Well after nearly a year of testing it turns out I was able to develop a very interesting scripting process for Windows running Plex Media Server. It’s kind of a multi-step process but it’s effective. No I am not removing commercials, but I am reducing the file size and converting the inherent .ts file to .mkv pretty well.
I attached a .rar file with 3 Windows batch files. In order for this to work, you will need to do some legwork. I used C:\PlexScripts to store the batch files. Also you will need to create a subfolder called C:\PlexScripts\Data to store your log files.
Only 1 script 1-TV-Post-Record.bat will need to be configured in PMS in order to have this work. But you will need to download and install HandBrakeCLI to perform the conversion. To configure the script in PMS, in your PMS, click Settings, go to Live TV & DVR. Click on DVR Settings. Scroll down to PostProcessing Script and enter C:\PlexScripts\1-TV-Post-Record.bat
Of course, the C:\PlexScripts is how I configured mine. Also the scripts are hard coded with that path so if you wish to use a different path, please make the appropriate changes. So if you use D:\MyPlexScripts, then you will obviously need to make the change accordingly as well as make the subfolder D:\MyPlexScripts\Data as well.
1-TV-Post-Record.bat
This is the file that initiates the whole scripting process by creating temporary file names and a work space to start the conversion process. It creates a log file and then launches the next batch file.
2-TV-Post-Convert.bat
This script begins HandbrakeCLI with the required parameters.
3-TV-Post-Cleanup.bat
This script finishes by cleaning up the temp files created as well as the .ts file. It also tells PMS to update the media library.
As I do not come on the forums much since I have too much work on my plate, feel free to leave a message and I hope to get back to you soon.
Thanks for reading!
PlexScripts.rar (960 Bytes)
