Supported Operating Systems

Channels DVR Server
#21

Also a osx vote here

#22

I like the Docker image idea, give lots of flexibility.

#23

I have five Macs, but would want to run it from my Synology since that’s the only thing that’s always on. The Docker container would work nicely.

#24

May not be technically possible, but would be great if an Apple Airport network drive could be used for DVR storage. Is it technically possible to save directly from Apple TV to NAS storage so everything is handled directly through the Apple TV interface without the need to install anything on a computer or NAS???

I know there are iOS apps that can save to a NAS (including AirPort drives), but I am guessing there are some other technical limitations with Apple TV to make this work for DVR purposes – for wake up, scheduling, etc.?

#25

Synology NAS for me. DVR as a concept requires dedicated hardware running 24/7 for full functionality.

#26

Covers me. Also a native Mac household and have a WD MyCloud NAS.

#27

It is not possible to implement DVR on the ATV directly, as ATV apps are not allowed to run in the background.

Not possible to use Time Capsule for DVR either unfortunately, as you cannot install custom software on it like you can with other NAS.

#28

I’m not familiar with Docker, but I’m guessing I’d need to install the Docker package on my Synology box? From what I can tell, Synology only seems to support higher end boxes. I verified that on my DS115 I cannot see/download the Docker package from Synology. The list of supported Synology boxes is listed in the “Applied Models” section here:

https://www.synology.com/en-us/dsm/app_packages/Docker

In your experience would the Docker solution work with lower end systems such as the WD MyCloud and other Synology boxes not listed in that link?

#29

We’d have to refer to others in the community. We have literally no experience with NAS stuff right now. But we’re aware of what you CAN do. And the docker stuff is definitely exciting for us. It should make distributing to different NAS providers and other embedded systems something that we might very much offer.

Any insight on where NAS systems fall flat on their faces would be a big help.

As with all of this, we’ll eventually get to it and become professionals about it :grin:

#30

Synology for me :slight_smile:

#31

Thanks, this is very useful information. Is that an older model no longer on sale? Or simply a cheaper one so they didn’t include as many features?

#32

The DS115 which I own is a current model. This is their higher end single bay drive which has a dual core processor and 512MB of RAM, but Synology may feel it is too underpowered to run Docker. Their lower end version DS115j has a single core and only 256MB of RAM. The models they list which support Docker are all in their higher “+” tier products which cost significantly more.

I’m guessing the consumer WD MyCloud NAS boxes are closer to the DS115j in terms of specs. The higher end versions which cost significantly more likely have a lot more RAM and processing power to work with. I suspect the “typical” DVR customer will want to use a cheap $100 to $150 version the Synology or WD NAS.

A list of all current Synology products is here:
https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/

#33

Keep it with NAS or PC to start. For me DRM support isn’t needed. The big issue for DRM would be HBO and I don;t need to record HBO since they have HBO GO app.

#34

Asustor AS-602T here. Quite powerfull Linux NAS that should be supported :slight_smile:

#35

Another vote for Mac OS X.

#37

That’s not something the DVR backend will ever run on. We’re speaking specifically about where the DVR server could run.

#38

In my house we have 4 Macs, a QNAP NAS and just recently a Fedora box. I just recently built a custom PC running Fedora 23 to move my Plex Server install to simply for more transcoding power as my QNAP is incredibly underpowered but I still store my media on the NAS.

If the backend requires any sort of transcoding, then I’d much rather put it on my new Linux box with the ability to configure the storage location.

#39

It’s seems silly to design it to be run on a mac first. Most mac users don’t have an always on mac, they have laptops, most of which are going to be wifi these days. Having it on a mycloud makes the most sense because it make for an easy and affordable ecosystem. Your average user isn’t going to buy a mini Mac for 500 dollars (with low hd space!) just to add a dvr to this ecosystem but a 150 dollar single drive mycloud is much more likely. I think you should think about what’s more likely to bring in new users, and not cater to what this poll is answering which is what people currently have because we are already committed to your product.

That being said it would be nice to have a more powerful set-up on a mac to do things like transcoding and commercial removal in addition to a low power record engine working on a cheap NAS.

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#40

Hi

I think the use of a Mac or mini is just so they can easily develop and adjust the software in the very early Alpha, if not pre Alpha stage when the coding is still being developed.

Channels is a TVOS app only and their focus is on the ATV4. No doubt the betas will run on a NAS as the previous did. I tested the soon to be discontinued Channels/HDHomeRun DVR app. Works great on My Cloud 2TB NAS. I think the plan is just to dump the HDHR software and replace it with their own purpose built stuff to allow for better connectivity and bug fixing as HDHR’s DVR software was infrequently updated and glitchy. Channels will now have 100% control over the product they are shipping rather than just 50%. And as this forum shows, they’re really keen to build something that blows the competition out of the water.

I’m not ecstatic about the idea of having to pay a monthly fee for a grid guide as the current one could work if improved. HDHR released a Windows “HDHR View” app with scrolling thumb nails so you could swipe hours or days ahead. It has a certain Apple-esc feel to it. However, I understand Channels also have to fund the development of the DVR side of this, so swings and roundabouts I guess.

Going off subject there. Anyway, no need to worry. A NAS set up is their goal.

All the best bud.

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#41

My vote would be Linux as I have a Fedora Desktop with second option WD MyCloud NAS. Don’t currently have the NAS but I think that would be a reasonable setup for a DVR from a cost performance perspective. I’ve researched NAS a bit and have been drawn toward the features of the WD.