ADBTuner: A "channel tuning" application for networked Google TV / Android TV devices

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#267

ah4channels=androidhdmi-for-channels (sullrich fork) -- ah4channels was just my attempt to differentiate the sullrich fork from the original. As you know, I containerized the original extension, and later the fork. It's become a really capable project, with some impressive features:

and for the Docker container:

https://hub.docker.com/repository/docker/bnhf/androidhdmi-for-channels

I haven't added ffmpeg to the container yet though, but that would be easy enough to do if there's interest. Support for custom transcoding is already in the source, and was being used by @KompilerDJ for the internal capture cards he was using.

I think it's important for users of this project, that mostly came from the original androidhdmi-for-channels, to understand there's a "companion" project that can already address many of the "blue sky" features people are likely to conjure up. Especially now that ADBTuner is addressing the core functionality many were struggling with.

3 Likes
#268

Two step reply here, because you've just described exactly what PlayOn does -- which is also nicely integrated into Channels DVR. PlayOn is flat-out awesome when it comes to static content like you're talking about. I use it with pretty much all of my streaming services. PlayOn recording credits are cheap in bulk, and typically last me quite a while.

With all the fantastic CDVR extensions that have been developed, like this one, it's more important than ever to choose the right tool for the job. :slight_smile:

1 Like
#269

I've used PlayOn Cloud, and even have some credits remaining. I do have some concern with using it now that Netflix is looking for account sharing, as the cloud version will be using a different IP address than I normally use. But that might be unnecessary worry on my part. I do find the Netflix recordings in PlayOn to be solid, but the Disney+ ones weren't the greatest. I'm on a Mac, so unfortunately can't use the desktop version.

HDMI for Channels
#270

Cool, I see there are a bunch, which one are you using? The free "Google Home" is working for me, but the functionality feels a bit buried. What other remote app have you found that works well?

Good points and thanks for the informative replies, it all makes a lot of sense. I'm going to install the docker of ah4channels (sullrich fork) and run it concurrently alongside ADBTuner as described.

True that!

I tried to install using the command listed on linked page, but got this error:

fofer@CDVRServer ~ % docker pull bnhf/androidhdmi-for-channels
Using default tag: latest
Error response from daemon: manifest for bnhf/androidhdmi-for-channels:latest not found: manifest unknown: manifest unknown

Installing via this instead worked fine:

docker pull bnhf/androidhdmi-for-channels:alpha2
HDMI for Channels
#271

This reminded me of an old thread someone posted awhile ago to create a manual Channels recording from terminal. I took that and created a Keyboard Maestro macro that prompted the user for some information about the recording (channel#, duration, title and a bunch of optional parameters) then it creates a json file with that data and commands Channels to start the recording. I tried it on one of my ADBTuner channels and it worked great. I filled in the required fields, clicked ok, then ADBTunder went to work tuning the channel while ChannelsDVR started recording. This could work for deep links in ADBTuner or ah4channels.

The key command to start the recording after you populate the json file is:

curl -XPOST --data-binary @/tmp/CDVRrecording.json http://(ip-of-channels):8089/dvr/jobs/new
1 Like
#272

With great power comes great responsibility :laughing:, i.e. you need a lot more than that:

version: '3.9'
services:
  androidhdmi-for-channels:
    image: bnhf/androidhdmi-for-channels:alpha2
    container_name: ah4channels-alpha
    hostname: ah4channels
    dns_search: localdomain # Specify the name of your LAN's domain, usually local or localdomain
    ports:
      - 5037:5037 # Port used by adb-server
      - 7654:7654 # Port used by this androidhdmi-for-channels proxy
    environment:
      - IPADDRESS=${IPADDRESS} # Hostname or IP address of this androidhdmi-for-channels extension to be used in M3U file (also add port number if not in M3U)
      - NUMBER_TUNERS=${NUMBER_TUNERS} # Number of tuners you'd like defined 1, 2, 3 or 4 supported
      - TUNER1_IP=${TUNER1_IP} # Streaming device #1 with adb port in the form hostname:port or ip:port
      - TUNER2_IP=${TUNER2_IP} # Streaming device #2 with adb port in the form hostname:port or ip:port
      - TUNER3_IP=${TUNER3_IP} # Streaming device #3 with adb port in the form hostname:port or ip:port
      - TUNER4_IP=${TUNER4_IP} # Streaming device #4 with adb port in the form hostname:port or ip:port
      - ENCODER1_URL=${ENCODER1_URL} # Full URL for tuner #1 in the form http://hostname/stream or http://ip/stream
      - ENCODER2_URL=${ENCODER2_URL} # Full URL for tuner #2 in the form http://hostname/stream or http://ip/stream
      - ENCODER3_URL=${ENCODER3_URL} # Full URL for tuner #3 in the form http://hostname/stream or http://ip/stream
      - ENCODER4_URL=${ENCODER4_URL} # Full URL for tuner #4 in the form http://hostname/stream or http://ip/stream
      - STREAMER_APP=${STREAMER_APP} # Streaming device name and streaming app you're using in the form scripts/streamer/app (use lowercase with slashes between as shown)
      - CHANNELSIP=${CHANNELSIP} # Hostname or IP address of the Channels DVR server itself
      #- ALERT_SMTP_SERVER="smtp.gmail.com:587"
      #- ALERT_AUTH_SERVER="smtp.gmail.com"
      #- ALERT_EMAIL_FROM=""
      #- ALERT_EMAIL_PASS=""
      #- ALERT_EMAIL_TO=""
      #- ALERT_WEBHOOK_URL=""
    volumes:
      - /data/androidhdmi-for-channels/scripts:/opt/scripts # pre/stop/bmitune.sh scripts will be stored in this bound host directory under streamer/app
      - /data/androidhdmi-for-channels/m3u:/opt/m3u # m3u files will be stored here and hosted at http://<hostname or ip>:7654/m3u for use in Channels DVR - Custom Channels settings
      - /data/androidhdmi-for-channels/adb:/root/.android # Persistent data directory for adb keys
    restart: unless-stopped

Portainer is your friend here...

#273

Can we maybe move the android-hdmi troubleshooting to that thread?

It’s absolutely cool to discuss that and other projects here, just don’t want confusion with docker-compose files and such.

#274

Yes, absolutely.

#275

I have the URay encoder as a second tuner and I have audio sync issues, even after using the suggested settings. I have ordered two J-Tech HD enconders (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0761X6L3C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) the first one is perfect, no sync issues, CPU is around 70% when encoding. On the second unit I purchased the CPU was constantly over 100% and the image stuttered.

#276

I just bought the Exvist H265 video encoder and wanted to know if i neded some specific settings.
The tuner i'm using is an ONN 4k.
I have it all setup just want to make sure picture is good on my 55 In tv etc.
Any settings would be good to know.
Assistance appreciated.

#277

Update on the non-launching on subsequent channels problem, it seems to have solved itself with a complete reinstall. It does persist with the FireTV 4K stick (2018), but given the giant warnings I'm ok with that :slight_smile:

Now if only my encoder would arrive!

#278

Mine took a bit to arrive.
So far so good.

1 Like
#279

I saw that encoder but went with the J-Tech instead :man_facepalming: . Could've saved a bunch with the Exvist too!

#280

The “LinkPi ENC1-V2” has worked well for me.

#281

That one would've saved me even more! Tempting to go dual encoders now haha

#282

I've seen quite a bit about the j-tech.
I would be tempted to add an additional ONN box if I had extra room and outlets.
I want to stay with ONN because they are cheap.
Now, I have my bedroom tv playing the stream without a problem.
When I go to the living room on the apple tv it seems to have a little issue playing through the channels app.
I'm guessing it is display settings or Wi-Fi connectivity.
I need to do more testing.
I chose to not spend a lot because the solution is only here to grab what isn't on TVE.

#283

Fair!

Interestingly Wal-Mart doesn't seem to sell the ONN here, or I would've done the same.

So far ADBTuner seems to be working very well (I'm using my HDHomerun as a test endpoint while I wait)!

#284

ADBTuner has been working extremely well for me with a Uraytech encoder ($198 on Amazon) which can do 1080p60 - I purchased this encoder because, at the time, it was one of a few that were cited as working with HDMI for Channels and it does 60fps - the 4K version just downscales the image to 1080 anyways - with the "go" program and HDMI for channels solution, I had frequent A/V sync. issues and also had to repair recordings with incorrect lengths by doing a manual "fix video timestamps" afterwards -

With ADBTuner and a nightly re-boot at 4AM - all recordings have been clean - I've even changed the encoding settings from CBR to VBR and lowered the bitrate from 10000 to 8000 and it just works - one thing - I contacted URaytech and got the latest firmware for the encoder - the original firmware actually had a virus that got detected when I downloaded it - I am using an Onn TV 4K by the way via WiFi and I have never seen a glitch so haven't needed an OTG ethernet adapter

Now that more encoders have been tested, I might consider purchasing a 2nd less expensive model as long as someone can vouch for it and it has to do 1080p60 h.264 (h.265 optional)

Also, BTW, maintenance is a breeze running ADBTuner on Unraid, which has the capability to check for updates, inform me and update the docker (but I realize most of you don't have an Unraid server)

The only thing that I am wondering now is when will my YTTV channel URLs (links) expire?

HDMI for Channels
#285

Oh don't curse us :slight_smile: If I have to go through trying to nail down the Fubo scheme again...

#286

I have an odd issue with my encoder that i can't figure out.
When i watch the strema on my phone or smaller tv, it looks normal
If i go and watch on my 55 inch TV, I can play the stream through channels but it pixelates.
None of my other stuff does this.
What am I missing?
I do have an older AV receiver and my apple tv goes through my receiver so thinking it isn't giving the full benefit of my apple tv 4k
Almost tempted to pug in the apple tv direct to the Tv.
When it starts it buffers a little but unsure.
On the phone and in the bedroom it plays fine.
the mahine running ADB and encoder are hardwired on my network.

thanks