
Philo: Live and On-Demand TV for PC
Reviewed by Stuart Dredge · Updated

Running Philo: Live and On-Demand TV on a desktop computer transforms how you watch cable channels and streaming content: you get a full-sized window for live broadcasts and your recorded shows, plus the ability to manage playback across multiple devices from one machine. With 61 channels, unlimited DVR for 30 days, and over 50,000 hours of on-demand content, Philo fits into your existing entertainment setup without the price tag of traditional cable. You can create up to 10 profiles on a single account, so household members maintain separate watch histories and preferences while sharing one subscription.
Philo: Live and On-Demand TV on PC version opens a wider view of your streaming library than mobile alone. The desktop application lets you browse live schedules, access your saved shows, and queue up episodes while keeping your browser or other work nearby. Because Philo syncs across all your devices, you can pause a show on your phone during commute and resume it on your computer at full size: no re-buffering or navigation required.
The Core Loop: Channel Browsing, Recording, and Playback
Most sessions with Philo: Live and On-Demand TV unfold in a predictable rhythm:
- Browse the homepage categories (Keep Watching, Saved Shows, Trending Now, Top Shows, and New and Upcoming) or navigate the live TV guide for current broadcasts.
- Click a show to play it live, select a recorded episode from your DVR library, or start an on-demand title from the 50,000+ hour catalog.
- The app stores your watch position automatically, so the next time you open Philo on any device, playback resumes where you stopped.
- Use the TV Everywhere feature if you subscribe: authenticate with Philo as your TV provider in partner apps to unlock additional content outside the main interface.
- Manage your 30-day DVR by selecting any currently airing or scheduled show to record, filling your library without manual scheduling.
61 Channels and Customizable Profiles
Philo carries top-tier cable networks: AMC, Animal Planet, BBC America, BET, CMT, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, Food Network, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, History, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, MTV, Nickelodeon, Oprah Winfrey Network, VH1, WE tv, and dozens more. On a desktop, you browse these channels alongside category rows that highlight trending and new content. The profile system lets each household member maintain a separate login with their own saved shows and watch history, so recommendations stay personal even when the account is shared.
DVR and Multi-Device Continuity on Desktop
The unlimited DVR is one of Philo's core strengths: every show currently airing or scheduled to air can be recorded and stored for 30 days. When you install Philo: Live and On-Demand TV for Windows PC, the DVR management becomes simpler: you can browse your entire library on the larger screen, easily select which shows to record from the live guide, and revisit your saved content whenever you want. Desktop use shines when you sit down for a longer session and want to manage multiple shows at once without the mobile-app friction of small buttons and cramped menus. Continuity between devices means you're never locked into one screen: start watching on your computer, switch to a Roku or Android TV in another room, and pick up mid-episode.
Real-World Friction Points
User feedback reveals two persistent gaps. Some viewers report that fast-forward and rewind functions are either unavailable or inconsistent, making it tedious to skip past commercial breaks or jump to a specific scene. Guide accuracy is another issue: channel listings occasionally show the wrong program compared to what actually airs, leaving users frustrated when they tune in expecting one show and find another. Desktop playback can also be unstable for some, with buffering errors or crashes that don't occur on competing apps, though this appears intermittent rather than universal.
Select an Android emulator:  There are many free and paid Android emulators available for PC and MAC, few of the popular ones are Bluestacks, Andy OS, Nox, MeMu and there are more you can find from Google.
Compatibility:  Before downloading them take a look at the minimum system requirements to install the emulator on your PC.
For example,  BlueStacks requires OS: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista SP2, Windows XP SP3 (32-bit only), Mac OS Sierra(10.12), High Sierra (10.13) and Mojave(10.14), 2-4GB of RAM, 4GB of disk space for storing Android apps/games, updated graphics drivers.
Finally, download and install the emulator which will work well with your PC's hardware/software.
How to Download and Install Philo: Live and On-Demand TV for PC or MAC:
- Open the emulator software from the start menu or desktop shortcut in your PC.
- Associate or set up your Google account with the emulator.
- You can either install the app from Google PlayStore inside the emulator or download Philo: Live and On-Demand TV APK file and open the APK file with the emulator or drag the file into the emulator window to install Philo: Live and On-Demand TV for PC.
You can follow above instructions to install Philo: Live and On-Demand TV for PC with any of the Android emulators available.
FAQ
Can I record shows on Philo?
Yes. Philo offers unlimited DVR: you can record any show that is currently airing or scheduled to air on the service, and recordings stay available for 30 days. You save shows directly through the app without separate scheduling.
Do I need a TV provider subscription for Philo?
No. Philo is a standalone subscription service. However, once you subscribe, you can use the TV Everywhere feature to sign into partner network apps with your Philo credentials to access additional content outside the main app.
Can multiple people use one Philo account?
Yes. You can create up to 10 profiles on a single subscription, and each person gets their own login, watch history, and saved shows. This makes it easy for household members to have personalized experiences.
How does playback sync across devices?
Philo tracks your watch position automatically. When you pause a show on your phone or tablet, you can open the app on your desktop, tablet, Roku, or Firestick and resume from the same point. The app remembers where you left off across all devices.
What channels does Philo include?
Philo carries 61 channels, including AMC, Food Network, HGTV, Comedy Central, MTV, Lifetime, Discovery Channel, Hallmark Channel, and many others. Local channels are not included in the service.
Is there a free trial?
Philo requires a paid subscription to access content. The service is not free to use, though the monthly cost is lower than traditional cable packages.
Download Philo: Live and On-Demand TV

Philo: Live and On-Demand TV for PC
Stuart founded Apps Playground in 2010 to help readers find the best apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and PC. The site has never charged developers for coverage.
