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VDR vs Tvheadend: catalog facts
VDR	Tvheadend
Free Free to download from the project website.	Free Free to download and run on your own server.
Linux	Linux, Self-hosted
Flexible timer recording HDTV support in version 2	Handles broadcast tuners and IPTV in one server Streams live TV and records programmes
Needs suitable TV receiver hardware Building a system takes technical effort	Linux only Needs tuner hardware or an IPTV source to be useful
Downloadable app	Self-hosted
Closed source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.