Amazon is entering the over the air DVR market with the Fire TV Recast. The Fire TV Recast will record your favorite programs using an over the air antenna. You can then play them back over WiFi using most mobile devices, tablets, Fire TV, Fire Stick, or Echo Show. There are no monthly fees and you can schedule recordings using their channel guide. You can record up to 5 shows simultaneously. It works seamlessly with the Fire TV and Fire Sticks interface. It’s nice to see this space having some more development and competition. Let’s take a closer look.

Fire TV Recast Over The Air DVR

How It Works

The Fire TV Recast is similar to the Tablo TV. It is an over the air DVR that does not plug into your existing television. It works by streaming the content over your WIFI connection to a compatible device. If you want to watch the over the air content from the Fire TV Recast on your television, you will need a Fire TV or Fire TV Stick plugged into the HDMI port of your TV. This is unlike the Channel Master Stream+ which plugs directly into a television and displays the content on your television set.

Mobile Devices and Tablets

It streams OTA content to a Fire tablet (5th Gen or above), Apple iOS 10 (or above), and Android 4.4 (or above) mobile device or tablet. Just install the free Fire TV app to view. You can watch on up to two devices at the same time. For more information, you can see their frequently asked question page.

Two Models

The Fire TV Recast comes in two models. The basic model allows you to record 2 shows simultaneously with 500 GB of internal storage or 75 hours of record time. The extended model has 4 tuners allowing for the recording of 4 shows at one time. It has 1TB of storage or 150 hours of record time. Both models come with one USB 3.0 port which does not support external recording. This feature may be added at a later firmware upgrade.

Basic Model

Extended Model

Recording

Recordings can be scheduled using its channel guide or on any compatible Alexa-enabled device (such as Echo Show or a Fire TV streaming media player), asking Alexa to record a show will result in the recording of the entire series. You can schedule a recording up to 14 days in advance. You can also record from the Fire TV mobile app it only allows recordings of the current show airing.

Live TV

The Fire TV Recast has a rewind option allowing you to skip back to rewatch something you missed. It also has the capability to pause live television and pick up where you left off.

Connectivity

The Fire TV Recast can be connected to your home network wirelessly or using the built-in 10/100/1000 Ethernet jack on the back of the device.

Voice Control

The device can also be controlled by using the Alexa voice command on compatible devices like the Fire TV stick. Just ask Alexa to record a show, tune in to a favorite channel or see how much hard drive space it has left. These are just a few of your options.

Specifications

Size: 7.1” x 7.1” x 2.9” (180 mm x 180 mm x 73 mm)

Weight: 2.4 lbs (1066 g)

Processor: Dual Core

ATSC Tuners: 2 Tuners or 4 Tuners

Transcoders: (for playback): 2

Storage: 500 GB up to 75 hours of HDTV or 1TB up to 150 hours of HDTV

Memory: 2 GB

Wi-Fi Connectivity: 2.4 G Wi-Fi 2×2 Wi-Fi b/g/n and 5 G Wi-Fi 2×2 Wi-Fi a/n/ac

Ports: 1 x Type A USB 3.0 (does not support storage), TV Antenna Input, Gigabit Ethernet, Power

Conclusion

The Fire TV Recast is another good option for those who want to record and watch OTA television. It is easy to set up and can be placed just about anywhere in the house. If you are looking for an over the air DVR, you should consider this one.