Experimental: Stream Links from the Guide via Custom Channels

[cyberskier]

@Dennis_L

My TVE doesn't have local channels.

Did you check the box in the Experimental section of the server settings, for local channel support in TVE?

[Dennis_L]

Yes…Actually Fox appears as available but I just get a forever whirlybird.

[Fofer]

Man, that saga sounds really frustrating, to see your TV options get whittled down one-by-one, especially when it’s from new DRM restrictions… ugh

Anyway, the good news is that yes, there are ways to integrate those streams you have via the apps, back into Channals DVR. There are homebrew add-on projects that are designed for this.

Here’s one, using Chrome on a server:

Chrome Capture for Channels

Simplified Installation Instructions (as of 2024-05-07 at 08:50am ET | v0.1.10) Chrome Capture for Channels will open a Chrome browser and literally capture what is being shown on that tab and project it to Channels DVR. It works based on the browser's built-in capture functionality and other programs that have taken advantage of that in the past. It requires no interaction after initial setup and only will display a specific tab to Channels DVR. It does not take over your system as it is basic…

or

AndroidHDMI for Channels (ah4c): A virtual channel tuner using HDMI Encoder(s) + streaming stick(s)

The original HDMI for Channels thread is super long, and this particular variant (dockerized version of ah4c plus ws-scrcpy) bears only a passing resemblance to the original project. So, I thought it might be time to create a new thread that highlights what the capabilities are of this very useful extension. There are two projects that use this same combination of HDMI encoder(s) + streaming stick(s) as a source for Channels DVR. This project, ah4c, and ADBTuner. ADBTuner is great for any strea…

For the latter, you’ll need a dedicated Android streamer, the Onn TV box is a solid choice:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/onn-Google-TV-4K-Streaming-Box-New-2023-4K-UHD-Resolution/2835618394

You’ll also need an HDMI encoder.

There is lots of discussion in this forum about these projects. A great place to start is by installing docker, Portainer, and then OliveTin, because OliveTin can handle the rest (and so much more) very easily for you:

OliveTin for Channels: An Interface for Misc Channels DVR Scripts & Tricks

I've been working on a Channels DVR specific version of the OliveTin project. The idea is to make this a central interface for the various scripts people have developed, and miscellaneous tricks that require Python, cURL, jq or whatever. I'll build and maintain the container, including whatever dependencies are required for your favorite script or command line magic for Channels DVR. Here are some screenshots of a few things I have running so far, just to give you an idea of what's possible. I'…

Each path has its own pros and cons of course. I encourage you to try both and see what works best for your setup. Hope this helps, and enjoy-

[babsonnexus]

Unfortunately, unless I missed something, I didn't see anything in that thread than was different than here. I already get the individual app launches; it is just the list of every station for those apps that I'm looking for in a nice, simple, collected format. Since it doesn't appear it exists, I'll have to scour this thread for what I can.

[Jean0987654321]

Yeah...thats not possible. You would have to seek that out yourself

I don't think many people want to sort through all those links. Just the ones they want IMO

[gcrowder]

So, I'm not smart with this at all. Trying to get FanDuel Sports Network South to show up in my guide.

I got all of the NBC networks to show up by copying some of the links in this thread.

FWIW, it's xfinity channel 1250 if that matters at all, but I want it to link to the FanDuel app.

[kthomas1059]

The only way I have been able to get this channel in the guide to watch has been with the FuboTV bridge Docker. Unfortunately the developer that created this docker is no longer maintaining it and the Fubo API has changed (it still works for users that have not stopped the service but new users will not be able to authenticate.)

If you just want the guide info and to open the app for the live stream this is the info I used when it was still Bally Sports branded.

#EXTINF:-1 channel-id="ballysse" tvg-chno="6301" tvc-guide-stationid="",Bally Sports Southeast
ballysports://livenow

#EXTINF:-1 channel-id="ballysso" tvg-chno="6302" tvc-guide-stationid="",Bally Sports South
ballysports://livenow

[babsonnexus]

Welp, I went through this entire thread and then some and there is an okay amount of documented Stream Link Stations, but not enough to make the "automatically build stations" component worthwhile to fully develop. That said, I have something else ready to assist with Stream Link Stations that I'll launch soon..........

[babsonnexus]

In the latest version of Playlist Manager for Channels (a Streaming Library Manager extension), there is now support for "Stream Link Stations" under Streaming Stations. Check out the details here:

Release v2025.01.28.1009 · babsonnexus/stream-link-manager-for-channels

This, combined with the new function to automatically create the Custom Channel in Channels DVR with a single button click can help make managing these and other stations and streaming playlists much easier. You'll still need to know and get the links like nbctve://live/usa yourself, but that is all you'll need to have and know in order to implement this feature.

Enjoy!

[eldienne]

Did anyone ever work out how to use the streamlines for UK apps? Specifically NOWTV, ITV FAST channels - they can be opened from TVOS using tvlauncher app so I am guessing there is a way of creating a link? Any super tech people out there that can point me in the right direction please?

[tmm1]

See:

@nigellee22

The format for Now TV deeplinks is...

nowtv://go/query/service_key/xxxx/play

[eldienne]

Thank you!!!!!