RESTceiver

watch TV on your embedded device with a flask remote!

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Installation

Requires

• ffmpeg
• vlc
• python3
• python3 flask

$ sudo apt-get install ffmpeg vlc

$ pip install -r requirements

Make sure, cvlc (vlc with dummy interface) is callable from shell (i.e. in /bin/) or set in PATH and you have a running internet connection.

You can make the app autostart on reboot by adding

@reboot DISPLAY=:0 /usr/bin/python3 /path/to/RESTceiver/main.py &

to crontab -e

Usage

This code is intended to run on a device (e.g. a Raspberry Pi) attached to a TV screen, where there is no access to cable or DVB-T/DVB-S antennas, but broadband internet. This device (playback device) will continuously play live TV streams (just like a SAT receiver) from the internet (HLS) and can be controlled by any other networked device, e.g. a smartphone to switch channels.

1. Connect the playback device to a display and the internet (use a wired connections for best stability)

2. Run the webserver on your playback device:

   $ python3 main.py

3. Find the IP of your playback device, e.g. with

   $ ifconfig

4. Open the remote control app on any other device in the local network by entering the playback device's IP address or mDNS host name into a web browser.

5. Switch channels by pressing on the corresponding buttons.

6. Get comfortable and enjoy the shows!

Configuration

Channels are supplied in the configuration file with a name and their address. HTTP, RMTP, or anything else readable by ffmpeg will work.

Known issues

• on some systems, when passing adaptive streaming m3u to the video player will not properly load video. Workaround: get an actual fixed quality stream and set it in the config by unpacking the playlist with

  curl http://sometvstation/master.m3u8

• switching channels takes a couple of seconds

• preview player is not killed automatically. Possible solution

License notes

supplied TTF font: inconsolata by Raph Levien, published under the SIL OPEN FONT LICENSE