$0
Unlimited single-channel live TV
Free unlimited single-channel viewing
A Free Channels for HDHomeRun Alternative
Watch live HDHomeRun TV on Apple TV with a guide, favorites, channel surfing, captions, SAP, and 5.1 audio, without paying $39.99.
No server. No subscription. Multiview upgrade optional.
Your HDHomeRun. Your Apple TV.
Direct local playback. No middleman server.
Free means free
A complete one-channel TV experience, not a timed demo.
Connect Multiview directly to your HDHomeRun over your home network and watch one channel for as long as you like. The program guide, favorites, channel surfing, captions, audio selection, and 5.1 support are part of the free experience.
3 × 15 min
Trials of 2–4 channel multiview
$9.99
Optional one-time Pro upgrade
Feature comparison
Before spending $39.99, try Multiview.
This compares Multiview Free with the standalone Channels for HDHomeRun Apple TV app, not the separate Channels DVR subscription.
| Feature | Multiview FreeTry it before you pay anything | Channels for HDHomeRunStandalone Apple TV app |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV price | $0 | $39.99 once |
| Server required | No | No |
| Subscription required | No | No |
| HDHomeRun live TV | Included | Included |
| Program guide | Included | Included |
| Favorites | Included | Included |
| Channel surfing | Included | Included |
| Closed captions | Included | Included |
| SAP / alternate audio | Included | Included |
| 5.1 audio | Included | Included |
| Live pause and rewind | Not currently | Included |
| Multiple source types | HDHomeRun, Tablo, Plex, IPTV + compatible live feeds | HDHomeRun-focused |
| Customizable multiview | 3 trials free; $9.99 Pro unlock | Not in the standalone app |
| iPhone / iPad availability | Included free; PiP + background playback where supported | Available as a separate $9.99 purchase |
On a phone? Swipe the table horizontally to see both apps. Pricing and capabilities checked August 2026. Channels facts: product page and live-TV documentation.
Optional upgrade paths
What happens if you want more later?
Multiview Pro and Channels DVR are different kinds of upgrades. This smaller comparison shows which path fits each goal without treating them as equivalent products.
| If you want | Multiview path | Channels path |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited 2–4 channel multiview | Multiview Pro, $9.99 once | Channels DVR subscription |
| Recording and remote streaming | Not provided by Multiview itself | Channels DVR, $8/month or $80/year |
| Basic single-channel live TV | Multiview Free, $0 | Channels for HDHomeRun, $39.99 |
Channels DVR requires a separate server and subscription. Multiview Pro is a one-time upgrade that unlocks unlimited customizable multiview; it does not add DVR recording or remote streaming.
Why try Multiview first?
Start free. Keep your options open.
- Watch unlimited single-channel HDHomeRun live TV for free.
- Bring HDHomeRun, Tablo, Plex, IPTV, and compatible live feeds into one app.
- Keep watching on iPhone and iPad with Picture in Picture and background playback where supported.
- Unlock customizable HDHomeRun multiview for $9.99 once, only if you want it.
- Install both apps. Trying Multiview does not lock you into anything.
When Channels may be better
Choose the experience that fits you.
Channels for HDHomeRun may be the better choice if you prioritize live pause, rewind, fast-forward, its rolling local buffer, or its more mature conventional TV interface and polished in-player Quick Guide.
Multiview does not currently offer live pause or rewind, and we do not claim feature parity. Its strengths are free single-channel viewing, broader source support, and optional customizable multiview.
Read Channels’ live-TV documentation
More sources. One app.
Go beyond an HDHomeRun-only setup.
Use Multiview as a free HDHomeRun app for Apple TV today, then add compatible Tablo, Plex, IPTV, or live-feed sources later. When one screen is not enough, Pro turns those sources into flexible two-, three-, and four-stream layouts.
Explore supported sourcesA quick Channels DVR clarification
Channels DVR is a different product.
Channels DVR is a separate server-backed subscription product, currently $8/month or $80/year, with recording and remote-streaming capabilities. This page compares Multiview Free with the standalone $39.99 Channels for HDHomeRun Apple TV app; it does not compare Multiview Free against the full Channels DVR feature set. See the Channels DVR subscription details.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
Is Multiview really free for one channel?
Yes. Single-channel live-TV viewing is free and unlimited. It is not a timed demo, and it does not require a Multiview subscription.
Do I need Multiview Pro?
Only if you want unlimited two-, three-, or four-channel multiview. The free app includes three 15-minute multiview trials; Pro is an optional $9.99 one-time upgrade.
Does Multiview require a server?
No. For HDHomeRun live TV, Multiview connects directly to a compatible tuner on your local network. Your Apple TV and tuner must be on the same network.
Can I use Multiview and Channels together?
Yes. Installing Multiview does not change your HDHomeRun or prevent you from using Channels. You can keep both apps and choose the one that fits what you want to watch.
Does Multiview support captions, SAP, and 5.1?
Yes. Multiview supports closed captions, SAP and alternate audio-track selection, and 5.1 audio when those features are available in the source stream and supported by your playback setup.
Can Multiview pause or rewind live TV?
Not currently. If live pause, rewind, fast-forward, and a rolling local buffer are priorities, Channels for HDHomeRun currently has the advantage.
Does Multiview provide television channels?
No. Multiview is a player, not a television provider. You must supply an HDHomeRun, service, playlist, or other compatible source that you are authorized to use.
What sources does Multiview support?
Multiview supports compatible HDHomeRun, Tablo, Plex, IPTV, and other live feeds. Source availability and playback compatibility can vary by device, format, provider, and network.
Nothing to lose. Live TV to gain.
Try your HDHomeRun on Apple TV for free.
Single-channel live TV stays free. Upgrade only if you want unlimited HDHomeRun multiview.
Pricing and capabilities checked August 2026. Multiview is not affiliated with Fancy Bits, Channels, or SiliconDust.
Multiview does not provide television channels. You must supply your own compatible, authorized television source.