Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Ubuntu Server, Channels DVR, and YTTV TVE

[slampman]

I put together this video to simplify the installation process for Ubuntu Server and Channels DVR.

Many people avoid Linux servers because they think it's too hard to learn or that they need a graphical user interface (GUI). This video proves that’s not the case—Linux servers are approachable with just a bit of guidance.

Another common misconception is that YouTube TV’s TVE (TV Everywhere) doesn’t work with Channels DVR. I’ll show you how to make it work step by step.

Below are the command-line entries you’ll need for each part of the setup:

Disabling SNAP

sudo rm -rf /var/cache/snapd/
sudo rm -rf ~/snap
sudo rm -rf /var/cache/snapd/
sudo apt-mark hold snapd

Installing Chrome

wget -q -O - https://dl-ssl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo apt-key add -
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64] http://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google.list'
sudo apt update
sudo apt install google-chrome-stable

Setting Up Channels DVR

curl -f -s https://getchannels.com/dvr/setup.sh | sh

This video will take you through the process step by step—no prior Linux experience required! Let me know if you have questions or need any help along the way.
(FYI I just posted the video so the resolution is really low until YouTube finishes optimizing it).

Ubuntu Server + Channels DVR + TVE

[slampman]

I'm adding a video tutorial that demonstrates how to add an additional hard drive for DVR recordings on an Ubuntu Server.

The video will walk you through:

Preparing and mounting the new hard drive.
Configuring the Channels DVR server to use the new drive for recordings.
Ensuring the setup persists after a reboot.

ubuntu setting up additional hard drive

[slampman]

Placeholder 2 for additional tutorials

[Edwin_Perez]

Thanks for this followed your instructions was finally able to get XFINITY on ubuntu for the first time with all Channels... before I was always missing Channels.

[soccerdad]

Thanks, I am trying to go through this now as a total Linux newbie. Why do you use the linux server instead of the desktop? Is there a reason not to use the desktop version?

[Edwin_Perez]

@soccerdad

Thanks, I am trying to go through this now as a total Linux newbie. Why do you use the linux server instead of the desktop? Is there a reason not to use the desktop version?

My Server is in the Garage so no need for a desktop... If I was using it in my office I would use Desktop.

[ari_tafari]

I would install the Server if I only use the computer for Channels DVR.
But I have to go with the Desktop because I need Calibre software for downloading newspapers, and gPodder for downloading Youtube videos.

[slampman]

@soccerdad

Thanks, I am trying to go through this now as a total Linux newbie. Why do you use the linux server instead of the desktop? Is there a reason not to use the desktop version?

Think of it like using a work van versus a family SUV. The SUV (Ubuntu Desktop) is designed to be comfortable and versatile, with extras like plush seats, a sound system, and entertainment screens—great for daily use but not essential for carrying heavy cargo. The work van (Ubuntu Server), on the other hand, skips the frills to focus on transporting maximum load efficiently. When you're running a server, you're more concerned about performance and reliability than visual interfaces, so the "work van" approach makes more sense.

[Rice]

If you go with the server version make sure you use server 22.04 and not the newer 24.04. To get hardware transcoding you have to take extra steps with the Beelink and those steps are incompatible with 24.04.
Beelink intel driver for hw

[jator]

Thanks for this wonderul tutorial. I'm playing around with a Ubuntu Server on my Synology NAS Virtual Machine Manager, seems to work with one exception. I am not seeing the TVE Toggle Switch on the Channels DVR Server. I've setup Channels in Linux based machines but it's been about 2 years, but I don't recall Linux having to pull a specific version (ie TVE Tag). Any thoughts on why I am missing that option (installed by Fubo credentials to test as I'm possibly going to implement on Beelink Linux box I have lying around).

[chDVRuser]

Were you able to successfully add a TVE source?
The TVE locals toggle won't appear until you add one.

[jator]

Yup, see screenshot:

[chDVRuser]

Did you use these instructions and also install chrome?
https://getchannels.com/dvr-server/#linux

[jator]

EDIT - Deleted and re-added source and the toggle popped up

I did. Took forever, Chrome required a lot of additional packages.

[slampman]

Just updated post #2 with a tutorial on how to add an additional hard drive to ubuntu server, create a mount point, and configure Channels to use it. enjoy

Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Ubuntu Server, Channels DVR, and YTTV TVE

I'm adding a video tutorial that demonstrates how to add an additional hard drive for DVR recordings on an Ubuntu Server. The video will walk you through: Preparing and mounting the new hard drive. Configuring the Channels DVR server to use the new drive for recordings. Ensuring the setup persists after a reboot. [ubuntu setting up additional hard drive]

[daniyari]

I had the same issue before, and I always missed some channels.

[jator]

Suggestion, can you update the tutorial to include drives greater than 2TB? Tried to follow along but it kept capping the limit at 2TB. Currently researching how to do this myself, so hopefully won't need the tutorial, but others may benefit who are not Linux savy enough to figure it out (and I may fit that bill).

Edit, was able to get it working use the following guide

[elkiehound]

So, if we have a USB 3.0 SSD, and plug it into the BeeLink, it will not auto-recognize the disk?

[slampman]

If you do it during install i believe it is recognized. Otherwise you can follow the the link @jator posted and that will work for sure

[JohnUK]

Why do you need to install Chrome?