HDHomeRun V2 Plug-in

Dev Community Dev/API Corner
41


Interesting. It **is** working, though I would not say it was working *well*. I did manage to watch more than an hour of TV with it.

I am running plex ${CURRENT} as it is set to update itself. I believe the version number is 0.9.6.4 (0.9.5.4 maybe?), but I am not at that machine right now and Don't know if I can get the version information from the command-line via ssh.

Ah, yes, the Info.plist shows


<br />
        <key>CFBundleVersion</key><br />
        <string>0.9.5.4-f067f15</string><br />


Maybe it is working because it was setup before and the data is still there.

searching the entire drive for homrun only yields the HDHomeRun.bundle directory. so I'm still at a loss as to where the data files are.

I did find that in the plex.app (not the server) there is a file in userdata/Database/MyVideos34.db that contains the hex identifier of my HDHomerun unit.

It looks promising, but I don't know what to do with it.


<br />
% sqlite3 MyVideos34.db .dump | grep -i tuner<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(262,258,'tuner0?channel=qam256:633000000&program=2',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(263,258,'tuner0?channel=qam256:555000000&program=7',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(264,258,'tuner0?channel=qam256:423000000&program=2',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(265,258,'tuner0?channel=qam256:261000000&program=23',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(266,258,'tuner0?channel=qam256:123000000&program=1',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(624,258,'tuner0?channel=8vsb:491000000&program=3',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(625,258,'tuner0?channel=8vsb:189000000&program=1',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(626,594,'tuner0?channel=8vsb:189000000&program=1',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(627,594,'tuner0?channel=8vsb:677000000&program=3',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(628,594,'tuner0?channel=8vsb:629000000&program=3',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(629,594,'tuner0?channel=8vsb:593000000&program=3',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(630,594,'tuner0?channel=8vsb:491000000&program=3',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(631,594,'tuner0?channel=8vsb:491000000&program=4',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(632,594,'tuner0?channel=8vsb:491000000&program=5',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(633,594,'tuner0?channel=8vsb:491000000&program=6',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(634,594,'tuner0?channel=8vsb:503000000&program=3',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(635,594,'tuner0?channel=8vsb:503000000&program=4',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(636,594,'tuner0?channel=8vsb:635000000&program=3',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(637,594,'tuner0?channel=8vsb:635000000&program=4',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(638,594,'tuner0?channel=8vsb:189000000&program=2',NULL,NULL);<br />
INSERT INTO "files" VALUES(639,594,'tuner0?channel=8vsb:659000000&program=1',NULL,NULL);<br />
42


Did you give me the full path?
When I google MyVideos34.db, it seems related to XBMC.

The path for PMS in Windows is C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server\Plug-in Support\Data\com.plexapp.plugins.hdhomerun

That version number you gave me seems to be for the Plex Client, not Plex server.
The plug-in data should be with the Plex server installation.

Since I never had the first plugin working, I cannot tell how the data files are suppose to look.

Cal
43

Hi All,



I have been following the development of HDHomerun in conjunction with the Roku device since it was released in early November. I have seen so many different threads, confusion on the latest plugin bundle, and where to go to get the proper information (up-to-date information) to get this all running; simply put, it has become more than mere confusion. I have been working on this since the first version because available. Since then, I have updated with the V02 release, my server is up-to-date but still have basically the same need for information and haven’t been able to get this working. Do you detect a note of frustration? I am frustrated.


  1. when I try to down load the channel list form the Silcondust site with the Plex interface, I get the message that the directory seems empty. I cannot find where the hdhomerun:// URL for the channel stream is placed in the plugin. I can see why I don’t get the channel frequency downloads and the file seems empty because I think the instructions are lacking on explaining this error. Where is this “empty” directory because I would be more than happy to input the channels manually.


  2. Yes, there is a screen menu to input channels manually from the Roku/Plex interface, but it can’t be possible to key in the channel stream with the limited Roku keypad. There are characters such as , :, and probably a few others (?) that make it impossible to successfully input a complete strings form he Roku screen. How else do you add a channel manually? Is it a single file stored in the media hierarchy? This may be such a simple over site on my part but a hint, help, or other suggestion would be greatly appreciated.



    Is there a single, known, good place to get information for where the plugin stands today? Some areas of the forum debate back and forth whether the plug-in is working but no one knows why. The documentation and discussions are scattered across the forums and wiki. Gleaning even a molecule of accurate information is unreliable.



    I am not afraid of hacks. If I can get the channels to work I would be happy to manually adding the channel streams. It would be nice if there was Line-Up information that can be downloaded from the Silicondust website in a format that would display on the Roku. Channel Lineup – is the most insignificant thing – until I get channels working. A daily updated schedule is worthless if the channel won’t play on Roku…



    Sorry folks for dissing here but I have rebuilt the server software a couple of times including starting with a fresh OS load. Everything seem to work well with the exception of Live TV and HDHomeRun. I am really most interested in using Plex and the Roku as an extender to my other TV sets in the house. The centralized storage is a big plus and I use the first set plugged directly into the TV set to take advantage of Live TV through another applications. That gives me a really awkward work-around for a PVR solution. I really want to get away from that configuration. Besides, that leaves two other TV sets in other rooms left high and dry since they cannot received Live TV without a physical connection to the TV … or the Roku interface and plugin working.



    There are other server software packages out there. I have looked at them all but keep coming back to Plex. I have tried some of them but one will deliver Live TV but does not do the awesome job Plex does with other media. With the exception of no live TV, Plex is sick and I love it.



    Please, a little clarification. If HDHomerun really isn’t working and there are not satisfactory work around methodology to get it limping along, let me know. If there are work-around techniques, please set up a section that explains the processes. The gethub, I thought would do that but it is as confusing as the forum. You help and understanding will be greatly appreciated.



    Best regards, --andy
44


One option you have is to use any other client to do the config. Using Laika in OS X or any of the iOS clients should be enough. Those are not limited on characters that can be used and you can even use copy and paste.

In my case I'm at a stage now where I want to see how to add the 40+ channels that SiliconDust's web is missing from my location, so I'm about to do the same thing.

What I'm waiting for is for transcoding from PMS so I can see the channels in iOS (Laika works OK, iOS can't read the video).
45

I am cleaning up TV series directories and going to start to work on this again. My point about entering channels manually simply is totally impossible with the current Roku set up. Information is strewn through out the wiki and it is difficult to really know what app is working and at what version. I will down load the older client manager and see if that will help. I tried with the V1.x Homerun bundle and was not successful. Silicondirt has a beta software that generates segmented stream files (for XBMS TV). I think the standard software generates ts files. It is also very easy to get the URL for the vendor channel website and not the customer website. It seems to me the URL can be hard coded in the PY file. There is a provision if the entries exist to not refresh the store. I don’t care how dirty the hack is for now. Something on the TV is better than switching back and forth between applications/servers/extenders et al. Yep, I love this server and have looked at every other solution out there … this one thing makes me crazy when other servers access Silicondust HDHomerun without a glitch – including MS and they generally do not play well with others. Plex has all the others beat but can’t add the TV app. Yes, I am very, very frustrated.

46

What’s the chances of just getting the DLNA client for XMBC working in plex?

47

The Silicondust software for my HDHomerun (older two tuner ATSC/ClearQAM version) generates the stream based on the channel itself. Usually its a TS (MPG) stream. One can usually change the file extension from TS to MPG and the file is playable in many video software programs. However since the Roku (I use a Roku 2 XS) supports MKV or MP4, the stream, as mentioned previously in this thread, would need to be transcoded before being sent to the Roku.



Edit to add: After some experimenting with HDHR and VLC, I was able to get Plex to stream a recorded TS file from VLC to my Roku. What I did was to first configure VLC to save a recorded video file into a Plex media directory (I used TV Shows). Set the VLC video record location via the Tools --> Preferences --> Input & Codec Settings --> (File section) Record directory or file name. If VLC doesn’t show the record button, it can be found by selecting View --> Advanced Controls. Then launch a channel into VLC with the HDHR Setup Program. Hit the “Record” button in VLC. At a later point hit the the “Record” button a second time to stop the recording. Then change the VLC generated file name (ex. “vlc-record-2013-01-21-12h11m21s-udp___127.0.0.1_5000-”) to one that conforms to the Plex media format. Then the file would should show up in the Plex library when it refreshes and the Roku could play it. Obviously this doesn’t work for playing “live” content from the HDHR, but it is a start.

48

SiliconDust has added a beta DLNA project to the Prime. http://my.hdhomerun.com/beta



Seems it might lower some of the hurdles.

49

Any updates on the project? The github appears to have not been touched in 6 months.

50

Any updates on the project? The github appears to have not been touched in 6 months.

If you are a windows user and have a Prime device, I have it working on iOS devices (and any device that uses HLS) using plex

I havent gotten time to work on the desktop clients yet (i know what i need to do though)

http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/topic/52728-how-to-transcode-mpeg2-stream/page-2#entry379383

51

I got the HDHomerun Dual Tuner to work in Plex on a Mac.

The key is new URL for the DLNA requirement, requires a range. Read it from a bug report for XBMC.

I installed the HDhomerun_config software, available from SD website.

In the terminal:

1. hdhomerun_config scan /tuner1 out.txt
2. Wait for output. (May take a few min.)

3. analyzie the output...  sample example:

SCANNING: 507000000 (us-irc:71, us-cable:71)
LOCK: qam256 (ss=92 snq=100 seq=100)
TSID: 0x2BC9
PROGRAM 1028: 11.1 WBAL-DT
 

4. Open a plain text editor and build your URL:

hdhomerun://-0/tuner0 11.1 WBAL-DT?channel=auto:507000000&program=1028&range=

5. save file ending with .strm

I tested .strm file by placing it in the "Movies" directory on computer and accessing it in the Video Channels > Movies directory in Plex.

Hope this helps with the development of the plugin.

-End

hdhomerun-plex.jpg

52

Enduser, what version/model of the HDHR are  you using? I've tried to run the steps you indicated on a Windows Vista PC and a HDHR-US dual tuner (non Prime, non TECH) model with no luck. From what I understand the DLNA support is for HDHR Prime versions, not earlier HDHR versions at this time.

On my setup with the latest HDHR software/firmware the system doesn't recognize the "hdhomerun://" command.

53

I was using the original dual tuner (two seperate tuners), white box model. I am running the latest firmware from SD.

The firmware update made the HDHomerun DLNA compliant, regardless if it was the Prime. One of the SD techs posted a bug report in the XBMC trac which describe the issue, at least why it became an issue. I can't remember, but something about that it required a range for compliance.

I was tipped off to the DLNA when the HDHomerun showed up in my DVR.
http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/topic/57565-silicondust-hdhomerun-and-dlna/?p=347979

I think there are tools to scan for channels for Windows that will generate strm files for the HDHomerun. Those files will need to be editied, but should give you a push in the right direction. Try https://code.google.com/p/hdhomeruntoolbox/

Did you use a basic text editor for your strm file?

Good luck,

-End

54

I need to check what version of client I am running when I get home, but this is the only reference I can find to the "Movies" in the video channels .

http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/topic/38306-video-icon/

55

Did you use a basic text editor for your strm file?

Used Notepad in Windows to edit/create the .strm file.

The .strm file does show up in Movies, but when clicked both on my Roku and on the PC itself, nothing happens. Nothing appears to be communicated to my HDHR as the tuner indicator light doesn't activate to show the tuner in use.

I wonder if you have something else on you Mac that enabled this to work for you. My Windows Vista System only has Plex media server, VLC, HDHR software (latest version) on it. Will continue to investigate as I'd love to integrate my HDHR with Plex in some fashion.

56

@Bennor

It did not work for me when I added it to "movies" for the PMS scanner.

It worked when I was able to access local content from my PMC in Video Channels. I beleive I am running the latest stable release of PMC.

See this to see what I am talking about.Notice the Movies and playlist channels.

http://i.imgur.com/hfDhW.png

From what I gather, the access to local content has been removed from the PHT.

Regardless, I hope someone can either fix the HDHomerun plugin with this new information or at least make a plugin to access local content in PMC/PHT.

Can you test your strm files in XBMC?

Also, I beleive there is a HDHomerun plugin for the Roku, so it can connect directly.

-End

57

Strange, "Movies" do not show up under Video Channels on my PMC, just the installed channels from the PMS. The .strm file does show up under the "Movie" selection from the main menu but when the .strm entry is selected it generates an "error while opening file". Guess I'll have to continue to review this issue when I have more time.

Don't have XBMC installed so no way to test there. And there isn't an official HDHR plug-in or channel for the Roku nor one that I've seen in the private channels. Which is why having a working HDHR plugin/channel for Plex is of interest. There is the paid app "HomeRunTV" for those with Android devices.

58

@Bennor

I apologize. I was thinking of the Nowhere DVR for Roku. It's actually an EyeTV plugin

http://thenowhereman.com/roku/

I suggest you may want to look at the PleXBMC for HDHomerun functionality to play strm files. I think my channels folder is a carry over from some legacy installs that allows me to have the "movies" and "video playlist" folders.

See https://twitter.com/ebatte/statuses/222442904742920192 Looks as if ability was removed.

http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/topic/27270-plexbmc-client-for-xbmc/

You still have the PMS, but use the XBMC frontend. I have confirmed this works with user The DBP.

-End

59

@enduser

Thanks for the additional info, will look into it. Been looking on and off for a better way to integrate an HDHR into my Roku/Plex environment. As of now I record content manually outside of Plex with VLC, or use BeyondTV on another PC to record content and copy it to the Plex server.

60

Thank you, all. I was able to write a quick bash script to scan through all the channels and create .strm files in my local Movies directory, each corresponding to an active channel. You can find the script and details about it on my blog.