE will record from its internal tuners, as well as from other HDHomeRun tuners on the same network.
    • The HDHomeRun SCRIBE DUO contains 2 internal tuners.
    • The HDHomeRun SCRIBE QUATRO contains 4 internal tuners.

Do I need another HDHomeRun tuner to use the SCRIBE?

  • No other HDHomeRun hardware is required for using the HDHomeRun SCRIBE. The HDHomeRun SCRIBE contains both the DVR hardware and software, as well as the TV tuners necessary for receiving a broadcast, in a single unit.
  • While other HDHomeRun hardware is not required, other supported tuners can be added to the network and used by the HDHomeRun SCRIBE for recordings.

Do I need another HDHomeRun tuner to use a SERVIO?

  • Yes, the HDHomeRun SERVIO does not contain its own tuners and must be used with a supported HDHomeRun tuner. It is meant to be used in place of NAS/PC/Android-based DVR storage.

Do I need a NAS or PC?

  • No other NAS, PC, or other recording hardware is needed when using either HDHomeRun SCRIBE or HDHomeRun SERVIO.
  • Both the HDHomeRun SCRIBE and HDHomeRun SERVIO run full copies of the DVR storage software, in addition to having internal hard drives.
  • While not required, a NAS/PC/Android/DIY storage option can be used along side of the HDHomeRun SCRIBE or HDHomeRun SERVIO for additional DVR storage or redundancy. The DVR software will automatically handle what device will record to where, prevent duplicates, and all recordings will be available in the HDHomeRun app.

What are the max number of recordings and viewings that can happen simultaneously?

  • Each HDHomeRun SCRIBE DUO or QUATRO can record up to 4 sources at once, while playing 4 recordings from its internal hard drive at the same time. Recordings can be from the HDHomeRun SCRIBE's internal tuners or from other supported HDHomeRun tuners on the same network.
  • Each HDHomeRun SERVIO can record up to 6 sources at once, while playing back 4 recordings from its internal drive at the same time.

Can recordings be transferred over the network?

  • Both the HDHomeRun SCRIBE and HDHomeRun SERVIO will be able to have their recordings downloaded to other devices.
  • Options for transferring programs to the internal hard drive of HDHomeRun SCRIBE or HDHomeRun SERVIO is being evaluated.

Will the HDHomeRun app seamlessly consolidate multiple HDHomeRun SCRIBE or SERVIO units into the interface?

  • Yes, the HDHomeRun app will seamlessly consolidate all HDHomeRun tuners and sources of HDHomeRun DVR software, including from multiple HDHomeRun SCRIBE and HDHomeRun SERVIO units, and/or from additional HDHomeRun tuners or DIY/NAS storage.

Mix and matching hardware

Can HDHomeRun SCRIBE record from other HDHomeRun tuners?

  • While other HDHomeRun hardware is not required, other supported HDHomeRun tuners can be added to the network and used by the HDHomeRun SCRIBE for recordings.

How many HDHomeRun SCRIBEs or HDHomeRun SERVIOs can I have at one time?

  • The only limit for how many HDHomeRun devices one can have on a single network is the network itself.
  • The DVR software will automatically handle what device will record to where, prevent duplicates, and all recordings will be available in the HDHomeRun app.

Will NAS/PC/Android DVR still be supported for HDHomeRun DVR service?

  • Yes, NAS/PC/Android/DIY DVR storage options will continue to be supported by Silicondust, and can even with with both HDHomeRun SCRIBE and HDHomeRun SERVIO. HDHomeRun SCRIBE and HDHomeRun SERVIO are seen as an option for customers who want an easy-to-use/ready-to-go DVR solution, but we will still fully support our customers who want to set up their own DVR storage using their existing hardware.

Can HDHomeRun SCRIBE tuners be used for HDHomeRun SERVIO or NAS/PC/Android DVR?

  • Yes, HDHomeRun SCRIBE tuners are available to all DVR storage devices on the network, be it the HDHomeRun SCRIBE itself, HDHomeRun SERVIO, or a NAS/PC/Android/DIY DVR storage option.
  • This can be useful if the HDHomeRun SCRIBE's internal hard drive is full, or if the SCRIBE's DVR is already recording from other sources, such as HDHomeRun PRIME.

Can I mix HDHomeRun SERVIO with NAS/PC/Android DVR storage?

  • Yes, just like with multiple HDHomeRun SERVIO units, HDHomeRun SERVIO can be mixed with NAS/PC/Android/DIY DVR storage options.
  • The DVR software will automatically handle what device will record to where, prevent duplicates, and all recordings will be available in the HDHomeRun app.

Availability

Will HDHomeRun SCRIBE be available for DVB-T/T2/other countries?

Will HDHomeRun SERVIO be available globally?

Where can I buy HDHomeRun SCRIBE DUO?

  • At this time the HDHomeRun SCRIBE DUO, the two tuner model, is exclusive to Best Buy.

Included DVR service questions

Is DVR service included?

  • Both the HDHomeRun SCRIBE and HDHomeRun SERVIO come with a year of DVR service.
  • Additional years of service can be purchased on our online shop, or additional years can be added through buying more HDHomeRun SCRIBE or HDHomeRun SERVIO units.
  • A DVR subscription is needed to make new recordings.
  • Existing recordings on the HDHomeRun SCRIBE and HDHomeRun SERVIO will always be accessible, even without a DVR subscription.
  • HDHomeRun SCRIBE will still function as a normal HDHomeRun tuner and allow free access to live TV, as well as working with third party apps, even without a DVR subscription.

Will the included year of DVR service stack onto existing DVR subscriptions?

  • Yes, customers who already have HDHomeRun DVR service will have the included year of DVR service stacked on top of their current subscription.
  • If a customer buys multiple HDHomeRun SCRIBEs or HDHomeRun SERVIOs, each one will include a year of DVR service that will be added to their account.

When does the included year of DVR service start?

  • DVR service starts when the device is connected to the internet by the customer, automatically. No activation code or account is necessary. A temporary account automatically gets registered when the SCRIBE or SERVIO goes online. We are working on making it so that the HDHomeRun app will warn people if the DVR service is getting close to expiring, allowing them to extend service by purchasing additional years through https://shop.silicondust.com .

How do I add the year of DVR service to an existing account?

  • When the year of DVR service from a SCRIBE or SERVIO is associated with an existing DVR account, the year will be amended to that account.
  • If you have the HDHomeRun devices used for your original DVR set up (as in, you have not replaced any tuner hardware), then simply opening up the HDHomeRun app should prompt an “Account Information” screen that will link your new SCRIBE or SERVIO to the account. Pressing “Continue” on this screen is all you need to do.
  • Alternatively, you can also use the activation link you received when you purchased DVR service, which will associate the SCRIBE or SERVIO to your existing DVR account. Be sure to open the link while connected to the same local network as your SCRIBE or SERVIO. If you no longer have your activation link, please contact support and we will gladly look that information up for you.

Advanced user questions

Can the hard drives be replaced or upgraded?

  • Replacing the internal hard drives of HDHomeRun SCRIBE or HDHomeRun SERVIO is possible. See our hard drive upgrade guide for more information.
  • A 2.5 inch 7mm tall SATA hard drive is supported.
  • A video-spec (24/7 operation) hard drive is highly recommended.

Any damage done to the HDHomeRun or the original hard drive as a result of the modification is not covered under warranty. If a hard drive has been replaced and a customer needs to make a warranty exchange, the original hard drive needs to be reinstalled before sending it in.

What file system is used on the hard drive?

  • The HDHomeRun SCRIBE and HDHomeRun SERVIO use an XFS file system.

What video format is used?

  • The HDHomeRun DVR software does not convert anything, and the broadcasted video is saved as-is from the broadcaster. ATSC 1.0 broadcasters use MPEG-2 video.

Can videos be transcoded to take less space?

  • HDHomeRun EXTEND (ATSC-only) can be used to make smaller video files by taking advantage of the HDHomeRun EXTEND's internal transcoding hardware.

Will DRM-protected channel recording be supported in the future?

  • Recording support for DRM-protected US cable channels is a feature planned for the future. All existing HDHomeRun SCRIBE and HDHomeRun SERVIO customers will receive this updated firmware.
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