HDHomeRun
The HDHomeRun is a network-attached digital television tuner and DVR device produced by SiliconDust USA, Inc., designed to receive over-the-air (OTA) broadcast signals via an antenna or unencrypted cable television feeds, and previously encrypted cable television feeds in the US using CableCARD (though CableCARD support is being phased out by major providers as of 2025), and stream live and recorded high-definition TV content to multiple devices on a home network, such as smart TVs, computers, tablets, smartphones, and media players.[1] SiliconDust, founded by Nick Kelsey and based in Phoenix, Arizona, began shipping HDHomeRun products in 2007, introducing one of the first consumer-grade network tuners for distributing broadcast TV without traditional set-top boxes or coaxial cabling to each room.[2] The device lineup includes models supporting one to four tuners and various TV standards, enabling simultaneous viewing and recording on compatible platforms including Windows, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Xbox, and third-party apps like Plex and Emby.[1] Key features include zero-configuration setup, expandable storage via USB drives or NAS for DVR functionality (with official guide requiring a subscription), and support for global TV standards such as ATSC 1.0, ATSC 3.0, DVB-T, and ISDB-T, making it a versatile solution for cord-cutters seeking free OTA content.[2]Overview
Description and Functionality
The HDHomeRun is a network-attached digital television tuner device produced by SiliconDust USA, Inc., designed to connect to an antenna or cable source for receiving over-the-air (OTA) or cable TV signals.[2] It serves as a plug-and-play solution that enables users to access free local broadcast channels or subscription-based cable content without traditional set-top boxes.[1] The device supports various global TV broadcast standards, including ATSC (North America), DVB-T/T2 (Europe and parts of Asia), ISDB-T (Latin America), and DVB-C (unencrypted cable in Europe and Asia).[2] In operation, the HDHomeRun receives and demodulates incoming TV signals into digital transport streams and streams live content over a local area network (LAN) to multiple client devices simultaneously, eliminating the need for direct TV outputs like HDMI or coaxial connections to individual screens.[1] This IP-based streaming allows viewing on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, computers, mobile phones, and streaming boxes, making it a key tool for cord-cutting by providing flexible access to live TV throughout the home or even remotely.[2] Depending on the model, it supports up to four simultaneous streams, ensuring multiple users can watch different channels at the same time without interference.[1] Setup is straightforward and requires minimal configuration: the device connects to a home router via Ethernet, attaches to an antenna or cable input, and automatically discovers itself on the network for zero-configuration integration.[1] Users can then access streams through dedicated apps or compatible software, with the system handling signal processing and distribution seamlessly over the existing Wi-Fi or wired network.[1]Key Technical Specifications
HDHomeRun devices feature standard hardware components including Ethernet connectivity for network integration, with Gigabit Ethernet available on newer models, coaxial F-type connectors for antenna or cable inputs, and power supplied via AC adapters such as 5V/1.5A or 12V/1A units.[3][4][5] These devices provide support for common broadcast formats in the streamed transport streams, including MPEG-2 as the primary codec for ATSC 1.0 signals and HEVC/H.265 on models handling ATSC 3.0 content, enabling output resolutions up to 1080i or 1080p with 4K support on select variants.[6][7] Network protocols employed include DLNA and UPnP for device discovery and media sharing, RTSP and HTTP for stream delivery alongside UDP/RTP transport, with compatibility for both IPv4 and IPv6 addressing to facilitate home network operation.[8][3][6] Performance characteristics encompass low-latency live viewing typically under 2 seconds from tuner to display, and bandwidth consumption ranging from 5-15 Mbps per HD stream based on compression and channel quality.[9][10][11] Security provisions include over-the-air firmware updates for bug fixes and enhancements, while over-the-air signals lack built-in digital rights management for ATSC 1.0; some ATSC 3.0 channels incorporate DRM encryption, which is not supported on current HDHomeRun models, with fallback to ATSC 1.0 where available.[12][13][14][1] The units maintain a fanless, compact form factor measuring approximately 3.4 x 3.4 x 0.8 inches, optimized for continuous 24/7 operation without active cooling.[4][5]History
Founding and Early Development
SiliconDust USA, Inc. was founded in 2007 in Phoenix, Arizona, by Nick Kelsey, an experienced software and embedded systems engineer, along with a small team focused on developing networked media devices for consumer use.[15][2] The company aimed to innovate in the area of network-attached TV tuners, enabling users to access broadcast television over home networks without traditional cabling constraints.[2] The initial development of the HDHomeRun product line centered on creating a standalone device that could receive over-the-air digital TV signals and stream them via IP to multiple devices in the home. This approach addressed the limitations of PC-based tuners by providing a dedicated, always-on solution compatible with various media centers and software platforms.[16] The original HDHomeRun was designed as a dual-tuner ATSC device specifically for the US market, supporting high-definition broadcast reception.[15] In 2007, SiliconDust launched the first-generation HDHomeRun, which shipped to consumers at a retail price of approximately $100.[17] Early adopters praised its ability to integrate with systems like Windows Media Center, though initial firmware versions required updates to optimize codec support and network stability for seamless multi-room viewing.[6] This debut marked SiliconDust's entry into the consumer electronics market, emphasizing open streaming over proprietary hardware.[2]Major Product Releases and Milestones
In 2011, SiliconDust launched the HDHomeRun PRIME, a networked tuner that introduced CableCARD support for accessing unencrypted digital cable TV channels without relying on set-top boxes from cable providers.[18] This model enabled seamless integration with digital video recorders and media centers, such as Windows Media Center, allowing users to watch and record multiple streams in a manner similar to TiVo systems.[18] The company initiated a Kickstarter campaign in May 2015 to fund the development of HDHomeRun DVR software, which brought cloud-based subscription recording and local storage options to its ecosystem, expanding beyond hardware-only tuners.[19] This effort culminated in a subscription service that supported recording on USB drives, NAS devices, or PCs, with playback across multiple devices.[19] In August 2018, SiliconDust introduced HDHomeRun Premium TV, a $35-per-month virtual multichannel video programming distributor service offering 45 channels, including networks like Food Network and HGTV, integrated with over-the-air tuners for cord-cutters.[20] The service was discontinued in March 2019 after just seven months, primarily due to a lawsuit involving its content supplier, Omniverse, which created legal uncertainties and low adoption rates.[21] Starting in 2020, SiliconDust shifted focus to the FLEX series, incorporating ATSC 3.0 compatibility to prepare for the rollout of NextGen TV broadcasting standards.[22] This transition was marked by a Kickstarter campaign in April 2020 for ATSC 3.0-enabled models, emphasizing future-proofing for enhanced video quality and interactive features.[23] In 2021, the FLEX 4K was released, featuring four tuners with dual ATSC 3.0 support for 4K HDR streaming of NextGen TV signals.[24] FCC regulatory changes in September 2020 eliminated the mandate for cable providers to support CableCARD devices, leading to the discontinuation of PRIME models by early 2021 as manufacturers like NDS ceased production of the required hardware.[25] This shift significantly reduced options for cable TV integration, prompting SiliconDust to prioritize over-the-air and IP-based solutions.[25] In 2024, the FLEX 4K received NextGen TV certification. However, by mid-2025, SiliconDust became embroiled in a controversy with the ATSC 3.0 Security Authority (A3SA) over DRM certification requirements, leading to FCC discussions on potential mandates for tuner interoperability and concerns over restricted access to public airwaves.[26][27] SiliconDust provided firmware updates for its original 2007 HDHomeRun devices until 2015, demonstrating initial long-term support.[12] The FLEX lineup was expanded with the affordable FLEX DUO (two tuners at $109.99) and FLEX QUATRO (four tuners at $149.99), both focused on ATSC 1.0 for accessible over-the-air TV reception.[28]Models
Current ATSC Models
The HDHomeRun FLEX DUO (model HDFX-2US) is a compact entry-level device featuring two ATSC 1.0 tuners, designed for basic over-the-air (OTA) TV setups that support dual simultaneous streams to devices on a home network. Priced at $109.99, it measures 7 x 5 x 2.2 inches and weighs 14 ounces, making it suitable for space-constrained installations while connecting via Ethernet or WiFi for HDTV streaming.[29] For households requiring more capacity, the HDHomeRun FLEX QUATRO (model HDFX-4US) offers four ATSC 1.0 tuners, enabling streams to up to four devices at once and accommodating multi-room viewing without interruptions. It retails for $149.99 and shares the same compact dimensions as the DUO model (7 x 5 x 2.2 inches, 14 ounces), with support for 100BASE-TX networking to ensure reliable performance in larger setups.[8] The HDHomeRun FLEX 4K (model HDFX-4K) represents the flagship consumer model for ATSC reception, equipped with four tuners configured as two dual-mode ATSC 3.0/1.0 tuners and two dedicated ATSC 1.0 tuners, allowing compatibility with next-generation broadcasts while maintaining backward support. At $199.99, it includes 4K resolution and HEVC decoding capabilities, plus a USB port for attaching an external hard drive to enable local DVR functionality (subscription required for full guide features). This model can handle ATSC 3.0's enhanced bandwidth of up to 57 Mbps per 6 MHz channel for higher-quality video delivery, though it automatically falls back to ATSC 1.0 for any DRM-protected content to ensure accessibility.[24][30] For enterprise and commercial applications, SiliconDust offers the TECH5 series, which provides rack-mountable variants tailored for multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and broadcast facilities. Examples include the TECH5-4K with four tuners (two ATSC 3.0-capable) at $499.99 for non-rack setups, the TECH5-4K8-2X4 with eight tuners in a 19-inch rack form factor for $2,500, and the TECH5-16US-4X4 delivering up to 16 ATSC 1.0 tuners in a rack-mount design for $3,000, supporting scalable streaming in professional environments.[31]| Model | Tuners | ATSC Support | Price (USD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLEX DUO (HDFX-2US) | 2 | ATSC 1.0 | 109.99 | Compact, dual-streaming for basic setups |
| FLEX QUATRO (HDFX-4US) | 4 | ATSC 1.0 | 149.99 | Multi-device support, higher capacity |
| FLEX 4K (HDFX-4K) | 4 (2 ATSC 3.0/1.0 + 2 ATSC 1.0) | ATSC 3.0/1.0 | 199.99 | 4K/HEVC, USB DVR, DRM fallback |
| TECH5-4K | 4 (2 ATSC 3.0) | ATSC 3.0/1.0 | 499.99 | Commercial, non-rack |
| TECH5-4K8-2X4 | 8 | ATSC 3.0/1.0 | 2,500 | Rack-mount, enterprise-scale |
| TECH5-16US-4X4 | 16 | ATSC 1.0 | 3,000 | Rack-mount, high-tuner capacity |