Quoted from mbwalker:I think there's several things going on.
One issue is the library not being recognized. I had a NAS connected to the network for Plex storage, and that worked fine at first...but Plex seems to decide to no longer record to it eventually. And I haven't changed a darn thing on the NAS. The NAS has been rock solid on the network for years on end - Windows 10 sees it every time and I can xfer files w/o problems. I even have an old WD streamer that is really good to decoding all kinds of files formats and it sees the NAS and paths too. Even tho I set the path correctly in Plex...it will eventually not record to it. I've looked into adding a local USB drive, but read where the preferred method for performance is to use a NAS since it off loads the hard drive work to the NAS, freeing the Shield to only do transcoding, etc. I've tried a USB hard drive, but don't recall what the issue that was...I think Plex couldn't find it to even add it as a library. I think I tried both as USB storage and Shield storage. I should add my Shield is the cheaper one, w/o the large internal storage. I suspect if I had bought the better model, the storage issue wouldn't have been an problem.
Another issue is the one I mentioned in my post a few postings ago: Updates. Windows 10 usually reports it can't find the Plex sever after an Shield/Plex update. I think the Firesticks and Rokus couldn't see the server either, but it's been awhile. Over the years, it got so bad I shut off the 'automatically install updates' feature off on the Shield. But if the Plex was by slim chance working, I'd eventually want to upgrade things to in order for performance improvements or maybe bug fixes (thinking it would fix stability issues once and for all) since the versions I had were sometimes getting old. Or a software update added a useful feature that was lacking. Fingers crossed that this was finally the version that fixed issues...nope, I was a sucker for thinking that. Broke again.
Both of these issues usually requires me to completely reset the Shield as if it came out of the factory and do a fresh install I've even went to the Plex website to get the latest and greatest Shield install since the PlayStore can be lagging w/respect to versions at times.
I should add the Shield is only used for Plex, I don't add any other apps. I also uninstall or disable any irrelevant apps (i.e. Amazon Music, etc.) so it is bare bones.
In the end, I just want something reliable that simply does what it's suppose to do. Just record a show. No more, no less - but that hasn't happened yet. Hence, my interest in the Amazon Recast DVR. The more barebones, the better as long as the listings guide is good.
I've used Kodi, but I admit, it's a bit much to configure as a DVR. Plus I'm always a little leery of some of the repositories (virus, or a path into the network somehow). But boy, it is definitely powerful. Just not my cup of tea.
Almost forgot to mention - no issues with the HomeRun turner.
Didn't mean to derail the thread, just thought I would elaborate on my earlier post for djr, and share my experiences.
Interesting. I haven't had any issues like that for over a year with Plex and 3 months with Plex/Shield Pro. I do know you sometimes have to have Plex rescan the OTA stuff because late laat year, broadcasters changed frequencies in many markets. Plex sent emails about this - telling you to create a new DVR and delete the old one. Annoying but there was notice at keast.
I cut the cord in January and it's been great. Still not sure what I'm going to do about football, but I have DirecTV "paused" for 6 months so I'll figure it out later I guess.
For example, we had a huge snowstorm one year that literally buried my dish on the roof- I think it was the storm that collapsed the Metrodome. I called them, they sent someone to clear the snow for free, but when they arrived they realized they couldn't because it was too high on the roof, so they gave me a $250 credit to hire a company to rake the roof instead. That level of service is long gone.
