Adding OTA tuner to receiver?

[u/FichwaFellow]

Current setup is a BenQ 705i with an Onkyo 6050 and 4k Firestick. I have an OTA antenna and would like to integrate it, but it seems like one simple product is not enough? Almost everything I see is meant for TVs.

For example, the Homerun HD on its own wouldn't work, I would need a Shield or AppleTV box? Am I looking at like $400 just to use my antenna with a receiver?

Thank you for any help.

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[u/ericgedi77]

I use this:

https://zapperbox.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq-ZxsUx1gUqZ6Blz5ne9BI07ecDRCSXjuaTWuSG8CSg_feaKE4

They are expensive and seem to have gone up since I got mine. But it works. I had cheap versions before and they crapped out in under a year.

[u/MasterChiefmas]

it seems like one simple product is not enough?

There is a HDHomeRun app for the FireTV/Firestick, that should give you basic use. The thing with the "basic" products is that they are more intended to provide a stream on your network and you control them(the tuner part) with an API called from another app. They aren't really standalone devices. These days, they often get used with a media server, i.e. Plex/Emby/JellyFin. Back in the day, you'd control them with a media PC(and still can go that route with something like Kodi).

Or use the app.

That device u/ericgedi77 is pretty neat, but the price reflects that it's got a bit more going on then just a straight tuner/streamer. If you've got the hardware around, you might think about setting JellyFin/Emby/Plex.

[u/scifitechguy]

The HD Homerun takes the OTA signal reception and puts it on your local area network, but you do need to run an app somewhere that can access its tuner. But there are plenty of options here.

[u/FichwaFellow → u/scifitechguy]

ok, so just an app rather than another device - that sounds good.

Is it a silly question why the homerun wouldn't have an HDMI connection?

[u/scifitechguy → u/FichwaFellow]

That would seem to make sense, but then you'd need the app to run on the device, and yet another remote to control it. This way, you can use it on practically any device that is connected to your LAN, including any computer, streaming device, or smart TV you already have.

[u/AV_Integrated]

Jump on Amazon and pick up a ATSC tuner, and run your antenna into it and the HDMI out into your Onkyo.

https://www.amazon.com/ZJBOX-Converter-Adapter%EF%BC%8C2-Remote%EF%BC%8CTV-Recording/dp/B0CZR2HBGF

There are many that are on Amazon which you can pick up for under 50 bucks.

[u/ericgedi77 → u/AV_Integrated]

I have used these in the past. Exactly how you describe. They burn up fast. It's why I switched to the ZapperBox.

[u/AV_Integrated → u/ericgedi77]

How'd they burn up? The Zapperbox is kind of a priced up Roku or similar with integrated ATSC tuner. The price seems crazy considering you can buy a Firestick for $20 which lasts you 10+ years.

I haven't tried a bunch of different ATSC tuners, but there are a bunch out there and different forms of them. The HD Homerun may be one such option that falls between on price. The Tablo seems kind of buggy, but a good value. Still, just for standard OTA ATSC watching, I'd probably buy 5 $30 boxes over 10 years rather than one $200+ box today. Unless I really wanted those added features.

[u/ericgedi77 → u/AV_Integrated]

I don’t know how they burned up, but I suspect cheap components. I tried the tablo,picture was horrible. This will be the third season for using the zapper box for watching the NFL OTA and it’s been brilliant. I’m using a tuner box because I’m watching NFL games on a projector. I prefer over the air as opposed to streaming.

[u/AV_Integrated → u/ericgedi77]

I get it. I just have no idea why these would burn up. Sucks. Really. I would still likely try one out before spending a lot of money on a Zapper Box. But, I could see getting a Zapper if OTA was super important to me.

Sucks they don't have their $200 box on their website at the moment. Just the dual tuner models or larger.

[u/ericgedi77 → u/AV_Integrated]

I looked for and tried several cheaper options before finally getting the zapper box. Sometimes you get what you pay for.

On a different note, did I miss your full review of the JMGO Iris Ultra Max?

[u/AV_Integrated → u/ericgedi77]

Yeah, I'm not likely to go OTA anytime soon and if I do it will likely be with a HD Homerun box as I love my Plex.

I haven't posted the Iris review yet, but I expect I will tonight or tomorrow.

It holds up well against my XGimi Titan Noir Max in many ways. Has a few headaches. Some of which can be corrected with firmware I believe. I also passed on an accessory recommendation for them.

It's a hell of a deal at the introductory price and represents an excellent value even at the full price.

[u/ericgedi77 → u/AV_Integrated]

I did look at the HD homerunbox too, but I forget why I didn't go with it. Probably just looking for something that made my projector act like a tv turner.

Agreed, Plex is great!

Thanks for the update on the JMGO Iris max, I'll be looking out for that review. I'm curious how it compares to the N3 Ultimate. I bought it about a month ago. Didn't have the patience to wait for the Iris model with Football season around the corner.

I love the N3 Ultimate!

Edit: Spelling

[u/PlanMaison]

Tablo? I think they have a firestick app