The up-front cost to try out Plex is far lower as well, and the extra discounts don't hurt. If you like using Plex, a lifetime pass will cost you less overall than three years of EyeTV. Plex will even prorate the cost based on any remaining credit from your current monthly or annual subscription. Plex is cheaper for the first three years, but adds up quickly after that - so if you're planning to stick with Plex for the long haul, consider a lifetime pass, which amounts to free service after the first three years. Depending on which model you buy, that could nearly save you the cost of an entire year's Plex Pass subscription.Īssuming you purchase the $40 annual Plex Pass, here's how Plex and EyeTV's costs stack up over time: Plex Pass subscribers also get discounts on useful cord-cutting equipment from various manufacturers at the time of this writing, those deals included a limited-time coupon for 30% off a new HDHomeRun tuner. Plex's software is free, but live TV and DVR require a Plex Pass subscription, which costs $5 a month, $40 a year, or $120 for lifetime access (for a limited time regularly $150). To stream live TV or recordings to iOS, you'll need the $4.99 EyeTV app from the App Store.

After the first year, each year of TV Guide channel listings will run you around $20. I used an HDHomeRun PRIME to test both apps. At present, Plex's DVR and TV features only work with SiliconDust's HDHomeRun CONNECT, EXTEND, and PRIME tuners.

viewers, Plex also offers apps that can serve up any free episodes streaming online from ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, the CW, and more. Along with TV shows, Plex will aggregate your photos and DRM-free movies and music (which excludes anything you've purchased from the iTunes Store, alas), pulling in artwork, episode descriptions, and other cool info automatically. While Plex has offered Mac media server software for years, it's only recently added live TV and DVR functions. EyeTV also boasts built-in AppleScript support, which Plex lacks. It works with Geniatech's own hardware, which is designed for European markets, as well as third-party tuners from SiliconDust, Hauppage, Pinnacle, and more. It was the first Mac DVR solution, and for a long time, the only one. EyeTV's been around for more than a decade, first from Elgato and now from Geniatech.

Eyetv compatible