BETA: PlayOn Cloud integration (prerelease)

Channels DVR Server
#1

In the latest DVR pre-release (v2021.02.01.2159), we're testing built-in integration with PlayOn Cloud.

If you're not familiar with PlayOn Cloud, it's a cloud-based service that you can configure to record on-demand shows off popular platforms like Hulu, Netflix, etc. You can read more about PlayOn Cloud and the services it supports on https://www.playon.tv/cloud

With our new DVR integration, you can link your PlayOn Cloud account with your DVR. You would still use the regular PlayOn app to schedule your recordings, but once a recording is completed it will automatically be downloaded into your DVR next to the rest of your recordings.

Try it out, and share your experiences below!

Documentation

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PlayOn with Channels DVR - Desktop vs. Cloud
Ideal Set Up - Configuration Xfinity CableCARD X2 HDHR3-CC
#2

Is this only for their "cloud" recordings storage, or will it work with the non-cloud storage also (cloud storage is a bit more $ , I use the non-cloud and download direct when it is done... they only keep recordings for 7 days with this option)?

#3

I guess they are both "cloud", but I do not pay for "forever" storage, per their website:

All recordings will be stored in the cloud for a complimentary 7-day period. Or, you can store in the cloud for longer with a PlayOn Cloud Recording and Storage plan.

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#4

It's only for PlayOn Cloud, but you don't need their "cloud storage" just per-recording credits.

#5

Cool, I have PlayOn and have tried to setup their auto down loader, but it is flaky. My DVR is too busy to update to this release, but tomorrow I will be able to test this out (and even have a recording at playon to see how this goes).

Will post results here as to how it works for me.

Thank you for this new feature!

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#6

Ok I linked my account but nothing happened ... ?

OK I think I got it recording a movie on the clod now. Will let you know what happens.

#7

Looks interesting, but after browsing their website I'm curious about the specs.

Looks like the recordings are to MP4 files with a max resolution of 720p, no matter the source.

They don't mention if they're all at some fixed frame rate or if it matches the recorded streams frame rate.

They don't mention audio specs, if it's stereo, surround sound, multiple audio tracks, etc.

Not all recordings made will preserve closed captions?

Do the downloaded recordings with commercials have the commercials marked (assuming mp4 chapter marks or similar) and does Channels DVR use those commercial marks when playing back.

#8

In my experience (using playon for Tubi, Amazon Prime) I end up with 720p max recordings.

They also appear to be at 24.xxx frame rate (at least the 2 recent ones I just checked).

Audi is plain stereo.

I believe if the source has CC, it is also in the file.

Commercials do have chapter markers to indicate commercials (though I run comskip to produce EDL for Kodi use, so not sure how channels might interpret/use the chapter markers).

And, you should know that they pre-pend and post-pend a splash screen identifying your IP (IP used in making recording request to PLayOn, and your "name" as setup in Playon)... these are usually short 4-5 second splash scenes (I chop them off via FFMPEG before placing in library)

Also, for Amazon, they often record the "upcoming" ads that Amazon might play at the beginning of a recording (again, I remove these via comskip).

Hope this helps fill in some blanks for you.

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#9

It does, Thank You!

#10

Never get to authorize or log in

#11

I just fixed a problem with the Link button not working due to some popup blockers. Please try with v2021.02.02.0014

#12

Got it thanks. Does it show in channels server that it's linked?

#13

Yes it should be listed in the Sources area if it worked.

1 Like
#14

not showing after it took me their website and said it was kinked to my device

#15

Just showed up. Thanks

#16

Thank you for this add-on. Got my account linked and will post any issues. I'm just now recording my first video. I've had been using the desktop software with hardly any issues.

#17

It says it is linked to my account but nothing in sources.

I get this on web browser ...

Your device has been paired to your PlayOn Cloud account.

Access PlayOn Cloud Downloader from your desktop tray.

#18

It took some time for my to show up.

#19

It has been over an hour ... still nothing.

Logs have been submitted as 6f2d2bb4-4adc-402c-993c-34542f3de85d

#20

Try updating to the latest pre-release and trying again. We've done a couple passes on this.

Previously, some browsers were blocking the auth tab as if it were a pop up.

Please report version number and browser version if you report an issue.