Plex DVR recording/setup
I've got a server running out of my house that I use to create virtual machines for many different facets of what I enjoy (IE: A Plex Server, Discord Bot, PiHole, etc...). The server runs Ubuntu and is utilizing QEMU I believe for the the virtualization.
I've got issues getting the adapter (currently using one of those Xbox adapters to plug into an antenna and back into the computer) to relay into the virtual machine. On top of that, I'd LOVE to ditch hulu and these others (sling, PS Vue, etc..) and utilize local live television with a larger antenna on my roof, but I'll worry about that once I've got these technical aspects worked out.
I guess I'm looking for some advice as well as anyone with a similar setup and how you are running yours?
Does Plex have the ability to recognize multiple tuners within a single server? I guess I didn't know it could and if so that's awesome! It would provide the ability to record 2 shows at once instead of just 1 for viewing later. I will look into this further, thanks!
Huh - I've never heard of PiHole. Is it basically just a fancy adblocker?
In short, it's a network-wide adblocker. Usually you just install uBlock Origin or something in your browser, which you should still do, because Pi-hole and uBlock compliment each other in some ways, but that only covers your browser, and only that device. Pi-hole will block ads & such from all devices on your network that are using your Pi-hole for DNS. And it's not just ads in the browser, it's ads inside the apps you're using on your phone, or your smart TV, or whatever! It also comes with a nice web interface that shows stats about the most blocked websites, and other network information. I love Pi-hole because it shows me what external servers my devices are connecting to. If I don't like that request, I simply block it!
Example: I bought an IP Camera for home surveillance, and it "phones home" every so often. The "phoning home" wasn't necessary for the device to function, so I told Pi-hole to block all those requests! Who knows what kind of information it could be sending back, so better safe than sorry!
As a side note, Pi-hole only works when the ads are coming from a different domain. So if you're on google.com, and it's getting the ad information from another domain like ads.google.com or something, then Pi-hole can just block ads.google.com. If the ads are being retrieved from google.com itself, then Pi-hole can't block google.com, because then it would have to block all of google.com.
Love my Pi-Hole, and you definitely Pi-Hole too. hah!
I use it as an adblocker for my local network, you can also do other fancy things with it but that's my main use for it. Works like a charm, only ever had 1 headache and that's when I accidentally forgot to redirect my network traffic through it. It sure beats making sure that adblock is installed and utilized on the wife and kids computers/devices.
I've run Plex for years but never used it to DVR content.
A long time ago I used Windows Media Player (I think that was the name, Microsoft killed it). I used to have a big wineguard antenna set up in the attic. It was all just too much to manage and I've since moved to a couple of the cheap-o flat antennas positioned behind each TV and just switch over to watch live TV when we want.
Something I found that I really really like are the Roku TVs. I've used Roku as my front-end for a long time and was always annoyed to have to switch the TV's input to watch live TV. Roku TVs are sweet because they've built that into the UI so you just open live TV like any Roku app and there is a nice channel guide and everything.
Long term, I'm considering moving to XBMC and Firesticks just so I'm using Open Source software and not communicating every thing I watch to Plex (not sure if that is actually a thing, but it's definitely something I think about).
I hope this is helpful in some way.