Siri shortcuts for admin actions

Channels DVR Server
#1

I see old threads talking about Siri Shortcuts....

I just tried setting up one, and i see many different options, but none for admin tasks.

The main things i very much would like to use this feature for to automate / enhance my experience so that i do not have to use another device, to load the admin UI to do. (these are the action available in the Quick Actions bar in the server admin Ui)

Scan for new Personal Media
Empty Trash
Prune removed media

Would be extremely helpful and save me a lot of time if i could setup a Hey Siri action to complete these tasks.

#2

Siri Actions are provided by installed iOS apps to do things the apps do.

You’re asking for things that Channels DVR Server does.

You can easily make shortcuts yourself for stuff like this by utilizing Actions provided by the Shortcuts app, like making http requests.

I’m sure someone in the Community has already done something like this and could help.

#3

Ah. Ok that makes sense.

However, Empty trash is a function in the client app. I do not see that as a option or command in shortcuts actions when i select Channel DVR app.

1 Like
#4

It’s not something we’ll be adding. The Siri actions have been picked to be content based quick actions based on commonly done things.

Emptying the trash happens automatically on schedules and isn’t deemed as something people do enough to add to this list of things.

As mentioned before, Channels is open enough for you to still do this on your own.

#5

I empty trash multiple times a day, as i download vids to watch, add them, watch them, then delete them. I have to empty trash to remove them from the SMB folder, otherwise it gets too cluttered and i get confused which files i already watched when looking at the folder. {Hence why I also have mentioned in other threads, i really could use a direct delete option (like Infuse and other players do).}

I do not see any other options to enter custom command or a http option.
I have not done much with Siri shortcuts other than what options it natively gives me in its UI and what other apps give when u select them.

I also not seeing Personal Sections Listed under Open Section or any other option given. Are they not yet supported in Shortcuts?

Also, upon further playing around with this, seems Siri shortcuts only works if the client device (Apple TV) is already on and Channels app open? As i created a Shortcut to open On Now on Apple TV and it gave error can not be reached. My intention was to just throw my self onto the couch, and say "Hey Siri.. shortcut name" etc. And the Tv comes on and Channels opens and navigates to what the shortcut is set to do. All before i dig out the remote that fell in-between the crack. If the ATV has to be on and open already, defeats the purpose of voice based shortcut, for this particular usage i thought i could have.

#6

They are not.

Yes. iOS and tvOS apps do not run backgrounded. So the app can’t respond. Simply add the “Open App on Apple TV” Siri action to your shortcut to open it first.

The Apple TV would also have to be awake as it wouldn’t be able to respond to anything. There is also a Wake Apple TV Siri action you can add. It might be worth adding a Sleep 1s between some of these to ensure they are processed before the next action happens.

I’d implore you to read through the Siri shortcut documentation in our docs as these tips are listed there.

Additionally it might be worth reading up on Shortcuts elsewhere on the internet on strategies and tips. There are a lot of resources.

#7

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