New to Channels . .

Channels DVR Server
#1

. . . but experienced with Plex.

Hi all!

So I'm trying out Channels and really like the skip commercial feature but I don't like not being able to run a post processing script to convert the original file to a h.265 mkv format. I've gotten past that - modifying my mcebuddy setup to monitor my tv directory. I have then moved to a directory that is a Local Content directory and it's recognizing and playing the new file. The issue I'm having is that it's not recognizing the edl file that comskip is creating and placing in the same directory

It seems like it should? is there some step that I am missing? I also need to figure out a way to remove the original from within Channels - the file is gone - mcebuddy is taking care of that - but it's still showing up in Channels in recorded shows.

Any direction is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Eric

#2

Support for EDL imports is available in prerelease.

#3

@tmm1

Ok Great! My server says I am up to date - I'm not sure how to enable / download the prerelease?

Thanks for the quick reply!

Eric

#4

@tmm1

Found it! Downloading the prerelease now!

Eric

#5

Interesting. I have a unique use case that I'd like to run buy you.

Every so often, I find myself manually editing the EDL files created by Channels due to some inaccuracies in commercial detection. I primarily use these modified EDL files as part of a separate scripted archival and conversion process. While Channels DVR doesn't parse my manual edits, it would be nice if it could. Perhaps a manual option which instructs Channels DVR to "reload" EDL data?

I'm sure this suggestion opens a giant can of worms so no worries if the idea doesn't seem feasible. Just figured I'd share my use case with you guys.

#6

You can edit the commercial markers in Channels via the web UI, and then the EDL file beside the recording will be updated. (This was recently discussed.)

#7

Thank you for your feedback. I am aware of the WebUI functionality. My use case is specific to instances that call for more precise editing which the WebUI is not capable of handling.

#8

Do what the OP is doing.
If you're already editing the EDL file that Channels DVR comskip creates, just move that EDL file and the Channels DVR recording file to the Channels DVR local content import directory and it will import it and use your edited EDL file.

Edit to add: I also wished for more precise editing that the web UI wasn't capable of, so I use another program to cut the ads out. I only do this for recordings I want to archive. I could then move that edited recording back into Channels if I wished, but I don't. I will most likely Import them back into Channels when they get the Imports working better at matching shows/specials/movies.

#9

@tmm1

Thanks again! That did exactly what I wanted it to do.

Now to figure out how to have Channels realize that I've deleted the original file . . . .

Eric

#10

You could always do:
PUT /dvr/pruner/deleted

#11

@racameron Thanks for the PS command! I'm kind of using it manually right now but plan to put it into a batch or something and get it on a schedule!

Other issue that I am now having occasionally is that the file after being moved to it's final location from MCEBuddy is showing up in Channels with a 0 min duration. I can watch the show for the full hour or whatever the duration is but I can't skip the commercials . . . I've tried rescanning the local content but nothing.

What I think is happening is that Channels is spotting the file before it is completely copied to its final location and not all of the file info is there and it just puts it at 0 mins. Is there a way to force a refresh of the files? or is that what the Local Content / Maintenance / Scan Sources does?

Have others hit this?

Thanks!

#12

I think in the web ui if you view the details of the item there is a “refresh metadata” option that will fix that. I run into it myself still sometimes when I rip a DVD into the local content directory directly.

#13

I spotted that yesterday afternoon - I had assumed that's what Local Content / Maintenance / Scan Sources but yeah I guess it doesn't. Wonder if there is a powershell command for that . . .

Thanks for confirming the Refresh Metadata!