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How to choose between ErsatzTV and Tunarr
Both applications turn a personal media library into scheduled, live-style channels that Plex can display in its Live TV & DVR area. The practical choice comes down to three questions: whether your Plex setup meets the documented requirements, which clients you watch on, and where your media lives.
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- Choose ErsatzTV if your channels will primarily use a Plex library, you have Plex Pass, and MPEG-TS works with the Plex clients you use.
- Consider Tunarr if you want to draw from multiple media systems or local media, and its Plex-client caveat does not affect your viewing setup.
- Test before committing if you depend on a particular client or release channel; official documentation does not provide a comparative reliability or performance test.
Feature and requirement comparison
| Decision point | ErsatzTV | Tunarr | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plex requirement | Its Plex client guide says Plex Pass is required. (ErsatzTV Plex guide) | The Plex guide documents tuner setup but does not state a Plex Pass requirement. (Tunarr Plex guide) | Do not treat Tunarr’s silence as confirmation that your Plex setup has no subscription requirements; check Plex’s current requirements for your account and region. |
| Plex setup | Add a DVR/tuner in Plex, by detection or by entering the server address and port, then provide the ErsatzTV XMLTV guide URL. (ErsatzTV Plex guide) | Select a detected tuner or enter the server address manually, then provide the XMLTV URL in the form /api/xmltv.xml. The guide describes automatic channel mapping. (Tunarr Plex guide) |
Either way, Plex must be able to reach the tuner service, and you need to configure its guide feed. |
| Direct Plex-client playback | The guide says Plex clients directly support only ErsatzTV’s MPEG-TS channel mode. (ErsatzTV Plex guide) | As of the consulted guide, playback in the Plex Windows client fails with “This Live TV session has ended”; it suggests using Plex in a web browser as a workaround. (Tunarr Plex guide) | Check the exact client you watch on. The Tunarr warning is specific to the Windows Plex client and may change with later releases. |
| Media sources and metadata | Synchronizes Plex library metadata one way and uses Plex for metadata. By default, it streams through Plex; disk streaming is possible with matching shared paths or path replacements. (ErsatzTV Plex library guide) | Its setup guide lists Plex, Jellyfin, Emby, and local media sources. (Tunarr setup guide) | Tunarr’s listed source range may suit a mixed-server setup. ErsatzTV’s Plex-centered workflow may be simpler to reason about if Plex already manages the library metadata and streaming. |
| FFmpeg | The consulted installation guide does not state a comparable minimum FFmpeg version. (ErsatzTV installation guide) | Requires FFmpeg. Docker images include it; the documentation recommends version 7.1.1 and gives 6.1 as the minimum known supported version. Standalone installations need a separately supplied FFmpeg build. (Tunarr setup guide) | If you install Tunarr outside Docker, plan to install and configure FFmpeg yourself. |
| Install and release choices | Offers Docker and native packages for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with release and development builds. The documentation refers to “ErsatzTV Legacy,” says it will continue receiving security updates for the foreseeable future, and warns that downgrades require restoring a complete configuration backup. (ErsatzTV installation guide) | The installation guide describes Tunarr as pre-release, distinguishes stable/latest release tags from development builds, and warns development builds may be unstable and cannot be downgraded. (Tunarr installation guide) | Release labels and support status can change. Check the current project guidance and back up configuration before experimenting with builds. |
What to check before installing
Your Plex subscription and streaming mode
If you are leaning toward ErsatzTV, its current Plex guide explicitly requires Plex Pass. It also says MPEG-TS is the only channel mode supported directly by Plex clients. Confirm that this streaming mode fits your client setup before building a channel lineup.
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Tunarr’s Plex guide reports that playback in the Plex Windows client currently ends with “This Live TV session has ended” and points to Plex in a browser as a workaround. Treat this as a time-sensitive, client-specific warning—not as a statement about all Windows devices or every Plex client. Check the guide again if the issue is decisive for you.
#1 Best Overall
- 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)
- ATSC 1.0 content is compatible with Android, FireTV, AppleTV, Roku, Sony, XBox, iPhone, iPad, Win10/11, Mac
- 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)
Where your media and metadata live
ErsatzTV synchronizes Plex library changes one way: Plex supplies metadata, and ErsatzTV does not modify Plex’s configuration or media. By default, ErsatzTV streams through Plex. If you instead want it to stream directly from disk, both services need access to matching paths, or you must configure path replacements. (ErsatzTV Plex library guide)
Tunarr’s setup guide lists Plex, Jellyfin, Emby, and local media as sources. If your collection is split across those systems, that documented breadth is a meaningful distinction; it does not by itself establish that every source will require less setup. (Tunarr setup guide)
Rank #2
- 1. Precautions before use: Please download the latest electronic version of the instructions from the Mygica official website and read it carefully. This product is not ready for use after purchase. User needs to install the corresponding driver and playback software.
- 2. Product introduction: A681B is a TV tuner that allows users to watch digital TV programs on desktop computers and laptops. After installation, there is no need for WiFi network to watch digital TV. It is a very practical product for viewers who like to watch various live sports games and TV programs.
- 3. Product features: small, portable, supports 1080P HDTV. After installing the playback software "HiDTV", you can record and play back the video.
- 4. Compatible devices: A681B is compatible with Windows desktop computers, Windows laptops, Android TV, Android car machines and other Android devices (Android version of the playback software must be installed). Note: This product is not compatible with MacBook.
- 5. Compatible operating system versions: Compatible with Windows 7/ Windows 10 / Windows 11 / Linux ubuntu 20.04.1, kernel:5.4
Your installation and backup plan
For Tunarr, Docker images include FFmpeg. With a standalone installation, you must provide an FFmpeg build and configure its executable path. The documentation recommends FFmpeg 7.1.1 and identifies 6.1 as the minimum version known to work, as of the documentation accessed in 2026. (Tunarr setup guide)
Both projects warn about downgrades: Tunarr says its development builds may be unstable and cannot be downgraded; ErsatzTV says downgrading is unsupported without restoring a complete configuration backup. Keep a restorable backup before trying a development build or changing release tracks. (Tunarr installation guide; ErsatzTV installation guide)
How Plex setup differs
Set up ErsatzTV in Plex
- In Plex Settings, open Live TV & DVR and add a Plex DVR. The ErsatzTV guide says a Plex Pass is required.
- If Plex does not detect ErsatzTV automatically, enter the ErsatzTV server address and port manually.
- Use the ErsatzTV XMLTV URL for the guide rather than Plex’s channel listing.
- Confirm that your Plex clients can use MPEG-TS, the streaming mode the guide says they support directly.
For disk streaming, make sure the ErsatzTV and Plex services can see the same media paths, or set up path replacements. Otherwise, the documented default is to stream through Plex. (ErsatzTV Plex guide; ErsatzTV Plex library guide)
Set up Tunarr in Plex
- Complete Tunarr’s initial setup, connect at least one media source, and ensure FFmpeg is available. Docker images include FFmpeg; other installations need an FFmpeg executable configured. (Tunarr setup guide)
- In Plex’s Live TV & DVR setup, select the detected Tunarr tuner or enter the Tunarr server address manually.
- Enter Tunarr’s XMLTV URL in the form
/api/xmltv.xml. The guide describes automatic channel mapping. (Tunarr Plex guide) - Test playback in the client you intend to use, especially if that is the Plex Windows client.
Which one fits your setup?
Pick ErsatzTV when Plex is the center of your media setup
ErsatzTV is the more straightforward match to evaluate when Plex already organizes your library and supplies its metadata, provided you have Plex Pass and your clients work with MPEG-TS. Its one-way metadata sync and default Plex streaming path make the relationship between the two services explicit.
Rank #4
- 📺【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.
- 🔍【HDMI&1080P】The converter box with HDMI output supports 1080P HD. It provides three types of video output interfaces: HDMI, 3RCA, and component. HDMI and 3RCA cables provided in the package, so there's no need to purchase additional video cables; they can be used directly. Note: This depends on the resolution supported by your TV.
- 🔦【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.
Pick Tunarr when you need a wider range of media sources
Tunarr’s documented support for Plex, Jellyfin, Emby, and local media makes it a candidate for a collection spread across multiple sources. Account for its FFmpeg dependency if you are not using Docker, and verify the Plex-client behavior that matters to you.
Pause and test if client compatibility or stability is critical
If your household depends on the Plex Windows client for live playback, the current Tunarr guide’s workaround may not be acceptable. If you are uncomfortable using software documented as pre-release or development builds, review the release channel and backup guidance for both projects before choosing. There is no documented head-to-head evidence here that settles comparative ease, performance, or long-term reliability.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NEXTGEN TV ATSC 3.0 + ATSC 1.0 TUNER IN ONE BOX – Advanced over-the-air TV receiver supports both ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) and legacy ATSC 1.0 broadcasts. Ideal digital converter box for upgrading older TVs or adding live OTA TV channels to any HDMI display. TV antenna required.
- NO CABLE OR SUBSCRIPTION FEES – Watch local news, sports, and major broadcast networks with a TV antenna. A cost-effective solution for cord cutters seeking free HD and 4K over-the-air television.
- UP TO 4K HDR TV TUNER OUTPUT – Supports up to 4K resolution with HDR for sharper detail, richer color, and improved contrast on compatible NextGen TV broadcasts and 4K TVs (broadcast availability varies by location).
- 64GB BUILT-IN STORAGE WITH DVR RECORDING & PLAYBACK – 64GB of onboard storage comes ready for DVR use right out of the box — no additional accessories required. Record live over-the-air TV with pause, rewind, and replay functionality for convenient time-shifted viewing. Expand recording capacity further by connecting external storage (USB flash drive or microSD card, sold separately).
- DOLBY DIGITAL PLUS & AC-4 AUDIO SUPPORT – Compatible with modern broadcast audio formats for clearer dialogue and immersive sound when supported by your TV or audio system. Smart TVs required for this functionality.
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