Cutting the cord from streaming services (netflix, disney+ etc)

[Bryn]

Hey all,

I've been on a mission to break free from the terrible interfaces, user-degrading algorithms and anti-social designs of all the streaming service apps (eg Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime etc).

What I'm looking to design is a simple old-fashioned EPG style layout where I can control the schedule of options for my kids (eg gradually make the TV shows more grown up in the evening to encourage them to develop more grown-up tastes, avoid binge watching the same programme and more.

It looks like Channels might be perfect for this - I 'think' it might be possible to import streamlinks of all the shows I want to watch and then it could convert to an EPG style layout?

Can I check I've understood the documentation clearly here and this would be achieveable?

[tmm1]

You can create Virtual Channels which appear as an EPG, but they cannot contain Stream Links. This is because the point of a channel is to continue playing TV and we can't control that behavior when a stream link opens another app.

Some users use PlayOn cloud to record from the streaming services they're subscribed to, so they end up with video files at home they can make Virtual Channels with.

[Morris_Altman]

Take a look at Steam Link Manager. It's a plugin for Channels that makes managing stream links easy.

[RELEASE] Streaming Library Manager for Channels

Streaming Library Manager Dealing with all the media options available nowadays is a massive pain! For instance, in Channels DVR, users have the ability to add "Stream Links" and "Stream Files" as local content. They can also have additional custom linear stations by integrating streaming m3u playlists. And then there are even more ways to customize the experience! While these tools are powerful, they have limitations that often require a fair bit of maintenance and knowhow. But what if we coul…

You might want to create Collections for your kids. They can contain both recordings and Stream Links.

I don't know how old your kids are, young children seem to love repetition and I think it's part of the learning process.

[Jean0987654321]

If you're gonna download off the streaming sites, PlayOn Cloud or Streamfab or yt-dlp (for non-DRMed stuff) is the answer and taking advantage of Virtual Channels

Also another option, is to take advantage of stream links and collections. Its less hard drive inducive that way and you can keep the HDR (if there is HDR and you have a HDR TV) on any of the content the kids watch

[stuartsb8]

What you want to do is what I've done with Channels, but I own all my movies and shows. Its great if youve already ripped everything and have good server and a lot of storge. I came from Tivo and using Kodi as a SMB client on various andriod devices and originally on a HTPC (XBMC). Them migrated to Infuse on the Apple TV. Ive ditched all that.

I can tell you, the Channels DVR on the Apple TV is the best replacment to the Tivo out there, Just takes a little bit of work.