How can I easily switch between two DVR servers in the client app? (one server is local, one is remote)

#1

I have a Channels DVR server set up at home in the US. I would also like to set up a separate Channels DVR server up in my home in the UK.

(1) I've tested a two server setup locally and I can't figure out a quick way to switch between the two – I have to manually input the IP address of the server I want to connect to. Yuck. Surely there's a nicer way to do this? I was hoping it would be as easy as toggling between Plex servers. I understand that a two server setup (one local, one remote) might not be a popular setup, but a simple way of 'bookmarking' the address of both servers in the client app seems logical, right? I should be able to toggle servers as easily as I can toggle tuner sources.

(2) The only other option I can think of is to download both copies of the Channels app (taking advantage of how there are currently two identical versions in the App Store) and use one for local US TV and one for remote 'Away from Home' for UK TV. Would this be a workaround? How would the 'Away from Home' connection know which server I wanted to connect to though?

(3) If we can at least get both server addresses (one local, one remote) saved into the client, my next wish would be that the both the US and UK TV guides can get merged into one main guide. However I would settle for a simple toggle between the two.

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#2

#2 won’t work as all the apps share their settings.

We understand this is frustrating, but like you said, this is a rare scenario. Because of this, it just hasn’t been a priority.

Plex was designed with sharing servers in mind. That’s not something we want to be a part of. Channels was designed for personal use.

Again, I’m not saying we won’t get to this, this is just the explanation of why it’s not been a priority.

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#4

Thanks for the reply. Maybe when you've done everything on your wishlist then you guys can tackle this :slight_smile:

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#5

Install 2 versions of Channels client on your device and then each server can be accessed by switching between apps. For instance, install regular and beta versions on Android. Not sure about iOS. Also, there is a paid app and free app that install seperately.

#6

All versions of the Apple clients share the same settings, regardless of stable/release, beta, or the live/DVR version. There is just one "settings" storage for all of them.

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#7

Can the client remember the last IP so there is no need to type with the remote everytime? I have an ATV and a Firestick on the main screen but sometimes I would like to watch from another TV with only one device and the process of going remote involves typing the same IP every time. I have a two letter alias in DNS but it can not be used :sob:

#8

Yes, I would like to see a dropdown or some way to save the IP address, as well.

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#9

Bumping this, has there been any movement on being able to have a drop-down of recently accessed Channels servers in the AndroidTV app? I often find myself doing tech support for my fathers DVR. I have to enter his Tailscale IP each time I need to hop over to his instance and check things (from the app). Then have to re-enter my details when switching back.

Having a recently-used list, like iOS would be a real help.

#10

+1
Being able to connect to switch servers from one app is a desired feature.