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How to Watch Live TV for Free with Plex DVR

Author: Justin Pot / Source: howtogeek.com

Plex’s DVR and live TV service is easy to set up, streams to all of your devices, and can remove commercials automatically. Every cord cutter should set this up.

Any computer can, with an antenna and tuner card, pick up live TV signals and even record shows for you.

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But there hasn’t really been simple software to do this with, at least not since Microsoft killed off Windows Media Center almost a decade ago. Sure, you could set up NextPVR to connect with Kodi, but that means setting up two different programs and fiddling around with a lot of settings.

You can set up Plex’s new PVR functionality in minutes, and it gives you an easy interface to check out what’s on right now, alongside what’s coming up. Plus, you can watch live TV or schedule recordings from any device. You’ll have access to the major networks where you live, including ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, The CW and PBS in the United States. If you’re a cord cutter, this is a great way to supplement Netflix or Sling TV, and Plex makes it really easy.

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What You’ll Need

This setup sounds great, right? Sadly you can’t just download Plex to get started, there are a few prerequisites:

A Plex Pass. The PVR functionality of Plex is only for Plex Pass members. A pass costs $5 a month, $40 a year, or $120 for life. We really find Plex Pass worth the cost if you use Plex, anyway, since it also offers syncing to mobile devices, parental controls, premium music features, and a bunch of other perks.
A compatible tuner card. This card receives the signal from your antenna and interprets it for your computer. There are internal and USB options available, but Plex only supports a few right now: check here for the official list, which is slowly expanding.
An antenna. This plugs into your tuner card and picks up free broadcast signals. Check out our guide to improving your HD reception for more information about what works.
A Plex server. This is the computer your tuner card and antenna are connected to. Ideally this should be your HTPC, or a server that’s always ready to record. Check out our guide to setting up Plex to learn more about getting started.

When you have all this ready to go, you can set up your new PVR. Don’t worry: it’s simple from here.

Getting Started

Your antenna is connect to your Plex server, but you can configure it from any computer running Plex Media Player in windowed mode, or while using the web interface. Click the “Settings” option in the left panel.