Using Plex as an XtraView DVR

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jonesybones

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Hi all,

Live TV and DVR for Plex has just come out of beta for Plex Pass subscribers, and I was wondering if it was possible to now utilise the new features to decode/record/watch the stream coming from my Explora (Explora as the primary decoder and HTPC running Plex Server as a secondary decoder) on devices running Plex?

If I was to install something like a Hauppauge WinTV-dualHD tuner in my HTPC, connected via RF Out from the Xplora would Plex be able to see an incoming decoded signal, or is there as secondary decoding process between the Xplora and something like a standard single view decoder?

Any help would be massively appreciated!
 
No it isn't supported. Plex DVR only works with over the air broadcasts or cable cards (for channels that aren't encrypted). There also isn't any EPG data available for South Africa.
 
kwaggawerner said:
Interesting... I'd also like to know...

I think DSTV is encrypted right up to the TV, I've read of people complaining of HDCP issues... In which case you'll need to read up here: https://www.tweaking4all.com/home-theatre/remove-hdcp-hdmi-signal/
Click to expand...

I thought that HDCP was an HDMI standard? If the signal from the RF Out on the Xplora was already decrypted, then would the RF In on the USB Tuner be able to interpret the decrypted signal?

Or is there a secondary encryption from the master decoder and main DSTV subscription card to an xtraview decoder (and card)
 
DrJohnZoidberg said:
No it isn't supported. Plex DVR only works with over the air broadcasts or cable cards (for channels that aren't encrypted). There also isn't any EPG data available for South Africa.
Click to expand...

If you use the Hauppauge WinTV-dualHD and plug it in via the RF out on the Explora wouldn't it at least show something even without the EPG, or is the Hauppauge just a tuner itself where it needs a signal like DVB-T2?
 
DrJohnZoidberg said:
No it isn't supported. Plex DVR only works with over the air broadcasts or cable cards (for channels that aren't encrypted). There also isn't any EPG data available for South Africa.
Click to expand...

Even if the decryption was already handled by the Explora? Reading up on some of the Reddit forums some people have had (mixed) success using cable card tuners linked to their paid cable subscriptions.

EPG functionality could be an issue though... Although if Plex DVR interprets the metadata in a similar way to Plex Server for saved content surely having EPG data isn't a dealbreaker?
 
Last edited:
jonesybones said:
I thought that HDCP was an HDMI standard? If the signal from the RF Out on the Xplora was already decrypted, then would the RF In on the USB Tuner be able to interpret the decrypted signal?

Or is there a secondary encryption from the master decoder and main DSTV subscription card to an xtraview decoder (and card)
Click to expand...

HDCP is very much a HDMI standard.

I was thinking of "quality" and HDMI is the gold standard, RF/RCA will work, but as Soul Assasin said, it won't be HD...

Whereas in the US, their free to air channels are HD, 1080i to be exact.

EDIT:

DSTV also uses their own encryption from Satellite to Decoder, then it decrypts, and HDCP takes over if using HDMI.
 
DrJohnZoidberg said:
No it isn't supported. Plex DVR only works with over the air broadcasts or cable cards (for channels that aren't encrypted). There also isn't any EPG data available for South Africa.
Click to expand...

Are you familiar with the Plex app that was released on WebOS 3.5?
Would that be able to do what was mentioned above?
 
CamiKaze said:
Are you familiar with the Plex app that was released on WebOS 3.5?
Would that be able to do what was mentioned above?
Click to expand...

"Above" as in the OP?

If you're in a supported region (SA not being one of them) the Plex server handles all the DVR functionality, you can watch recordings on any device that runs a Plex app. To watch live TV or do program scheduling you need a supported app, this info is here: https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/articles/226463767-Frequently-Asked-Questions-DVR-Live-TV
 
kwaggawerner said:
HDCP is very much a HDMI standard.

I was thinking of "quality" and HDMI is the gold standard, RF/RCA will work, but as Soul Assasin said, it won't be HD...

Whereas in the US, their free to air channels are HD, 1080i to be exact.

EDIT:

DSTV also uses their own encryption from Satellite to Decoder, then it decrypts, and HDCP takes over if using HDMI.
Click to expand...

So in theory - RF Out from the principal Decoder to the Hauppauge Tuner in my HTPC would provide an unencrypted signal that could be interpreted by Plex, but without EPG data the signal would be useless because Plex wouldn't be able to differentiate channels or programmes?
 
jonesybones said:
So in theory - RF Out from the principal Decoder to the Hauppauge Tuner in my HTPC would provide an unencrypted signal that could be interpreted by Plex, but without EPG data the signal would be useless because Plex wouldn't be able to differentiate channels or programmes?
Click to expand...

That's the way I understand it too, when/if they add EPG data we in SA can use it, but I don't think that will happen because it's not free to view.

If they ever do I have the feeling it will only be for OTA channels like SABC.

If they add DSTV EPG you can then also use an HDMI splitter to remove the HDCP and get HD quality on the HTPC.
 
I was able to get it to run by generating my own epg data for the dvb t2 channels. See attached
 

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