In the latest pre-release build (v2021.01.15.2241), I've added support for a new experimental .strmlnk file format, which allows you to add links from within Channels to other apps on your Apple TV. (This was inspired by recent discussion in Add deeplinks to purchased Itunes content)
Say you have purchased Jurassic Park on iTunes. You would go to https://tools.applemediaservices.com/ and search for the movie, then click Content Link > Copy Link to get something like this:
https://tv.apple.com/movie/jurassic-park/umc.cmc.3bp8rj8ab9otj4ug279xhib2f?itsct=tv_box&itscg=30200
Next, you would setup a new imports path on your DVR for movies, and create a new file there called Jurassic Park (1993).strmlnk
with the url inside. For example, from the command-line:
echo "https://tv.apple.com/movie/jurassic-park/umc.cmc.3bp8rj8ab9otj4ug279xhib2f?itsct=tv_box&itscg=30200" > "/Volumes/DVR/Imports/Movies/Jurassic Park (1993).strmlnk"
And that's it! Now when the DVR scans your imports folder, it will create an entry for Jurassic Park:
With the latest Apple TV TestFlight release (v1.15.2250), you can then click Watch on your Apple TV and it will open iTunes to take you to the movie.
You can put any valid iOS/tvOS link in these files. Most apps have a way to deep-link into content, and you can generally figure out how to do it for a certain app by searching google or r/shortcuts on reddit.
Here are a few examples to get you guys started:
- https://stackoverflow.com/questions/34730105/how-do-i-deep-link-to-netflix-on-tvos/34731436
- https://stackoverflow.com/questions/34473037/youtube-url-scheme-tvos/63788849#63788849
- https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D54P00006zSvD2SAK/universal-linkdeep-link-to-amazon-prime-video-ios-app
- http://demo.guidebox.com/
Have fun, and share your experiences below. If this experiment works out well, we will consider doing the same for TV shows as well.