# InstaTV Pro — user reviews > 127 indexed App Store user reviews of InstaTV Pro by KeYi Tech Inc., rated 2.20/5 from 30 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instatv-pro/id704841894/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instatv-pro/id704841894.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 4 · 4★ 3 · 3★ 3 · 2★ 4 · 1★ 16 ## What do users think of InstaTV Pro? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 🚀 Works great with HDHomeRun - 👍 Able to watch live TV on iPad - 💡 Includes Apple TV app **Cons** - 🐛 Crashes frequently - 🐛 Audio/video issues - 💰 Expensive in-app purchases required - 🔒 Lacks transparency on pricing **Commonly reported bugs** - Fails to detect/connect to HDHomeRun device - Playback freezes and stutters - Crashes when changing channels **Most requested features** - Add closed captioning support - Improve channel switching and navigation - Provide better guide data coverage ## Newest reviews (16 of 127) ### 3/5 — Works alright.... *2020-08-19, version 3.0.5* It used to work flawlessly, but lately the picture goes away and now I’m just getting audio only...only way I’ve seen to fix it is to close the app completely. When is there going to be an update? ### 3/5 — Abandoned? *2018-10-26, version 3.0.5* I like this app works ok with my hdhr prime and my hdhr original ota. But there hasn’t been an update at all in 2018. Been over a year since v3.05. So this may we’ll be an abandoned app. I hope not. If a new update comes out I’ll raise my stars rating. But if your thinking of buying be sure you watch the last time it was updated. ### 2/5 — Buggy *2018-08-09, version 3.0.5* Bought pro version to get full screen. I wish I hadn’t. Happier with plex. ### 2/5 — Doesn’t consistently work with all channels *2018-02-21, version 3.0.5* I have used the app for years and generally find it okay. Biggest issue for me is that some channels cause it to crash, while another channel right next to it works just fine (same resolution). When I try the history channel in HD, for example, it plays exactly 3 seconds, then the app will crash. The other thing I don’t like is that it doesn’t do picture I. Picture when you want to change channels. Overall, it works - most of the time and I still use it now and then, so I give it a 2.5. ### 2/5 — Crashing with latest IOS *2018-02-16, version 3.0.5* The app use to work, but now it opens up, shows the channels, but when a channel is selected it crashes. ### 2/5 — 14 dollars for full screen *2018-02-15, version 3.0.5* Yeah I want to love it but other iOS app give similar feature for less. Also had to delete and reinstall it to reduce the amount of crashing. 14 dollar for full screen feature is on the high side. Still plays hdhomerun shows well. ### 4/5 — Free OTA TV with Affordable DVR Upgrade *2017-11-01, version 3.0.5* I’ve been using this for a week with HDHomerun providing the Free OTA over my WiFi and I’m pretty impressed. Playback on the Apple TV is superior to HDHomerun’s native apps for iPad/iPhone/Mac. HDHomerun doesn’t have an AppleTV app, but endorses InstaTV. The DVR app costs extra but is a no-brainer compared to a hardware DVR. Note that the InstaTV back-end (player) is an additional cost to the HDHomerun’s front-end (recorder) that uses your Mac/PC or Network Hard Drive to record. I’d give InstaTV 5 stars except there is one annoying bug: you can’t quit the app with the normal home button. So you have to hit the TV icon button, quit the app and restart. InstaTV adopts the same tile-style interface as HDHomerun’s native apps, but I would have preferred a traditional TV Guide style grid. The large tiles take too long to load and stick as you scroll (I’m using an ATV Gen 3). InstaTV could also use a 30 second skip forward button (which HDHomerun has) to fast forward through commercials on DVR playback. ### 1/5 — Crashes within seconds of being launched *2017-09-17, version 3.0.5* Crashes within seconds of being launched on on iPad Mini (Gen 1) ### 1/5 — Paid for it and then they ask for more *2017-09-08, version 3.0.5* I paid for this app and now if I want to watch full screen they make you pay more. Garbage developer. ### 1/5 — Crashes! *2017-08-15, version 3.0.5* Not sure if it's the app or iOS update but it will run for a few seconds and then crash. ### 4/5 — It's worked fine for me ... 2017 update *2017-06-28, version 3.0.5* Now June 2017: Good to see an update. Adding sound does help users know it will work after purchase for those who had been uncertain about the purchase for sound. I hope this will help the developer assure customers. I was already pleased. Before: I recently semi-cut the cord. I have InstaTV on my Fire TV because Channels isn't available. I was afraid from reviews but bought it anyway. It works. There are settings you can adjust/change that can improve functionality. I don't do any recording, just viewing. The TV shows' artwork is accurate and I have no complaints about paying for the app. I hope it stays functional through software updates for FireTV. ### 1/5 — What's the point of the update? *2017-06-21, version 3.0.3* I see the update, try to update, receive message that it is not for my device. So now I have to forever look at this stupid update that can never be applied? Bad form for a paid app. ### 1/5 — Paid $14.99 still Audio not working *2017-06-19, version 3.0.3* Never use this app ,I try to use network home run to watch channels after download app audio not working show audio codec not support need to purchase it cost 14.99 guess what after 3mins channel audio not working I need restart app.i try different channels same problem.I am using iPhone6. never download this app ### 1/5 — broken won't discover my hdhomerun *2017-06-18, version 3.0.3* this app is pure junk, no audio without a fee. i'm glad i didn't pay since now it won't even find my hdhomerun prime on the network. silicon dust should be ashamed. i'm disappointed with my whole experience. the fact they would even suggest i use this app to view my tv on my devices is an insult and i'm offended. what a joke no wonder they don't put their own name on the ios software. instafrustration pro ### 1/5 — arnaque - pourrit - vol *2017-06-07, version 3.0.3* This is a terrible app and event a worse producer. Extremelly unstable, way too expesive and so extremelly limited. Unfortunately 0 does not exist. ### 1/5 — Click bait cheese *2017-06-03, version 3.0.3* Audio held hostage for $14.99. Thank goodness for android and Kodi HD Homerun apps. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Crashes on launch *2021-03-15, version 3.0.5* Never opens, crashes at launch. Rip off, avoid and save your money. ### 1/5 — Used to work *2020-01-08, version 3.0.5* This app used to be great, but since the latest iOS update, I can’t get any channel to stream. Audio comes in momentarily, and then the app force closes. Such a disappointment. ### 1/5 — T in T *2019-09-19, version 3.0.5* This app is absolute trash. No program guide whatsoever and you need to make a purchase to watch during content. Further, the menu button does not back you out of the app in step-wise fashion as you’d expect, it does nothing. You need to click the tv icon button on the remote but then that clears you out of the app completely. I don’t know the cost of in-app purchase as it appeared you need to complete a purchase to find out how much it cost. No, I’ll just use an iPad and AirPlay to watch live broadcast and my dvr tv content from my HDHomerun. Too bad Apple doesn’t get it together for the same app to be available for Apple TV ### 1/5 — Issues to be address pls *2018-11-19, version 3.0.5* Hi, would it be possible to fix the below issues for apple tv? - app does not close with single menu button click (only way is to force app kill with long press) - app crashes when changing channel (everytime) - if possible, automatically change to watch tab when channel is selected (good to have) Will update review when issues are addressed. Thanks ### 1/5 — They’re nuts *2018-06-08, version 3.0.5* They want $21 just to display full screen? I might have given them $2. ### 1/5 — App does not work consistently; quits quite a bit *2018-03-30, version 3.0.5* I love my box but this app needs some work. It quits all the time and consistently. I really wish they would do an update that increases performance. ### 1/5 — Ridiculous...less than poor *2017-12-05, version 3.0.5* The app seems to work if all you want to do is watch a tv channel. But try and rewind a second or two and next thing you know is the audio plays from the rewind and you are dumped to the channel screen with absolutely no way to get back to see the picture. This app has so many issues, it is ridiculous. If you try adding more buffer memory for it to use, it won’t do it unless you start at 1GB and slowly select each one until to get to a higher usage. Also, touch the screen to adjust the sound/video is a joke as it constantly bounces back and forth between the two and you find yourself adjusting the wrong thing. Seriously this app is of no value, let alone $15. What is truly bizarre is their AppleTV app seems to work just fine. And the AppleTV version has a help menu too. But at $25 who knows what the next upgrade will destroy on that. This developer has absolutely NO QUALITY CONTROL PERIOD! It will NOT WORK CORRECTLY on an iPad Pro or an iPhone X. The last version of this app is from June 25, 2017. This is December 5, 2017th! What the heck??? How on earth did this pass Apple’s strict guidelines? It appears the developers only interest seems to be collecting gobs of money and just sit back and count it. ### 1/5 — No Premium Channels!!! *2017-10-28, version 3.0.5* Channels also doesn’t support DRM but at least has a better user experience with friendly GUI. ### 1/5 — Nothing but crashes *2017-10-26, version 3.0.5* Over and over again, nothing but crashing. Can’t watch anything. ### 1/5 — Newest version crashes *2017-10-24, version 3.0.5* Crashes every few seconds... very expensive, very flawed app. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Love this app. *2019-09-08, version 3.0.5* The app takes about 5-10 seconds to sync up but then runs smooth. You need to have the antenna on the same network as the display device. It does require a good LAN and a small device to flood the channels into your network. We use it everyday! My favorite option is to “listen” with an iOS device and watch of TV at the same time. ### 5/5 — Please upgrade the app *2018-09-17, version 3.0.5* This is the only app that can use the HDhomerun with multiple networks... please upgrade the app!!! ### 5/5 — Great app *2018-05-26, version 3.0.5* Love the Apple TV app the kids can now watch TV without all the problems of wiring up the TV ### 5/5 — Works great as Apple TV app *2017-11-20, version 3.0.5* Update: you must run this app via ethernet on Apple TV if you use the Apple TV version. It is the only way. BUT, when you do, it works great! Never a problem with Silicon Dust Prime and a cable card. I ran some Ethernet cable in the basement to the LR HDTV and a Ethernet bridge (Apple TV, Home Run Prime, Roku, AV receiver)and it has worked great. The only thing missing is the ability to jump to a previous station, like on a real remote. It they added THAT, it would be great! —————— I should first say that, the glitchy issues may be my fault. I am running the ethernet direct to an Airport Extreme (ver.1) which is bridged directly to the main Airport Extreme (latest). I think this, in turn, sends the data to my Apple TV (latest) and the InstaTV app to watch shows. I think the drops and freezes (impossible to predict or how bad) that occur, may be due to that Wi-Fi situation I have running. But, there are times, hours, where it works really very fine with no freezes and no crashes. The freezes happen, of course, just as a critical moment in a show occurs. So it can be annoying and, I will eventuallly hard wire it in. Doing a hard wire eithernet in my home will be a big job so, I have to live with this but, when I do it, my guess is that the three stars will be more like 4.5. The UI for it is OK. I'd like to see it do more though. Changing channels can be a pain due to the long scroll needed. (That is bad UX.) A jump to last channel feature would be really handy. Just like on analogue button remotes. This feels like a good beta than a finished product. Frankly, I am just so happy it exists. This is really the best way for a Mac user to get this to the family room TV short of using an old (or new and costly) Mac hooked up directly to the TV. But with an Apple TV, and this, you can just use your Apple TV for ALL TELEVISION VIEWING! (No, I am not getting a cheap PC for the TV.) Just being able to give up the crappy, ugly, powering hungry device cable companies force you to rent, makes this whole set up worth it. Sadly, Verizon Fios makes me rent a cable card for $60 a year. Roughly half the costs of the ugly cable box. They should GIVE customers the cards! (Like other cable companies do.) My big fear is if this app vanishes. Then what? No way I am going back to a crappy cable box. Then, cable would truly be dead or in a state like AM radio. Low end only. I have not listend to AM in, 40 years? Indeed, the only reason I have cable was it came with the cheapest internet deal I could find. Feeling ripped off and snookered by Verizon when I found out I was paying for cable TV but NOT able to get HD channels unless I rented the crappy box. This is a better and cheaper solution. Pay for the HD Homerun Prime, rent the card, figure out how it works with Apple TV. Get on with life with as little technology from the cable company as possible. BTW: You do not need to buy or rent the Fios Wi-Fi routers, like the Quantum. Just have the installer (for free, first time) run an ethernet from the Fios box (inside or outside) to your OWN ROUTER. I had them do that across basement and up into a central closet where I placed the Airport Extreme. No visible wires and a hidden router I own. No rental and no cost! ### 5/5 — Great app *2017-01-14, version 3.0.3* Works like a charm if you have a decend wifi. Ca fonctionne tres bien pour nous. Prevoyez un 20$ pour le son. ### 5/5 — Includes Apple TV app (unlike Channels)! *2016-12-25, version 3.0.3* This download includes iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV apps. Competing app, Channels, does not include Apple TV app, which then costs $25 more! And the InstaTV Apple TV app is completely free with no in-app upgrade needed. To everyone complaining, and giving 1 star because it's not free, try going to work for no pay. Dummies. ### 5/5 — Thank you! *2016-12-18, version 3.0.3* Love the app! Can always improve but thanks ! ### 5/5 — Purchase covers iPad and Apple TV apps *2016-11-09, version 3.0.3* Unlike the 'Channels' app, this one provides the a version for the iPad an Apple TV with one purchase. It's gotten much better recently, probably due to competition and the appearance of Apple TV. Worth the money, hopefully the developer keeps at it and maybe takes some UX inspiration from the competition. ### 5/5 — Works great with HDprime *2016-10-02, version 3.0.3* Great update. Channel guide is working for me. Much easier to see what's on and watch. Edit: still works fine on my iPhone 6 and iPad Air 2. Edit 2: I really do not understand the complaints. I can stream 720p sports like football without stutter using an ASUS AC68U router. If you have an old iPhone/iPad you are not going to be able to transcode video without stutter. Ditto if you have an outdated router. ### 5/5 — Update *2016-05-21, version 3.0* I like the new update and thumbnail channel view thanks The update did add all channels to my favorites and now I have to hand removed most of them Unable to view video in portrait mode only landscape even though the icon to switch between the two is still there --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*