Ok, I know it is obvious, but I can’t seem to find the info that I need. I’ve been using Schedules Direct for a few years now and I just upped my subscription recently (before switching to Plex). I know that Plex supports XMLTV files, but for the life of me I can’t find the info I need to set this up. I haven’t found any definitive info on setup. Or a windows program that I can easily download the file I need. someone to point me in the right direction. TIA
The xmltv file must be in a directory/folder that the plex server can access (only read is needed). You tell plex the location of the xmltv file in the Live TV and DVR setup area.
Ok, Thanks. I have figured that out. And I have also downloaded a Docker for Unraid to download it. But when I try to save the guide to a DVR, it say there was an error. I may need to change some parameters, I will keep tinkering with it. I do have a share setup specificly to put the file in. And Plex found it. I’m burned out on this for the moment. I am going to use the OTA guide for now. Deal with this later when I have a few more brain cells.
I do wish that the Plex’s help guide would state that you need third party software to download the XMLTV files. I was using NextPVR to do it for me, but that software was getting too unstable to use.
Are you using something like mc2xml to generate the xml from SchedulesDirect?
1 Like
No, it is docker on UnRaid called XMLTVSchedulesDirect. I am going to try mc2xml and see if that is any better. The docker might be out of date.
I use the zap2xml.pl script to get my EPG. Seems to work good for me.
Ok, I have settled on Mc2xml. And I setup a Windows Scheduled Task to run it daily. So, I am happy I am persistent and to have help on the Plex Forum. I did see the mc2xml before, but windows wouldn’t run it without extra permissions, so I deleted it. I’m glad I gave it another try. Thanks @JCHH for the suggestion.
If you are using Windows, then EPG123 is also a candidate. I think you may find it works better with Plex than mc2xml by using the ‘original-air-date’ field to overcome some Plex oddities. With EPG123, you won’t run into a problem of all sports events being the same event, all daily news broadcasts considered the same episode every day, etc…
You may however, if Plex doesn’t pay attention, find that the images are random in their aspect ratio. EPG123 provides multiple images for series and movie art, but Plex may just pull the first or the last one to display.
YMMV.
@garyan2 Thanks for the info, I will keep it in mind. But it needs windows media center and with windows 10, it can’t find it. But if the current solution turns out to be trouble, I will look into it further.
No, it doesn’t need Media Center. You can install the server only and configure it to create an XMLTV file as well as the MXF file needed by WMC.
happy to have been of help 
1 Like
@garyan2 Thanks again, I ended up going with EPG123, the other program decided it wasn’t going to download the XMLTV any longer. Once I got a handle on how it works, it seems to be working good. I had a little trouble finding where it put the download, though. I didn’t see anyway to specify that parameter. Once I did, pointed Plex to it, and the rest is history.
Thanks for posting about EPG123! I had difficulties getting zap2xml to work for me. EPG123 was much easier to use and generate an XMLTV file that worked with my OTA lineup.
Yah, I should have also directed you to the video on the website showing creating the XMLTV file and where it is located. It’s the 2nd video here.
You’re welcome.
Thank Much. I have the program figured out and it is downloading and creating the new XMLTV file everyday. Very please with the program. FYI to all that install it you can install just the server. You don’t need the client as it needs the old Windows Media Center.
This topic was automatically closed 90 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.
