Best way to ensure that Channels DVR is up and running at all times

Channels DVR Server
#1

As I am a newer user, I may not know all the nuances of this new (to me) program. As I was formerly with Windows Media Center, I could remotely access my schedule and set recordings at any time as long as my PC was on.

I have occasionally tested my set-up by accessing remotely either on my wi-fi or outside of my home. On a couple of occasions I have noticed that the PC that I am running channels DVR IS powered on, but I am not connected to the server.

Simple question on my end: What is the nest way to set things up so channels DVR is ALWAYS connected to the server. I understand if there is a power outage, things wont work. But is there some setting I need to enable so that once power is restored and device powered up, everything is up and running?

Should I always have the server settings tab up and open on this PC? If I have weekly overnight updates scheduled, will the PC automatically reconnect to the server?

Any hints and tips for this is greatly appreciated.

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#2

I use uptimerobot

UptimeRobot: Free Website Monitoring Service

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#3

I appreciate the reply, but I am not looking for constant monitoring "IF" it is up and running.

I'd like to know what I need to do to lock it in so it is running all the time. I know WMC is a dinosaur, but if the PC was on, WMC was running and connected - automatically. Looking for the same here

#4

You can set Channels to run as a service or to automatically start when the PC powers. That way anytime the PC reboots, channels will be active.

There is also a setting you can change in your PC's BIOS. Look for a setting named “Restore on AC/Power Loss” or “AC Power Recovery” or "After Power Loss" and make sure it is set to Power On.

If there is a power outage, you PC will start back up when power is restored. And Channels will start with the PC. :grinning:

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#5

thank you very much, these are the type of things i was looking for.
I didn't see upfront where it was that i "set as service" or automatically start, can you point me in that direction, as for the computer Bios, I'll have to hunt that down myself

Thank you

#6

Assuming Windows.

From Channels — Channels DVR Server

Install Notes

The service starts up automatically on login. Run netplwiz.exe to enable auto login and ensure the service is always running after a reboot.
#7

When you click SetupChannelDVR.exe, you get the option to start Channels or run it as a service.
Channels - Service

If ChannelsDVR is already running, find the icon in your task bar and right-click it. You will get the option to "Run at Login"
Channels Run At Login

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#8

thank you, I do have "run at log in" checked

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#9

You should run it as a service if you want to maximize the probability that it will run all the time.

See this post and the one that follows it:

(Maybe read the whole thread.)

When it is running as a service there won't be any icon in the notification area.

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#10

It would be pretty easy to create a batch file that occasionally checks to see if Channels DVR is running and starts it if it is found to be down. A better solution would use wget to retrieve a page from the Channels DVR web server. If the retrieved file fails, the batch file could restart the program or service. The second option has the advantage of working when Channels is found to be running but unresponsive.

#11

One issue: if you install Channels as a service for windows, you need to use workarounds if any of your sources are network mounts.

Secondly: I am not certain if this applies to Windows the same as *nix, but sometimes the service won't start until you have actually logged in. (On Linux systems with SystemD, you can use the --linger option when starting the service, but I am not certain if there is a Win or BSD equivalent.)

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#12

My Windows PC is a dedicated server so it is set to automatically login a local account on power up.
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-to-login-automatically-to-windows-11/c0e9301e-392e-445a-a5cb-f44d00289715

#13

My HTPC is really only used as a "blu-ray recorder" and subsequent editing.
I do appreciate the replies, but am confused from pervious responses if "run as service" (JTANDERSON post) or the alternative (chDVRuser/network guy posts).

#14

"Best way to ensure that Channels DVR is up and running at all times"

The real answer to that is to use a dedicated appliance for the DVR server, not a computer you may turn off or use for other purposes. (and certainly not Windows OS as that one is the lowest on the totem pole for reliability of 100% uptime) I have a always on Win 11 box, that is always going offline in some fashion or make me have to go in a touch on something to restore functions, no matter how much u tweak the OS

The Channels Image and a Raspberry Pi4b is perfect and sole purpose is to be a Channels DVR server. Uses maybe 3 watts of power to and is always on. Just flash the image to a usb drive, (ssd for best performance, plug into usb 3 port on the Pi, boots up in few secs.

Downsides of the Pi is that is can only handle one remote transcode stream, and comskip, when that runs, is cpu intensive and will take longer than using a "normal pc". But if you are the only user, Pi is great. If you have multi-users, multi remote streaming etc, then Pi is not powerful enough .

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#15

thank you for the thoughts,
my HTPC is dedicated to and only used for:
viewing/recording, editing and burning of HD material

#16

I have been running a "media" server on a Windows 7 then Windows 11 PC for over a decade with no problems. With Windows 11, I just check when new updates are being released and ensure that I am there when they are installed.

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#17

Honestly, it does not make that much of a difference if all of your media is on the same PC.

I use the "Run at Login" method. Just today, we had a power outage for a couple of hours. The PC is on a UPS, but that was only good for an hour. When the power cam back on:

  • My PC Powered on (BIOS Setting)
  • Windows automatically logged in
  • ChannelsDVR started

If I was running Channels as a service, I would have had to do the following:

  • BIOS Setting to Power ON PC
  • Create Windows user account and run the service using it (files on my NAS)
  • Set the ChannelsDVR service to automatically start

As long as you have configured everything correctly, both approaches work.

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#18

This is the right answer. If cost isn't a giant issue, I'd suggest a NAS box. Channels will run on almost any NAS including FreeNAS. I personally run it on a Synology NAS. I have tested it on most other platforms and the NAS is the most stable and most convenient. FreeNAS will run on older PC hardware too, so it can be an inexpensive option.

#19

If Windows update / reboots does still pose an issue or added disruptions despite getting the above settings in place, there’s an LTSC version of Windows (10) that doesn’t install the bloatware (or even Windows store) and it behaves much nicer related to updates, usually only about monthly (unless critical vulnerability).

The 2019 version also has 10 years of promised update support. Can have it set to update overnight (or wait on you to permit it etc) and with the above settings to autorestart services you should be good to go. Very NAS like behavior, and then you can continue to take advantage of faster x86 processor like with the HTPC concept, ie the PC you have.

Just FYI, The newer lower clocked versions of I3 or I5 Intel 8/9/10th Gen CPUs are also great for this purpose (AND speedy for disc rips and those sorts of occasional use things you mentioned). Windows in this config makes a rather shockingly well behaved and zippy “NAS” (less reboots than my QNAP lately…) and those downclocked newer CPUs are nearly as efficient as NAS boxes power wise. I then use built in RDP (Remote Desktop) to log in via browser and of course Windows has that working super smooth, in case you need to do Windows Appliance type things, IE can then set the PC out of the way, no monitor, just like a NAS.

I also run my PlayON (3rd party) service on that PC (can download subscription service movies/shows to PC by using your streaming service subscription logins). Works great with Channels.

#20

I have an i7, and i have decided to only run updates early Tuesday morning, so i know to check up on Tuesday.

though for whatever reason, my last update failed and seem to have issues doing a back up... :expressionless: