I know this has been on the feature request list for years, but now that we’re able to put money behind premium feature requests, I’d love to see support for live TV via HDHomeRun support. No need for DVR functionality (though pausing via a configurable buffer would be the first such feature I’d request). A basic channel list to choose from would be a nice start.
I’ve seen HDHomeRun support show up on various plug-ins, but the integration has always been poor and my results have been mixed.
If it’s a faster path to shipping, built-in integration with EyeTV would be nice, but that may narrow the audience.
I’ll add to this as a long term ask. Please bear with me.
Since the demise of Windows Media Center is pretty much certain at this point, even though it will shamble on zombie-like in Win7 and Win8, it is obvious a new 10’ UI big screen solution is needed in the living room that supports premium digital cable or we’ll all be forced to use (shudder) cable operator STBs or (ugh) TiVOs.
Now, I know a lot of Plex users have “cut the cord” but many of us have not. Many HTPC users still want the programmed nature of cable. I’m not here to argue one vs. the other.
I’m here to voice my support for a CableLabs certified, PlayReady* licensed version of Plex for the PC. Linux or Windows based: don’t care.
So, a solution that could sit on top of a SiliconDust or Ceton solution would be awesome. A first step to that would be a robust Clear-QAM solution.
*this is a pre-requisite for Cablelabs cert. Their tinfoil hats are mighty and unmovable.
+1 for both
+1
Live TV would make it so much easier to finally ditch the WMC box. A pause buffer would be nice. Guide data could be purchased through Schedules Direct by the user for $25/year.
The inevitable move to Win8 will mean either I shell out more money for a WMC add on or rely on another solution for my current DVR needs. I currently use a HDHomerun connected to an antenna in my attic for my OTA needs, would be great if I could use Plex as my sole solution for all video/tv. This above anything else is what I’d personally like to see implemented next!
I will play devil's advocate for a moment and argue against live TV in Plex.
The Plex team has already stated that they do not have the development resources to [properly write, debug, and release](http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/topic/47274-compatbility-testing-and-stability/page__view__findpost__p__296322) the streaming plugins featured [prominently](http://www.plexapp.com/) over the [website](http://www.plexapp.com/getplex/index.php).
In addition to this, there have been no Plex Media Center updates for Mac OS X for almost 2 months while we see releases of the proprietary Plex Media Server regularly with new features. This wouldn't be bad, but you can search the forum for [CPU usage](http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/topic/39013-plex-using-45-of-cpu-while-paused/), audio/video sync, audio playback issues, and other problems. The CPU usage problem is due to a bug mentioned [here](http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/topic/39013-plex-using-45-of-cpu-while-paused/) and in the thread linked to earlier. You either start video playback, pause the video, and turn off your TV or Plex will consume 30% - 50% CPU at idle until you exit the menus to start playback next time you use your TV. That is a lot of wasted electricity doing absolutely nothing.
Note: Plex Media Center is based off of XBMC and XBMC released the first test versions of the dirty regions fix [over a year ago](http://xbmc.org/theuni/2011/06/19/working-with-dirty-regions/), but we still have the problem in Plex.
Finally, I see cable TV as a dying medium. The arguments between networks over fees, the lack of original content available on "lower tiers", sports packages that cost hundreds of dollars in addition to your premium cable bill, loud/bright obnoxious commercials at all hours of the day or night, lack of knowledgeable support for cable cards or DVR features, high equipment rental fees, and complete lack of competition all combine to make it less and less desirable. I understand that some people will happily pay $145 per month or more for access, but I hope these aren't Plex users. ;)
Go download Sub’s latest version of NextPVR…I have a HDHomeRun with my main server running PMS and also acting a TV servers using NextPVR. I then have 4 Zotac boxes throughout the house that can connect to my a PMS and NextPVR server, I switch between the PMC and the NextPVR client using Ghost…extremely easy and has the WAF spot on.
The advantages of NextPVR over WMC in a multi user setup great…one can share the TV guide, share the recorded content and stream live TV to multiple clients all at the same time. I can start watching something in the lounge room, stop and resume from the bedroom. I can schedule a recording on one client and the recordings shows up on all the clients TV guides as it is all managed by the NextPVR server. I have tried all the other MediaPortal etc. options and they are no where as easy to setup up, maintain and NextPVR is very CPU and network resource friendly. For example I can easily stream my HD TV streams using the Wireless N included with the 4 Zotac mini PC’s I use.
So for those that are Windows based I highly recommend NextPVR: http://www.nextpvr.com
There's HDHomeRun ([http://wiki.plexapp.com/index.php/HDHomeRun](http://wiki.plexapp.com/index.php/HDHomeRun)) and EyeTV ([http://wiki.plexapp.com/index.php/EyeTV_Live](http://wiki.plexapp.com/index.php/EyeTV_Live)) plugins already, and they work pretty well. I use the HDHomeRun one mostly because it gets better video quality (pulls the raw stream from the tuner), but it was hell to configure, and hasn't been updated in forever. The EyeTV one was just recently updated, I haven't tried the new version yet, as it will only do video streams (just like the HDHR plugin) unless you have an iOS device to pull an EyeTV token from, and I do not have one currently, so other than perhaps slightly better configuration/navigation, I haven't found much reason to try it. But per the thread on it it seems to work pretty well.
i’m using my hdhomerun with tvheadend and the hidden/unofficial htsp support in the client. it works quite well. much better than the hdhomerun plugin.
it would be nice to make the htsp support official and move it from the client to the server so the video can be transcoded for the mobile clients.
support for pvr functionality could then be added later…
XBMC just announced PVR support (in beta)…sure would be nice…
Early 2021 clean-up: implemented (DVR/live tv)
