Does Fire TV Cube Have DVR?

Streaming services have almost annihilated DVR. With on-demand shows, movies, and podcasts, many think there’s no need for it. But does the same apply to Amazon’s Fire TV Cube?

Fire TV Cubes don’t have DVRs, but the Fire TV Recast does. When you use an Amazon Fire TV device with this product, it’ll record live shows and movies. To work, the Fire TV Recast requires an HD antenna, which does not come with your initial purchase. You also need the free Fire TV app.

Continue reading to learn more about installing and operating a Fire TV Recast device as a DVR. After setting it up, it can record two shows at once and store up to 150 hours of HD programming.

How to Use the Fire TV Recast as a DVR

Setting up the Fire TV Recast isn’t exactly intuitive, but it’s not exactly difficult, either. To record live TV, you’ll need to:

Set Up Your Digital Antenna

As noted, to use Fire TV Recast, you’ll need to purchase and install a digital antenna. This is not the same as purchasing a pair of “rabbit ears” and calling it a day. You should purchase a modern device designed for streaming services, like the Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna.

To set up your digital antenna, you’ll connect it to your Fire TV Recast––not your TV itself. You’ll hook it up using the coaxial cable. Before moving to the next step, make sure the connection is secure. Also, don’t forget to plug in your antenna to the wall to get power.

Note: You don’t have to have your Fire TV Recast next to your TV. In fact, Amazon recommends having it (and its antenna) located near a window on the north side of your residence. Make sure no obstructions, like trees or other buildings, block the signal.

Set Up Your Fire TV Recast

Now, you’ll need to open the Fire TV app and enter your login information, including your Amazon username and password. From there, you’ll follow the prompts on the screen (such as selecting your Fire TV streaming device), and you’re good to go.

How to Record Live Shows and Movies on Fire TV Recast

Now that you’ve successfully installed your Fire TV Recast, you can record your favorite media. There are three ways to do this:

Record Through Your TV’s Main Menu

Navigate to your streaming device’s home screen. From there:

1. Select “DVR” from the top menu.
2. Choose the channel guide, then select the show you want to record.
3. Select “Record Series” or “Record Episode.”

If you’re already watching a show and want to record it, simply click the remote’s menu button and select “Record.”

Record Through the Fire TV App

You can use this feature even if you’re away from home. To do this, navigate to the “On Now” listing and choose “Record.” If you’re actively watching a show on the Fire TV app, select “Record” to do the same thing.

Record Using Your Amazon Alexa

If you have an Amazon Alexa, you’re in luck. To use this method, your Alexa must be connected to your Fire TV streaming device (read: How to Link Fire TV to Alexa.) From there, you simply say, “Alexa, record [insert program here].”

Your Alexa will basically “tell” your DVR to record those programs. You can review these recordings at any time by saying, “Alexa, show my recordings,” and you can make selections from there.

Important Things to Know About the Fire TV Recast

First, Amazon’s Fire TV Recast isn’t like other DVRs. It strictly works with Amazon streaming services and devices, including:

• Amazon’s Firestick
• Any Amazon Fire TV (such as the Toshiba M550 Series TV)
• Amazon’s Fire TV Cube
• Amazon Echo Show

It does not work with Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, or other non-affiliated Amazon devices.

Other things you should know about the Fire TV Recast include:

Amazon Recast Works for Basic Cable TV

You cannot use Amazon Recast to record shows on streaming services, like Netflix or Hulu; if you want to save certain shows for later, download them or share them to your queue. Using your Recast’s digital antenna, however, you can watch:

• Local news station
• ABC
• CBS
• FOX
• NBC
• PBS
• The CW

These channels are free. If you want to record other live shows on major networks, like MTV or Bravo, you’ll have to purchase a subscription through a cable provider.

There Are Two Types of Fire TV DVRs to Choose From

There are two different Amazon TV Recasts:

• The $129.99 model comes with two tuners and 500 GB. It also stores up to 75 hours of video. It can record two shows at once.
• The $179.99 model comes with four tuners and 1 TB. It stores up to 150 hours of video and can record four shows at once.

Both devices are covered under a one-year limited warranty.

A Final Word

While Fire TV Cube doesn’t come with DVR, by purchasing an Amazon TV Recast, you can record live TV on your Fire streaming device. For more information about using this product, check out this video.