Amazon Fire TV Recast DVR
Last updated: June 1, 2023
This Android streaming device works like a digital video recorder, allowing you to record live shows to watch later on. In fact, the machine can even record two shows for you at the same time, which is perfect if you and your spouse have different tastes in entertainment. You can even use this streaming device with Alexa.
We looked at the top Android Streaming Devices and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Android Streaming Device you should buy.
Product Details
Key Takeaway: You won't have any monthly fees to worry about when you opt for this premium Android streaming device.
In our analysis of 57 expert reviews, the Amazon Fire TV Recast DVR
placed 1st when we looked at the top 8 products in the category. For the full ranking,
see below.
From The Manufacturer
Fire TV Recast is a DVR that lets you watch and record over-the-air TV at home with Fire TV or Echo Show, or on-the-go with a compatible mobile device—with no monthly fees. Watch and record live sports, local news, late night shows, and other can’t miss TV from channels available through an HD antenna (sold separately) like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, and The CW. With 2 tuners, you can record up to 2 shows at once. Plus, store up to 75 hours of HD programming. With a compatible Alexa-enabled device, you can use your voice to search for shows, open and control the channel guide, manage and schedule recordings, and help with other requests. Say things like “Alexa, open Channel Guide” or “Alexa, record ‘Riverdale.’” Fire TV Recast delivers the most reliable video streams over Wi-Fi of any over-the-air DVR.
Expert Reviews
What reviewers liked
Easy set up. As for setup on a Fire TV device, there wasn't any on my end. I simply had to power on my Fire TV Edition TV and I immediately began to see local channels in the On Now section of the Fire TV interface.When it was all said and done, it took around 10 minutes to unbox and set up the Fire TV Recast.
The Fire TV mobile app also does a good job with the setup process, offering plenty of guidance on where to place your antenna before connecting the Recast to Wi-Fi and scanning for channels.
I’ve been satisfied with the stream quality of the Recast both on the Fire TV and when viewing from my iPhone. Video maxes out at 720p/60 fps, which is about all you need for broadcast content.
Easy to set up. No subscription needed.
Alexa integration works great.
It's easy to set up, and easy to use, and it integrates into the Amazon Fire TV beautifully. It is very well done.
You do get a lot for your money here. And, given the fact that it is subscription free (unlike traditional recorders) you may very well make your money back in the long run.
The live TV looks incredible with no buffering whatsoever. I am very impressed.
The Fire TV Recast help you cut your monthly costs while still getting to enjoy all the content you want.
Easy Setup. Unlike a traditional DVR like TiVo, Recast can not be connected directly to your TV. Instead, you can place it anywhere in the house and stream broadcast channels over Wi-Fi to your Fire TV, Fire tablets, iOS devices, and Android mobile devices.
What reviewers didn't like
Only works with Fire TV products.
The other limitations I haven’t mentioned yet pertain to out-of-home streaming. Currently, the Recast only supports remote viewing on iOS devices, Android mobile devices, and Fire tablets, so you can’t watch local TV on a Fire TV Stick while out of town.
Mobile app isn’t nearly as good as Fire TV experience.
Since the Fire TV Recast has no user interface itself, you need to use a Fire TV media streamer, Echo Show, or mobile device and the Fire TV app to control it.
Only two streams at once, Mobile experience is meh
Is fairly expensive.
Price is another hurdle to consider. This product is set to be about as pricey as many small television sets these days, which may turn away budget buyers.
One of the main drawbacks of the Fire TV Recast is that it lives within the Amazon Ecosystem only. What I mean by that is that we can’t play-back live television or recorded TV shows on an NVIDIA SHIELD or other streaming devices that aren’t compatible.
Not the most affordable.
The biggest drawback of Fire TV Recast is that you need a Fire TV set to watch TV on TV. Recast is not compatible with non-Amazon media devices such as Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, game consoles and most smart TVs.
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