Recording live streams (1 Viewer)

[epsdev]

New user here. I did try to search the FAQ as well as the forums for a definitive answer but could not find one. Can I view and record live network streams on the internet with MP2?

In specific .m3u8 HD Streams?

 

[mm1352000]

Hello and welcome!

Can I view and record live network streams on the internet?

Some. The answer depends on lots of things like the stream format and whether the stream is encrypted or not.

TV Server - with its full EPG and scheduling functions - can be used for MPEG 2 transport streams broadcast via RTSP, RTP, UDP and HTTP streams. In other words: mostly only IPTV as offered by internet service providers.

OnlineVideos (a MediaPortal plugin) can be used for more "generic" internet streams. I'm not very familiar with OnlineVideos, but I don't think it has EPG or scheduling functions. In other words: if you're wanting to receive a TV channel web stream it is possibly not an ideal solution. I could be wrong.

In specific .m3u8 HD Streams?

That is Apple's HLS (HTTP live streaming) format?
If so, the answer is maybe.
If it is possible then it will only be possible with OnlineVideos.

Regards,
mm

 

[epsdev]

Thanks for your reply. I'll give it a try. If not..as a developer, perhaps a plugin is in order?

 

[mm1352000]

If not..as a developer, perhaps a plugin is in order?

If you're asking me, I'm afraid I have zero time available and almost zero expertise for such a plugin.

Oh, by the way there is also this possibility if you're intent on using the TV Server:
https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/threads/vodserver-watch-internet-streams-as-tv-channels.121732/

Be warned: it is very technical, and there won't be much (if any) help available. You'd pretty much have to figure it out for yourself with the information in that thread.

 

[epsdev]

haha..no..I meant *me* as a developer..might take it on...but i need to install and get familiar with it first before I get ambitious.[DOUBLEPOST=1414715948][/DOUBLEPOST]I also meant to ask..what do you mean by "using the TV server" Is that a separate piece of MP software to act as a central tv viewing server or something?

 

[mm1352000]

Ahhh, I see. A developer!

but i need to install and get familiar with it first before I get ambitious.

For sure.
The wiki is a good first port of call for a lot of information, but don't hesitate to throw up a thread here on the forum if you have any questions.

Welcome once again.

 

[mm1352000]

I also meant to ask..what do you mean by "using the TV server" Is that a separate piece of MP software to act as a central tv viewing server or something?

MediaPortal has a client-server architecture. TV Server is the TV streaming and recording server.

For MediaPortal 1 (which is what most people use; MP2 is a complete rewrite which is a work in progress) has one installer, with options to install:

• MediaPortal [client/frontend] only
• TV Server [server/backend] only
• MediaPortal, TV Server, and MediaPortal TV plugin

http://wiki.team-mediaportal.com/1_...Deploy_Tool)/2_Advanced_Installation#TV_Setup

 

[epsdev]

I laughed mightily at the Monty reference...well played....

So...I guess the whole MP1 vs. MP2 thing has me wondering a bit. I was planning on simply starting off with MP2 since it is the "future" of MP, but what are your thoughts?

 

[mm1352000]

...but what are your thoughts?

If you had to pick one or the other then so much depends on what you intend to use it for.

In general, MP1 is obviously more mature. More skins and plugins; [possibly] more stable; more documentation etc.
MP2 is very different. Possibly the biggest advantage at the moment is that it has a client-server architecture for both TV and other media. Setup shares and media info once on the server, and clients can be swapped in and out with far less hassle than for MP1. Being alpha software though, there are features that are missing, plugins that aren't available, documentation is not as complete etc.

It is a bit of a false choice though really, because you can just install both and choose which you like more.

 

[epsdev]

Hmmm...that is true. I was wondering if perhaps with MP2 the developers had rolled the features of some of the more needed/used/popular plugins for MP1 into the functionality, but it sounds like from what you are saying that that is not the case. I am going to install them both this weekend and see what I think, but generally at this point in my life I am trying to *simplify* and so will probably just go with one or the other eventually.
If I have to make a plugin to view my streaming services(all I will use it for along with watching DVD's, vids, since I have no tv/cable service) then I will have to make a platform choice I think. Besides my interest in develop the plugin if needed, how can I find out what sorts of plugins/extensions are needed/desired by people like you and the community?