Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the things people ask most.
What is Tanso TV?
Tanso TV is a lightweight TV and DVR server that lets you watch and record over-the-air TV from your computer, phone, tablet, or other devices on your network.
Is Tanso TV really free?
Live TV viewing and recording with one compatible tuner per Tanso TV Device will remain free for as long as Tanso TV is maintained and supported — hardware-accelerated recording is included at no additional cost where your system supports it. Additional features, such as scheduled recording and remote access, may require a paid plan in the future. If you'd like to support development, there's an optional donation page, but it's never required.
What hardware do I need?
Two things: an OTA antenna to receive broadcast signals, and a compatible USB TV tuner — currently the MyGica®/Geniatech® A681 or A681B — that connects the antenna to your computer. Tanso TV is the software side — it doesn't include hardware. Support for additional tuners may be added in future releases. See the tuner compatibility guide for details.
Can I watch TV on my phone or tablet?
Yes. Tanso TV works with modern web browsers that support HTML5 video, so you can watch live TV on phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers on your home network without installing a separate app.
Which platforms are supported?
Windows 10/11 (64-bit), macOS 12 and later, and 64-bit Linux distributions. See the downloads page for the current builds.
Do I need an account or an internet connection?
This site and the Tanso TV Device: no account, ever. The optional cloud service requires one. The Device runs entirely on your local network — live TV viewing and recording don't need an internet connection or the cloud service. Accessing Tanso TV from other devices on your network may need some basic network configuration.
Where do my recordings go?
Onto your own computer, in the recording folder you choose during setup. They're standard video files — copy them, back them up, play them in any media player. Nothing is uploaded anywhere.
How many shows can I record at once?
As many as your tuner has tuners — most USB tuners have 1 or 2. Tanso TV warns you about conflicts before they happen.
Does Tanso TV work with cable or satellite?
No — Tanso TV is built for free over-the-air broadcast TV received via antenna. It doesn't decrypt cable or satellite signals.
Is my viewing data collected?
No. Tanso TV doesn't require an account and doesn't send your viewing habits anywhere. See the Privacy Policy for the full details.
Can I get a refund on a donation?
Donations are voluntary contributions, not purchases, and are non-refundable. They don't unlock anything — there are no paid features to unlock.
I found a bug / have a feature request. Where do I go?
Email [email protected] with your OS, app version, and a description of what happened. The more detail, the faster it gets fixed.
Still have questions?
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