I would like to suggest that Plex implement the ability to put customise and configure XMLTV categories on the channel/EPG guide.
Current Behaviour
Currently, the Plex guide source is sorted into approx. 24 different categories.
However, this same categorisation is not available for imported XMLTV guides. Instead, they appear in one big list.
Problem Statement
The issue with this is, beside from not being very user friendly, is that it could take a long time to scroll and find the channels you want. The maximum list that can be imported into Plex is 480, so scrolling through 480 could be difficult.
It would also bring a consistent behaviour to the current way the Plex channels work and would just look cleaner, better organised, and more user friendly.
Observed Behaviour
There has been some observed behaviour where some XMLTV channels do go into categories, I got it working at one point, though recently for me this has not been reproduceable. However, even this was not ideal because this would mean that if a channel was playing a News program, that channel would go into the News section. If a football game followed on the same channel, that channel would then move into the Sports section. This meant that you had to have some idea on what kind of show would be airing on the channel at the given time you wanted to watch, to be able to have somewhat of a guess as to where exactly it would be.
Proposed Behaviour
I propose this two key elements of this feature. See Photoshopped mockups below for illustrative purposes.
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Allow users to create and manage their own categories
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Allow users to place channels into those custom categories
It could be considered that there are already a few preconfigured categories such as Entertainment, News, Sports, Kids etc
Workarounds attempted
Myself and others have tried to manipulate the XML files to “trick” Plex into placing channels into categories with no success. This included:
- Adding a tag in the XML files
- Using third party managers such as xTeVe and Threadfin which has it’s own category management
- Using HD Home Run emulator.
- Utilisng the channel “Favorites” feature, though this only produces a single list of favourites, and you can’t rename “Favourites” to “Sports” for example.
Conclusion
I am happy to go into more detail and act as a tester for any such feature. I really do hope this feature is seriously considered. As more and more people are starting to “cut the cord” and rely on XML solutions, this could only be yet another reason to consider Plex as the ultimate, all in one media solution.
