Pluto-Windows_4C Released

Playground Hacks
#1

I'm going to start a thread for the Windows Pluto App. I will stop maintaining my Docker version since @maddox and @KineticMan have fixes for the stream limit issue on theirs.

Pluto Windows 4 Channels DVR

A native Windows bridge for integrating Pluto TV channels into Channels DVR. This application replaces the need for Docker by providing a standalone .exe that runs in your system tray, manages M3U playlists, and automatically updates EPG data. Username and Password fields have been added to the dashboard to work with the latest changes to the Pluto API.

Features

  • Native Windows App: No Docker or WSL required.
  • System Tray Integration: Runs silently in the background with a "Minimize to Tray" feature.
  • Region Selection: Choose specifically which Pluto TV regions (US, CA, UK, etc.) you want to pull feeds from.
  • Automated EPG: Background scheduler automatically generates and refreshes XMLTV files every 2 hours.
  • Dynamic Links: Dashboard provides copyable links for M3U and EPG feeds based on your selected regions.
  • Settings Persistence: Remembers your selected regions between restarts via a local configuration file.

Latest Release

2 Likes
Pluto for Channels
Pluto TV On Screen Message "Pluto TV is longer available on this device"
Pluto TV On Screen Message "Pluto TV is longer available on this device"
#2

Ok, I had to kill the 1.0.5 version with Task Manager, then I copied the 1.0.7 exe into that same folder, replacing the 1.0.5 version.

Then I ran it, and it started up and now says it's version 1.0.7. Otherwise it all looks the same, with the same left side showing places for 4 different authentication logins, and active region selections, etc.

P.S. For others running Channels in Windows and wanting a simple replacement for the Nocords website Pluto project, THIS ONE is about as simple as it gets!

#3

All the changes are under the hood. 1 user account should allow for 10 streams. 2 Accounts for up to 20, although there could be client id overlap. I will probably thin the choices to just 2 accounts in future releases, but for now I just left them as is.

#4

Ok, only difference I noticed on the screen after doing this, is that it changed itself from port 7777 to port 7779

#5

It should look first for 7777, but if you stopped it fast and started fast, windows locks a port for a short while, like seconds to maybe a minute after it is released. It goes to the next available one if 7777 is in use or locked.

#6

Just to tell you a big thanks, it works perfectly in France, don’t need an accout for now.

#7

I added Port Protection into v1.0.8. If you click Save Logins on the dashboard, it will also save the port that was assigned to the app in the settings file so you will not lose the port on updates. I also made Username/Password pairs 3 & 4 hidden on the dashboard but left the code for them if needed for future use.

#8

I like what you are doing yet recommend having the program run via Task Scheduler on system startup. Then have a program that we can run to configure the things the current system tray program dose. This allows for headless and/or hands off operation. Having to login following a system restart is a recipe to miss recordings.

#9

You don't have to login when you restart the server. The logins are saved to the setting file and are persistent. I just added the port protection that requires a one time save to store it in the settings file so it will also be persistent. You can exit the dashboard and the server is still running in the background. If you select run at startup from the tray icon, it will restart when the PC reboots and all the settings are still saved.

Edit: I see what you are talking about. If the PC reboots and you have to login to the PC to restart the application. My PC reboots without a login. I will investigate your suggestion.

#10

Thank you

#11

This is odd, I installed v1.0.8 after ending v1.0.7 with Task Manager and waiting a few minutes this time, but the dashboard says it's back to version v1.0.6 ? It is back to only two logins.

#12

I might have uploaded the wrong exe. It is supposed to only have 2 logins now though.

#13

It the correct version, I put a 6 instead of an 8 on it. I will correct that in the morning. Thanks.

#14

This is a user error not an application error in my opinion. You should always have your Win11 headless server set to auto login to a user account on reboot. You can store the password to enable this.

There's tons of stuff that would break if I didn't have this set.

Maybe I missed something in what you said, the program is set to run on startup and I haven't checked it on reboot.

#15

No, huge security risk

#16

(post deleted by author)

#17

Looks like I can run 2 separate instances of this app now.

Have a 2nd .exe in a different folder, renamed the .exe for good measure,(added a M at the end meaning Mine) to differentiate it in running apps.

Since it auto changes port used now when run. and saves what port it uses. Stays open and seems to be working.

Only issue is that the built in Run at Startup, only codes in startup the original program, at the orginal location. I can just manually add the 2nd instance to startup.

It still starts with Account 2 when the first stream is requested.

#18

I gave it some thought and came to the conclusion it would overcomplicate the simple design of this app. I do have a good idea of how to add this ability though. As soon as I get this to a point where I feel it is done, I will set a webpage up for it and offer a powershell script that will allow it to run in Task Scheduler as well as offer a second PS file to toggle the server off and open the dashboard for edits and then restart the server. I will add an html settings page to the yourip:port so the links can be copied without having to use the dashboard for viewing settings. That way those that are inclined to do so can run it as you described while other users can still enjoy the simplicity of this application.

#19

I just released v1.0.9. This should be the last release for a while. I think I have it where I feel good about it. I am sorry for all the updates so often. I just prefer to make small, incremental changes in case I mess up I can roll back to previous versions and not get lost in the process. I made a few UI changes to the dashboard and added the playlist links to the IP:PORT location.

On a side note, I tried to get my application signed to avoid the untrusted app at install, but my application was denied because my reputation was not strong enough. If you want to help me, Star my project on GitHub if you find it useful. That will improve my reputation and hopefully get me to a point where I can get it signed. Thanks for all your help and support.

#20

Were you able to fix the guide data having wrong dates etc issues?