Reddit reviews TiVo Roamio Over-The-Air 500 GB DVR and Streaming Media Player - No Monthly Service Fees - Not Compatible with Cable
We found 7 Reddit comments about TiVo Roamio Over-The-Air 500 GB DVR and Streaming Media Player - No Monthly Service Fees - Not Compatible with Cable. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Designed for users who watch TV with an HD antenna instead of subscribing to cable. Enjoy network shows from ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, Univision and moreIncludes Product Lifetime Service. HD antenna sold separately. Record four shows at once and up to 75 HD hours of programming with its 500GB driveAccess TV and streaming content from Netflix, Hulu Plus, VUDU and more without switching inputsSee 14-day program guide and schedule recordings ahead of time. Customize your recording experience with One Pass"OTA"-users gets TV signal "Over the Air" rather than subscription to digital cable.Power: 12V
For optimal CBS reception you'll want a VHF/UHF designed antenna. The Mohu may have issues, but if you have the previous version of the AmazonBasics, which was based on the Winegard FlatWave, then you'll probably be ok.
Otherwise consider a Winegard FlatWave or Winegard FreeVision, available from Home Depot and easily returnable.
The TiVo is the most polished DVR experience available and if you can get it with a lifetime subscription then it is a great deal.
Great deal on the Roamio OTA w/ lifetime:
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0148ZRFVO
I'd jump on that in a heartbeat. Throw in a 3TB drive and you are set for the next 5 years unless you care about 4K....
There is a Tivo Roamio (ota and cable card), a Roamio OTA (ota ONLY), a Roamio plus & pro (cable card only).
Then the Bolt. All require service ($15/mnt) and need to be online to get guide data. They work well as DVRs, guide data has worked well for me, and its worth the $15 to the family for ease of use.
Amazon has a deal right now for the OTA version (no cablecard support) w/lifetime service for $300
http://www.amazon.com/TiVo-Streaming-Product-Lifetime-Service/dp/B0148ZRFVO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453349933&sr=8-1&keywords=tivo+ota
Do you have 300 dollars to blow right now? If so you should get a tivo ota with lifetime service if you plan to keep the tivo for a few years.
www.amazon.com/TiVo-Streaming-Product-Lifetime-Service/dp/B0148ZRFVO
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0148ZRFVO/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_ARuNwb7EHMWXB lifetime subscription is key here
Make your own antenna http://www.popularmechanics.com/culture/tv/how-to/a6608/build-your-own-digital-tv-antenna/
You can stream any of the services you want on a 15mbps connection.
Edit: forgot to mention magicjack has been great for me for 3-4 years now.
I know you want Tivo Mini functionality but the Roamio OTA with Lifetime is on Amazon right now for $300 (http://www.amazon.com/TiVo-Streaming-Product-Lifetime-Service/dp/B0148ZRFVO/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1452913415&sr=1-4&keywords=tivo+roamio)
But usually you can get refurbished Tivo minis for $70. Woot just had a sale but they're all sold out.
But to answer your question about MRV with the subscriptionless Roamio OTA, the answer would be a no.
They're already available on Amazon and other places without the subscription, so....