This is an old revision of the document!


Setting up a DVR storage device

Go back to all DVR topics

Local DVR storage is where your recordings will be saved. Our DVR doesn't use “the cloud” or remote locations for storing programs, but instead keeps local copies on your home network, allowing you to store them as long as you wish. Your storage device can be an HDHomeRun SCRIBE or SERVIO, a PC, a Mac, a NAS, or an Android TV set top box like an NVIDIA Shield. Because the DVR storage device handles a lot of video data, we strongly recommend using a wired ethernet connection for your recording device, just like you would with an HDHomeRun tuner.

Only one storage device is needed to serve your entire network. All apps/clients on your network will be able to set new recordings and access previous recordings. You may add more storage devices if you need additional storage, additional multi-recording capabilities, or simply want more redundancy in your set up.

For a smooth setup, activate your DVR subscription before setting up your DVR storage. If you have already set up your DVR storage first, don't worry. Go ahead and activate your DVR subscription and then you simply need to wait for your DVR storage software to discover your subscription, or manually reboot your DVR storage device to force a recheck for the subscription.

There are two basic options when it comes to using an HDHomeRun-branded DVR storage device:

  • HDHomeRun SCRIBE - (as a DUO/2-tuner or QUATRO/4-tuner) includes both the tuning hardware of a normal HDHomeRun device along with an internal hard drive and the DVR storage software. In addition to recording from its own internal tuners, the SCRIBE can also record from other HDHomeRun devices on your network. This combination unit can be a good starting point for new users, or be used to expand an existing HDHomeRun device cluster when you want to add tuners and DVR storage at the same time.
  • HDHomeRun SERVIO - For users who already have existing HDHomeRun tuners, or who want to add more storage space and/or redundancy to their DVR system, the SERVIO contains a large hard drive and runs our DVR storage software.

Both SCRIBE and SERVIO are self-contained DVR storage devices, and run a full version of the DVR software. They do not require an additional PC or NAS to operate.

Already have a NAS (network attached storage), an always on desktop computer, or old unused PC? You can set that up as your DVR storage!

Personal computer

  • I have a Mac that is always on and wired to ethernet on my network
  • I have a Windows PC that is always on and wired to ethernet on my network
  • I have a Linux-based PC that is always on and wired to ethernet on my network


Streaming box

  • I have an Android TV certified box (such as the Nvidia Shield TV) with around 500 GB of storage available


NAS - Network Attached Storage

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: 2019/10/30 09:41