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Tunarr is the software behind the idea of bringing back old-fashioned channel surfing with Plex: it turns shows and movies in your own media library into custom, scheduled channels. Rather than picking a specific episode on demand, you can tune in and watch whatever is playing on a channel you configured. Tunarr does not supply licensed TV programming; it organizes media you already have access to.
What the Plex add-on does
Tunarr is self-hosted software, not a Plex plugin that adds a catalog of shows, a cable package, or a physical TV tuner. You connect it to a supported media source, create channels and schedules, and then watch those channels through Plex or another compatible client. Tunarr’s project site describes its purpose as creating live TV channels from media on Plex and Jellyfin servers, among other sources: Tunarr.
The appeal is the format: a channel can play from a schedule, so you can start watching without first choosing a title or episode. What appears on a channel depends on the media you make available and how you configure it; Tunarr does not turn your library into a broadcast service for other people.
How Tunarr works with Plex
- Connect a media source. Tunarr supports Plex, Jellyfin, Emby, and local media, according to its setup documentation. A Plex connection can be made through Plex sign-in and server discovery or configured manually; details are in Tunarr’s Plex media-source guide.
- Give Tunarr access to the files. The media catalog and usable media paths must be available to Tunarr. If Plex and Tunarr run in separate containers or have different path layouts, shared mounts or path replacements can help align access. Tunarr recommends making the media paths visible to it; streaming from disk can improve performance and stability while reducing network activity.
- Build channels and schedules. Choose items from the available library and arrange them into custom channel programming. The lineup is yours to configure rather than a licensed channel schedule supplied by Tunarr.
- Let Plex discover the channels. Tunarr can present itself as an emulated HDHomeRun tuner for Plex, allowing Plex to discover its channels as a tuner source. A physical HDHomeRun device is not established as necessary for this Tunarr setup. Tunarr also supports M3U playlists for compatible IPTV players; see its client documentation.
What you need to run it
Tunarr is available as a Docker image or standalone binaries. It uses FFmpeg to normalize video and audio streams. The current setup documentation lists FFmpeg 6.1 as the minimum known supported version and recommends 7.1.1; these are version-sensitive requirements, so check the current setup page when installing. Tunarr’s installation documentation says its Docker images include FFmpeg 7.1.1, while standalone-binary users must supply their own FFmpeg installation.
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- Our ATSC digital TV converter box receives over-the-air ATSC digital TV broadcast via external antenna and converts it to your Analog and Digital TV, Projector, and Computer Monitor. TV recording, Favorite Channel List, Parental Control Function.
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Optional Nvidia and Intel GPU support is documented for hardware transcoding. The cited setup guidance does not establish a particular graphics card as a requirement, nor does it provide a basis for promising a specific picture quality or performance level.
How it differs from Plex’s built-in live TV options
Plex’s free, ad-supported streaming channels and its over-the-air (OTA) Live TV/DVR feature are separate from Tunarr. The distinction is mainly where the programming comes from and what setup it involves:
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- EASY SETUP: Connect the Tablo DVR to the indoor TV antenna with the included 6' coaxial cable; connect Tablo to your home network via Wi-Fi or using the included Ethernet cable; download the Tablo app on your mobile device and follow the setup instructions (4). Scan the QR code on the included Quick Start Guide (Installation Manual) that will guide you through the entire product setup. HDMI cable or TV antenna are not included with this Tablo device.
- NO SUBSCRIPTIONS OR HIDDEN FEES: Pay once for the Tablo device and watch and record your favorite live, local TV shows, along with free streaming TV channels without contracts or ongoing fees(3). Tablo OTA DVRs are designed for homes with Wi-Fi-enabled routers and a consistent high-speed connection to the internet.
- RECORD MULTIPLE SHOWS: Two tuners within this device allow you to record one live TV channel while watching another for viewing flexibility. Watch, pause, record, and replay up to two channels at once with 50+ hours of onboard storage.
| Option | Programming source | Hardware and setup | What it is for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tunarr with Plex | Your connected media library | Self-hosted Tunarr, accessible media paths, and FFmpeg; Tunarr emulates a tuner in software. | Custom scheduled channels made from your own media. |
| Plex free streaming Live TV | Plex’s ad-supported streaming channel catalog | Plex says no special hardware or Plex Pass is needed for this service. | Watching channels supplied by Plex, rather than building a lineup from your library. |
| Plex OTA Live TV/DVR | Local over-the-air broadcasts | A compatible physical tuner and antenna connected to Plex Media Server; Plex Pass is required to record broadcasts. | Watching local broadcasts, with recording available under Plex’s stated requirement. |
Plex’s hardware and subscription distinctions apply to its own broadcast DVR feature, not to Tunarr’s software-emulated channels. Plex explains its free streaming and OTA feature requirements in its Live TV FAQ.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Tunarr the right fit?
- Consider it if you want scheduled, channel-style playback from media you already manage and are comfortable maintaining self-hosted software.
- It may not suit you if you want a ready-made catalog of licensed live programming, or if you do not want to configure media access, FFmpeg, channels, and schedules.
- Do not buy an OTA tuner for Tunarr alone. A tuner and antenna are requirements for Plex’s separate OTA workflow, not established requirements for Tunarr.
The format answers a familiar Plex-community wish for something like old scheduled television, but the practical result is a configurable way to play your own media—not a substitute source of broadcast channels. A September 20, 2026 How-To Geek article surfaced with this premise, but the available summary does not establish additional setup details or firsthand performance findings.
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- NextGen TV certified - watch live TV on multiple devices simultaneously throughout your home with our Multi room Multi user network tuner solution
- Full whole-home DVR by connecting a USB hard drive - no subscription required (paid TV guide available for advanced auto-record features)
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- ATSC 3.0 DRM-free content is compatible with Android, FireTV, AppleTV, Roku Ultra 4800X and newer, iPhone, iPad, Win 10/11, Mac. Not compatible with DRM protected channels
- 4 tuners (2 ATSC 3.0, all 4 ATSC 1.0)
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- 75% smaller than normal ATSC tuner that can be plugged into your TV’s HDMl port and powered by TV’s USB or 5V USB Charger, can tuck neatly behind your TV. IR infrared sensor and 2-in-1 Remote control with learning function so you don't have to use the old remote control as well. Note: CH3/CH4 channel switching is not supported.
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- You can play video,music and view photos, or recorded TV shows from your USB storage device.Real-time DVR recording of digital converter box allows you to record TV shows for future watch, timer setting can be scheduled recording at any time you want. (Incompatible with streaming programs)
- What You Get: 1 x TV Tuner Stick,1 x 2 in1 Remote Control,1 x HDMI Cable, 1 x 3RCA Cable, 1 x USB to DC Cable, 1 x lR Receiver with display, 1 x Manual.📞 Enjoy lifetime support, one-year warranty, and quick responses within 24 hours. Important Note: This device receives Over-The-Air signals via an antenna. It does NOT work as a replacement for a Cable Box. An external antenna (sold separately) is required.
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- 📺【TV Tuner】 ZJBOX 2024 Mini Digital Converter Box is used to receive ATSC broadcast signals from antennas or cables, and output them to TVs, projectors, or even monitors for watching TV programs. The converter box can be hidden behind the TV and is powered by a 5V USB adapter included in the package, making it especially suitable for wall-mounted TVs.
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- 🔦【Two-in-One Remote Control】The two-in-one remote control features a learning function, allowing you to control both the digital converter stick and the TV without the need for two separate remotes. Pairing is required before use, with four programmable buttons (SET, TV/AV, VOL-, VOL+) available. It supports only infrared remote control.Battery Requirement: Requires AAA batteries (not included). Customers need to prepare batteries separately.
- 📼【DVR Recording】Record all your favorite TV shows and movies for future viewing. You can schedule recordings using a timer, and the TV programs will be stored on your external hard drive for convenient access whenever you want. Note: This device has better compatibility with external hard drives of up to 4TB with the FAT32 file system or up to 32GB flash drives.
- 📲【Many Features】This device has a variety of functions, including auto-channel selection, electronic program guide, channel favorites, instant/scheduled recording, CC subtitles, multifunctional remote control, timer power on/off, parental controls, and multimedia playback. These features can meet most of your needs.
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