Is what I’m trying to do possible?

#1

I’m trying to create an iOS shortcut that can be run from a HomePod which will start playback of a recording on a particular Apple TV. An example use case is for my father to be able to say, “Hey Siri, turn on the hockey game”.

I have everything figured out with the exception of getting the recording ID from Channels. I would then use a webhook to send the appropriate command to the desired Channels client. Because the title is dynamic based on different teams playing, I can’t figure out how to work around this. I’ve tried playing with a virtual channel and custom rules, however this probably isn’t ideal.

Any thoughts?

#2

You can use the server API to fetch the recordings of that “show”, the hockey league, and then find the latest recording, get its ID, and use that to play the recording on Channels.

In this case, you’ll probably not want to use the shortcuts at all and will want to just use the Channels API to control it directly.

Channels Support - Channels API

#3

Actually, scratch all that. All of this is able to happen from the built in shortcuts.

Use the Watch Show on Other Device. Pick the show. Then pick the device. Then use the Play Next option so it always starts playing the next item, and it will work.

Make sure you use the Show Options in your library to set the show to Watch Newest First so that it always picks the right recording.

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#4

This is brilliant, cheers!

#5

Unfortunately, I have to use the API method that you outlined as the shortcuts method does not work for me since the title is dynamic based on what teams are playing and will change from recording to recording. If I could use a wild card of some sort in the title name of the shortcut action, that might work but that doesn’t currently seem to be possible.

Looking at the API documentation, I don’t see a way to request a list of recordings, could you please share with me the specific API request for doing so?

Thanks so much for your help! :grinning:

#6

You can play with the API Explorer in your Channels DVR Server web admin to get just the right endpoint.

Find it under the Support section in the nav.

#7

Perfect! Thanks so much, this should keep me up all night :grinning:…

#8

Is there a way to use a team ID in the query, rather than the show (sport) id?

#9

No

#10

So would a curl command in python requesting all the recorded NBA games, then finding the first occurrence of the team and copying the file path be a reasonable workflow?

#11

Unfortunately not since I’m using the ESPN+ Channels Docker which doesn’t support team id’s in the meta data.

#12

Once you request that information with the API, you can inspect it however you like. Search for the team name in text, and do whatever you like with the string

#13

Just finished creating all of the moving parts, and it works like a charm! Thanks everyone for all of your help and I hope it helps others. This is what makes Channels so special IMO, the ultimate in customization… :grinning:

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#14

Nice, there should be a functions library that 3rd party developers could add stuff too.. :grinning:

#15
#16

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