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Setting up DVR storage on a certified Android TV device

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Unlike other platforms, the normal HDHomeRun Android app contains the DVR storage software in a single app. You only need to install the normal HDHomeRun app and enable the DVR settings, as described in the guide below.

Before you continue, make sure you have the following:

  • One or more compatible HDHomeRun device: see List of DVR compatible HDHomeRun devices
  • A wired ethernet connection is highly recommended
  • USB 3.0 is highly recommended if connecting an external USB hard drive
  • A connected drive that is 500 GB or larger in size.
  • Certified Android TV device, such as:
    • Nvidia Shield TV (all models)
    • Some Sony Android TVs

FireTV is not supported (no exFAT/NTFS support).

  1. If you are using an external drive, attach it to the Android device and format it as “Use as removable storage“, so that you can access recordings if the drive is plugged into a computer. Using the other option, “device storage”, will make the drive only work on the Android device.

    TIP: Plug the drive into a computer and format it as exFAT, then plug it into the Android device. This will work with most devices such as the Nvidia Shield or the 2020 Chromecast (Google TV).

  2. Install the HDHomeRun app from the Google play store
  3. Open the HDHomeRun app
  4. Press “back” or select the menu button on the action bar to get to the “Recorded/Discover/Tasks” area.
  5. Select the gear icon in the top right corner
  6. Select the DVR option and enable it

WARNING: Android will automatically delete your recordings if you uninstall the HDHomeRun app. This is an Android OS limitation and not under the control of Silicondust.

To uninstall you can simply uninstall the HDHomeRun app like any other app. If you only want to disable the DVR storage portion of the app:

  1. Open the HDHomeRun app
  2. Press “back” or select the menu button on the action bar to get to the “Recorded/Discover/Tasks” area.
  3. Select the gear icon in the top right corner
  4. Select the DVR option and disable it
  • Q: Can I set the USB hard drive as “internal storage”?
    • A: Yes, however the drive will be encrypted for that specific Shield. It will also be formatted as EXT4 and will not be readable by Windows
  • Q: Can I use a USB thumb drive or an SD card?
    • A: Not recommended. Flash storage frequently has very poor write speeds and may have unpredictable performance.
  • Q: Can I run an external USB on the Shield Pro? Which drive will it save to?
    • A: Yes, HDHomeRun Record will save to the external drive
  • Q: Will HDHomeRun RECORD wake the NVIDIA Shield Console for a scheduled recording?
    • A: Yes; however, if the Shield console is powered off it will not record.
  • Q: Will I be able to access recordings from the Shield console like I do now with my NAS (or my PC)?
    • A: Yes, you will be able to access recordings on your LAN as you do with your NAS (or PC).

Once you finish setting up a DVR storage device, see our guide link below for instructions on using the DVR features in the HDHomeRun app.
Instructions on using the DVR features in the HDHomeRun app

  • Last modified: 2020/10/22 06:36