Difference between revisions of "VDR"

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{| align="right"
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  | __TOC__
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  |}
 
[[Category:Software components]]
 
[[Category:Software components]]
 
[[Category:Video]]
 
[[Category:Video]]
 +
[[Category:DVB-C]]
 +
[[Category:DVB-S]]
 +
[[Category:DVB-T]]
 
[[Category:Tutorials]]
 
[[Category:Tutorials]]
 +
 
= The Video Disk Recorder =
 
= The Video Disk Recorder =
−
VDR is a [[personal video recorder]] system aimed at the DVB market. It supports DVB-S, DVB-C and DVB-T tuner cards. More details can be found at the [http://www.cadsoftusa.com/vdr/ VDR homepage].
+
VDR is a [[personal video recorder]] system aimed at the DVB market. It supports DVB-S, DVB-C and DVB-T tuner cards. More details can be found at the [http://www.tvdr.de/ VDR homepage].
 +
 
 +
It is the second PVR system integrated into LinuxMCE. The main aim is for a seamless integration into LinuxMCE. The UI should not change between VDR and the other LinuxMCE pieces. The first version of this integration was scheduled for January 2008, and was mainly sponsored by [http://www.dianemo.co.uk Convergent Home Technologies Ltd]. For 810 and 1004 lots of changes, especially how VDR player interacts, have been added.
 +
== Overview How LinuxMCE Works With VDR ==
 +
One system contains the TV reception cards, most of the time, DVB-S2 cards. Using Streamdev all other devices in the system receive TV streams. All timed recordings happen on the system with the TV cards.
 +
 
 +
Each MD has a local VDR instance running. On x86 systems Xineliboutput is used to display the output of VDR on the local screen. On Rpis with RPIHDdevice is used.
 +
 
 +
All EPG data is sourced from the central system.
 +
 
 +
All timers are sent to the central system using the remote timers plugin.
  
−
It is the second PVR system integrated into LinuxMCE. The main aim is for a seamless integration into LinuxMCE. The UI should not change between VDR and the other LinuxMCE pieces. The first version of this integration wass scheduled for January 2008, and is mainly sponsored by [http://www.dianemo.co.uk Convergent Home Technologies Ltd].
+
The VDR Player device talks to the MDs vdr using the SVDR Protocol.
  
 
== Configuration ==
 
== Configuration ==
Line 13: Line 30:
 
===Installation===
 
===Installation===
  
−
VDR can be chosen by two ways. The first one is initial configuration after installation. During setup the media center property you should choose VDR and not MythTV. The second way is to tick VDR and tick off MythTV on the <strong>Software modules</strong> page - <em>Wizard --&gt; Media Directors</em>. In both cases VDR will be installed automatically and will start after installation.
+
VDR should be selected using the setup wizard. If you did not select VDR during the initial configuration after installation, simply re-run the wizard (it's on the Advanced menu) and select VDR as the PVR. VDR will be installed automatically and will start after installation.
−
 
+
−
<p align="center">[[Image:LMCE-software-modules.jpg]]</p>
+
  
 +
[[Image:LMCE-software-modules.jpg|thumb|550px|left|LinuxMCE Software Modules]]
 +
<br style="clear:both;"/>
 
To make VDR configuration and manage easier its web interface - VDRAdmin can be used. It should be installed manually:
 
To make VDR configuration and manage easier its web interface - VDRAdmin can be used. It should be installed manually:
  
 
     sudo apt-get install vdradmin-am
 
     sudo apt-get install vdradmin-am
  
−
and then enabled to be able run by replacing ENABLED="0" by ENABLED="1" in the <em>/etc/default/vdradmin-am</em>. Also don't forget to add a new firewall rule for the port 8001 - <em>Advanced -->&gt; Network --&gt; Firewall Rules</em>.  
+
and then enabled to be able run by replacing ENABLED="0" by ENABLED="1" in the <em>/etc/default/vdradmin-am</em>. Also don't forget to add a new firewall rule for the port 8001 - <em>Advanced -->&gt; Network --&gt; Firewall Rules</em>.
  
 
=== Scanning for Channels ===
 
=== Scanning for Channels ===
Line 30: Line 47:
  
 
then do
 
then do
 +
 +
For 8.10
  
 
     sudo apt-get install dvb-utils
 
     sudo apt-get install dvb-utils
 +
 +
For 10.04
 +
 +
    sudo apt-get install dvb-apps w-scan
  
 
==== Scanning for DVB-T Channels ====
 
==== Scanning for DVB-T Channels ====
Line 38: Line 61:
  
 
     sudo /etc/init.d/vdr stop
 
     sudo /etc/init.d/vdr stop
 +
 +
Australian users follow the next item.  For other regions skip down to the DVB-utils instructions. On the device with the tuner cards installed ssh in and run the following command.
 +
 +
    sudo w_scan -c AU > /var/lib/vdr/channels.conf
 +
 +
    sudo service vdr start
  
 
Above we installed the dvb-utils package and this will have installed the scan utility and tuning files for many DVB transmitters in various regions. Look for a transmitter in your region by looking in the following directory;
 
Above we installed the dvb-utils package and this will have installed the scan utility and tuning files for many DVB transmitters in various regions. Look for a transmitter in your region by looking in the following directory;
 +
 +
For 8.10
  
 
   ls /usr/share/doc/dvb-utils/examples/scan/dvb-t
 
   ls /usr/share/doc/dvb-utils/examples/scan/dvb-t
 +
 +
For 10.04
 +
 +
  ls /usr/share/dvb/dvb-t
  
 
You should now see something like this on your console;
 
You should now see something like this on your console;
Line 87: Line 122:
  
 
Once you have found the DVB-T transmitter for your region then use the line below to generate the VDR compatible channels.conf for that specific transmitter using the line below substituting 'uk-CrystalPalace' with the name of your closest transmitter;
 
Once you have found the DVB-T transmitter for your region then use the line below to generate the VDR compatible channels.conf for that specific transmitter using the line below substituting 'uk-CrystalPalace' with the name of your closest transmitter;
 +
 +
For 8.10
  
 
  cd /home
 
  cd /home
 
  sudo scan -o vdr -p -u /usr/share/doc/dvb-utils/examples/scan/dvb-t/uk-CrystalPalace > channels.conf
 
  sudo scan -o vdr -p -u /usr/share/doc/dvb-utils/examples/scan/dvb-t/uk-CrystalPalace > channels.conf
 +
 +
For 10.04
 +
 +
cd /home
 +
sudo scan -o vdr -p -u /usr/share/dvb/dvb-t/uk-CrystalPalace > channels.conf
  
 
This will write the channels.conf file and also output data on all the found and tuned channels to the console. The scan process usually takes less than a minute but can take longer if you have a low quality signal in your area. Below is an example of the output for 'uk-CrystalPalace' my local transmitter here in the UK showing the channels broadcast on all 6 MUX's;
 
This will write the channels.conf file and also output data on all the found and tuned channels to the console. The scan process usually takes less than a minute but can take longer if you have a low quality signal in your area. Below is an example of the output for 'uk-CrystalPalace' my local transmitter here in the UK showing the channels broadcast on all 6 MUX's;
Line 199: Line 241:
 
  Done.
 
  Done.
  
−
Below is an example of the first few lines of the 'channels.conf' that was produced by the example above. Notice that the channels are grouped by MUX and not by their UK LCN (Logical Channel Number) which are the numbers with the '@' in front on alternate lines. VDR will load the channels into the EPG in the order that they are listed in the 'channels.conf'. So for example in the UK you would want to 'sort' the lines in the 'channels.conf' based on their LCN before loading them into VDR... although the 'channels.conf' will work fine without this. (a simple script could be written to do this... post it here if you hack one together ;-) );
+
Below is an example of the first few lines of the 'channels.conf' that was produced by the example above. Notice that the channels are grouped by MUX and not by their UK LCN (Logical Channel Number) which are the numbers with the '@' in front on alternate lines.  
  
 
  :@1
 
  :@1
Line 230: Line 272:
 
  :@728
 
  :@728
 
  Global Radio - Heart:481833:I999B8C23D12M64T2G32Y0:T:27500:0:631:0:0:8772:0:0:0
 
  Global Radio - Heart:481833:I999B8C23D12M64T2G32Y0:T:27500:0:631:0:0:8772:0:0:0
 +
 +
VDR will load the channels into the EPG in the order that they are listed in the 'channels.conf'. So for example in the UK you might want to 'sort' the lines in the 'channels.conf' based on their LCN before loading them into VDR... although the 'channels.conf' will work fine without this.  Here is a command which will create a new 'channels-sorted.conf' file from the original, sorted by LCN:
 +
 +
  perl -0777ne 'print for sort{($a=~/^:@(\d+)/)[0]<=>($b=~/^:@(\d+)/)[0]}split/(?=^:@)/m' channels.conf > channels-sorted.conf
 +
  mv channels-sorted.conf channels.conf
  
 
Now that you have a good 'channels.conf' for your local DVB-T transmitter you need to load it into VDR. So just upload the new 'channels.conf' file using LinuxMCE's Web Admin site - go to Advanced –> Configuration –> VDR and use the 'Browse' button next to 'Upload custom file' to find where you created your 'channels.conf' file and click 'Upload'. Now restart vdr from the console;
 
Now that you have a good 'channels.conf' for your local DVB-T transmitter you need to load it into VDR. So just upload the new 'channels.conf' file using LinuxMCE's Web Admin site - go to Advanced –> Configuration –> VDR and use the 'Browse' button next to 'Upload custom file' to find where you created your 'channels.conf' file and click 'Upload'. Now restart vdr from the console;
−
 
 
  sudo /etc/init.d/vdr restart
 
  sudo /etc/init.d/vdr restart
−
 
 
Now use the following command to check that vdr is running;
 
Now use the following command to check that vdr is running;
−
 
+
  /etc/init.d/vdr status
−
  sudo ps aux | grep vdr
+
−
 
+
 
You should see the line below;
 
You should see the line below;
−
 
+
  Getting status of Linux Video Disk Recorder   -= LMCE VERSION 0710-10 =- : vdr - is running.
−
  linuxmce 30551  0.0  0.0   5120  828 pts/22  S+  13:39  0:00 grep vdr
+
−
 
+
 
Now the acid test...go to your LinuxMCE Orbiter and select 'TV' from the 'Media' menu to see a live picture and your all done.
 
Now the acid test...go to your LinuxMCE Orbiter and select 'TV' from the 'Media' menu to see a live picture and your all done.
  
 
==== Scanning for DVB-S Channels ====
 
==== Scanning for DVB-S Channels ====
−
 
 
<strong>Configuration</strong>
 
<strong>Configuration</strong>
−
 
 
To configure VDR we should get the list of all available channels for desire satellite. You can find it somewhere or create using DVB utility <strong>scan</strong>. To do that we need the list of transponders stored as INI file. Get it from the [http://joshyfun.peque.org/transponders/index.html JoshyFun's site]. Store it somewhere on your LinuxMCE core. In my case I use the INI file for [http://joshyfun.peque.org/transponders/0130.ini Hotbird].  
 
To configure VDR we should get the list of all available channels for desire satellite. You can find it somewhere or create using DVB utility <strong>scan</strong>. To do that we need the list of transponders stored as INI file. Get it from the [http://joshyfun.peque.org/transponders/index.html JoshyFun's site]. Store it somewhere on your LinuxMCE core. In my case I use the INI file for [http://joshyfun.peque.org/transponders/0130.ini Hotbird].  
  
 
Before scanning stop VDR:
 
Before scanning stop VDR:
−
 
 
     sudo /etc/init.d/vdr stop
 
     sudo /etc/init.d/vdr stop
−
 
 
and start scanning procedure:
 
and start scanning procedure:
−
 
 
     scan -o vdr -p -x 0 0130.ini > channels.conf
 
     scan -o vdr -p -x 0 0130.ini > channels.conf
 +
It might take about 10-20 minutes depends on the number of available channels on your satellite. When scanning is finished just upload the created channels.conf file via Admin site - <em>Advanced --&gt; Configuration --&gt; VDR</em>. And then pickup your satellite from the list (see picture above).
 +
[[Image:LMCE-VDR-config.jpg|thumb|550px|left|LinuxMCE VDR Configuration Screen]]
 +
<br style="clear:both;"/>
 +
Quick reload router (most probably is not needed) and press button <strong>TV</strong> on the on-screen Orbiter. You should be able to watch live TV. To navigate on that screen use F6, F7 and F8 buttons on your keyboard, Gyration mouse or Fiire remote. Additionally you can switch channels, see EPG and schedule recording from VDRAdmin web interface.
  
−
It might take about 10-20 minutes depends on the number of available channels on your satellite. When scanning is finished just upload the created channels.conf file via Admin site - <em>Advanced --&gt; Configuration --&gt; VDR</em>. And then pickup your satellite from the list (see picture above).
+
===Enable Dolby Digital Audio in xinelibout===
 +
 
 +
sudo -s
 +
ssh moonXX (where XX is the number of your MD)
 +
Then start alsamixer on the commandline and press the right arrow on the keyboard until you get till "IEC958". If this is muted (says MM) then press the "m" button on the keyboard and the ESC key to save.
 +
 
 +
Then stop vdr :
 +
/etc/init.d/vdr stop
 +
 
 +
and edit /etc/vdr/setup.conf and change the following lines to look like this :
 +
xineliboutput.Audio.Port = iec958
 +
xineliboutput.Audio.Speakers = Pass Through
 +
CurrentDolby = 1
 +
UseDolbyDigital = 1
 +
 
 +
And if you also want to record Dolby Digital  then also change :
 +
RecordDolbyDigital = 1
 +
 
 +
After saving the changes, restart vdr :
 +
/etc/init.d/vdr start
  
−
<p align="center">[[Image:LMCE-VDR-config.jpg]]</p>
+
Now you can replay recordings with Dolby Digital Audio
  
−
Quick reload router (most probably is not needed) and press button <strong>TV</strong> on the on-screen Orbiter. You should be able to watch live TV. To navigate on that screen use F6, F7 and F8 buttons on your keyboard, Gyration mouse or Fiire remote. Additionally you can switch channels, see EPG and schedule recording from VDRAdmin web interface.
+
/Viking
  
 
===Troubleshooting===
 
===Troubleshooting===
−
 
 
If VDR works not as you expect you can do following:
 
If VDR works not as you expect you can do following:
  
Line 278: Line 336:
 
         </li>
 
         </li>
 
</ol>
 
</ol>
−
 
 
=== MCE Remote Functions ===
 
=== MCE Remote Functions ===
−
 
 
The MCE Remote button functions listed below are for lmcevdr-v10.
 
The MCE Remote button functions listed below are for lmcevdr-v10.
−
 
 
==== What do the buttons do? ====
 
==== What do the buttons do? ====
−
 
 
[[Image:MCE-Remote-2.jpg|frame|50px|left|MCE IR Remote]]
 
[[Image:MCE-Remote-2.jpg|frame|50px|left|MCE IR Remote]]
−
 
 
==== TV Off ====
 
==== TV Off ====
 
Not implemented currently
 
Not implemented currently
 
==== PC Off ====
 
==== PC Off ====
 
When the menu bar is displayed or the screen saver is displaying images this button will power off the Core or any Media Directors that have IR remote control features. In VDR this button stops the Live TV picture (any scheduled recordings will be unaffected).
 
When the menu bar is displayed or the screen saver is displaying images this button will power off the Core or any Media Directors that have IR remote control features. In VDR this button stops the Live TV picture (any scheduled recordings will be unaffected).
−
 
 
==== Record ====
 
==== Record ====
 
Pressing this button when watching Live TV will start an 'Instant Recording'.
 
Pressing this button when watching Live TV will start an 'Instant Recording'.
Line 354: Line 406:
 
==== Blue ====
 
==== Blue ====
 
In Live TV displays Timers on-screen menu. In on-screen menus does the 'Yellow' labeled function.
 
In Live TV displays Timers on-screen menu. In on-screen menus does the 'Yellow' labeled function.
−
 
 
== Adding your own plugins to vdr ==
 
== Adding your own plugins to vdr ==
−
 
 
===Installing vdr-dev===
 
===Installing vdr-dev===
−
 
 
If you want to build and add plugins to vdr you need to install the vdr-dev package. Open a console session at your core or ssh in from another machine and do;
 
If you want to build and add plugins to vdr you need to install the vdr-dev package. Open a console session at your core or ssh in from another machine and do;
−
 
 
  apt-get install vdr-dev
 
  apt-get install vdr-dev
−
 
 
Now follow the instructions for building the plugin you are interested in.
 
Now follow the instructions for building the plugin you are interested in.
−
 
+
== Manual Installation ==
 +
For details on manually installing VDR please look in [[VDR Manual Install]].
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
 
 
* [http://www.linuxtv.org/vdrwiki/index.php/Main_Page VDR Wiki (English)]
 
* [http://www.linuxtv.org/vdrwiki/index.php/Main_Page VDR Wiki (English)]
 
* [http://www.free-x.de/wiki/index.php VDR Wiki (Russian)]
 
* [http://www.free-x.de/wiki/index.php VDR Wiki (Russian)]
 
* [http://allrussian.info/board.php?boardid=61 VDR Forum (Russian)]
 
* [http://allrussian.info/board.php?boardid=61 VDR Forum (Russian)]
 
* [http://www.vdr-portal.de VDR Portal (German)]
 
* [http://www.vdr-portal.de VDR Portal (German)]
 +
* [http://vdr.schmirler.de/ VDR & Plugins (English)]

Latest revision as of 11:45, 22 January 2019

The Video Disk Recorder

VDR is a personal video recorder system aimed at the DVB market. It supports DVB-S, DVB-C and DVB-T tuner cards. More details can be found at the VDR homepage.

It is the second PVR system integrated into LinuxMCE. The main aim is for a seamless integration into LinuxMCE. The UI should not change between VDR and the other LinuxMCE pieces. The first version of this integration was scheduled for January 2008, and was mainly sponsored by Convergent Home Technologies Ltd. For 810 and 1004 lots of changes, especially how VDR player interacts, have been added.

Overview How LinuxMCE Works With VDR

One system contains the TV reception cards, most of the time, DVB-S2 cards. Using Streamdev all other devices in the system receive TV streams. All timed recordings happen on the system with the TV cards.

Each MD has a local VDR instance running. On x86 systems Xineliboutput is used to display the output of VDR on the local screen. On Rpis with RPIHDdevice is used.

All EPG data is sourced from the central system.

All timers are sent to the central system using the remote timers plugin.

The VDR Player device talks to the MDs vdr using the SVDR Protocol.

Configuration

Recently I managed to setup VDR under LinuxMCE successfully. This brief howto is a result of my personal experience. Don't hesitate to improve it.

Installation

VDR should be selected using the setup wizard. If you did not select VDR during the initial configuration after installation, simply re-run the wizard (it's on the Advanced menu) and select VDR as the PVR. VDR will be installed automatically and will start after installation.

LinuxMCE Software Modules


To make VDR configuration and manage easier its web interface - VDRAdmin can be used. It should be installed manually: 

   sudo apt-get install vdradmin-am

and then enabled to be able run by replacing ENABLED="0" by ENABLED="1" in the /etc/default/vdradmin-am. Also don't forget to add a new firewall rule for the port 8001 - Advanced -->> Network --> Firewall Rules.

Scanning for Channels

To enable scanning for channels the DVB utilities package should also installed manually: 

   sudo apt-get update

then do

For 8.10 

   sudo apt-get install dvb-utils

For 10.04 

   sudo apt-get install dvb-apps w-scan

Scanning for DVB-T Channels

Firstly we need to stop VDR before we scan for channels; 

   sudo /etc/init.d/vdr stop

Australian users follow the next item. For other regions skip down to the DVB-utils instructions. On the device with the tuner cards installed ssh in and run the following command. 

   sudo w_scan -c AU > /var/lib/vdr/channels.conf

   sudo service vdr start

Above we installed the dvb-utils package and this will have installed the scan utility and tuning files for many DVB transmitters in various regions. Look for a transmitter in your region by looking in the following directory;

For 8.10 

 ls /usr/share/doc/dvb-utils/examples/scan/dvb-t

For 10.04 

 ls /usr/share/dvb/dvb-t

You should now see something like this on your console; 

au-Adelaide            fi-Ahtari          fi-Taivalkoski       se-Borlange                  se-Uddevalla
au-Brisbane            fi-Ala-Vuokki      fi-Tammela           se-Emmaboda                  se-Uppsala
au-canberra            fi-Ammansaari      fi-Tampere           se-Falun                     se-Vannas
au-Darwin              fi-Anjalankoski    fi-Tervola           se-Gallivare                 se-Varberg
au-GoldCoast           fi-Espoo           fi-Turku             se-Gavle                     se-Vasteras
au-Hobart              fi-Eurajoki        fi-Utsjoki           se-Goteborg_Brudaremossen    se-Vastervik
au-Mackay              fi-Fiskars         fi-Vaasa             se-Goteborg_Slattadamm       se-Visby
au-Melbourne           fi-Haapavesi       fi-Vuokatti          se-Halmstad                  se-Vislanda
au-Melbourne-Upwey     fi-Hetta           fi-Vuotso            se-Harnosand                 se-Ystad
au-Perth               fi-Iisalmi         fi-Yllas             se-Helsingborg               tw-Taipei
au-Sydney_Kings_Cross  fi-Inari           fr-Bordeaux          se-Horby                     uk-Angus
au-sydney_north_shore  fi-Joutseno        fr-Brest             se-Hudiksvall                uk-Bilsdale
au-Townsville          fi-Juntusranta     fr-LeMans            se-Jonkoping                 uk-BlackHill
au-unknown             fi-Jyvaskyla       fr-Lyon-Fourviere    se-Kalix                     uk-BluebellHill
cz-Praha               fi-Kaihuanvaara    fr-Lyon-Pilat        se-Karlshamn                 uk-Caradon
de-Berlin              fi-Karigasniemi    fr-Marseille         se-Karlskrona                uk-CaradonHill
de-Braunschweig        fi-Kaunispaa       fr-Nantes            se-Karlstad                  uk-Craigkelly
de-Bremen              fi-Kerimaki        fr-Niort             se-Kiruna                    uk-CrystalPalace
de-Erfurt-Weimar       fi-Kiihtelysvaara  fr-Orleans           se-Kisa                      uk-Dover
de-Frankfurt           fi-Kilpisjarvi     fr-Paris             se-Kramfors                  uk-DoverB
de-Hamburg             fi-Koli            fr-Rennes            se-Linkoping_Vattentorn      uk-Durris
de-Hannover            fi-Kruunupyy       fr-Rouen             se-Malmo                     uk-EmleyMoor
de-Kiel                fi-Kuopio          fr-Toulouse          se-Malmo_Kronprinsen         uk-Hannington
de-Koeln-Bonn          fi-Kuttanen        fr-Vannes            se-Molndal_Vasterberget      uk-Heathfield
de-Leipzig             fi-Lahti           hr-Zagreb            se-Mora                      uk-Llanddona
de-Luebeck             fi-Lapua           is-Reykjavik         se-Motala                    uk-Mendip
de-Muenchen            fi-Mikkeli         it-Bologna           se-Nassjo                    uk-Oxford
de-Nuernberg           fi-Oulu            it-Bolzano           se-Norrkoping                uk-PontopPike
de-Rostock             fi-Pello           it-Catania           se-Norrtalje_Sodra_Bergen    uk-Redruth
de-Ruhrgebiet          fi-Pernaja         it-Conero            se-Orebro                    uk-Reigate
de-Schwerin            fi-Pihtipudas      it-Genova            se-Ornskoldsvik              uk-Rowridge
dk-Copenhagen          fi-Posio           it-Milano            se-Ostersund                 uk-SandyHeath
es-Alfabia             fi-Pudasjarvi      it-Torino            se-Osthammar                 uk-Storeton
es-Alpicat             fi-Puolanka        it-Varese            se-Skelleftea                uk-SudburyB
es-Collserola          fi-Pyhatunturi     nl-AlphenaandenRijn  se-Skovde                    uk-SuttonColdfield
es-Lugo                fi-Pyhavuori       nl-Randstad          se-Sodertalje_Ragnhildsborg  uk-TheWrekin
es-Madrid              fi-Ranua           se-Alvsbyn           se-Stockholm_Marieberg       uk-TheWrekinB
es-Mussara             fi-Rovaniemi       se-Angelholm         se-Stockholm_Nacka           uk-Waltham
es-Rocacorba           fi-Ruka            se-Bollnas           se-Sundsvall                 uk-WhitehawkHill
es-Sevilla             fi-Salla           se-Boras             se-Trollhattan               uk-WinterHill

Once you have found the DVB-T transmitter for your region then use the line below to generate the VDR compatible channels.conf for that specific transmitter using the line below substituting 'uk-CrystalPalace' with the name of your closest transmitter;

For 8.10 

cd /home
sudo scan -o vdr -p -u /usr/share/doc/dvb-utils/examples/scan/dvb-t/uk-CrystalPalace > channels.conf

For 10.04 

cd /home
sudo scan -o vdr -p -u /usr/share/dvb/dvb-t/uk-CrystalPalace > channels.conf

This will write the channels.conf file and also output data on all the found and tuned channels to the console. The scan process usually takes less than a minute but can take longer if you have a low quality signal in your area. Below is an example of the output for 'uk-CrystalPalace' my local transmitter here in the UK showing the channels broadcast on all 6 MUX's; 

scanning /usr/share/doc/dvb-utils/examples/scan/dvb-t/uk-CrystalPalace
using '/dev/dvb/adapter0/frontend0' and '/dev/dvb/adapter0/demux0'
initial transponder 505833333 0 3 9 1 0 0 0
>>> tune to: 505833:I999B8C34D999M16T2G32Y0:T:27500:
0x0000 0x1044: pmt_pid 0x1044 BBC -- BBC ONE (running)
0x0000 0x1084: pmt_pid 0x1084 BBC -- BBC TWO (running)
0x0000 0x10ff: pmt_pid 0x10ff BBC -- BBC THREE (running)
0x0000 0x113f: pmt_pid 0x113f BBC -- BBC NEWS 24 (running)
0x0000 0x117f: pmt_pid 0x117f BBC -- BBCi (running)
0x0000 0x123f: pmt_pid 0x123f BBC -- CBBC Channel (running)
Network Name 'Crystal Palace'
>>> tune to: 481833:I999B8C23D12M64T2G32Y0:T:27500:
Network Name 'Crystal Palace'
0x2005 0x2045: pmt_pid 0x0100 ITV -- ITV1 (running)
0x2005 0x2066: pmt_pid 0x0104 ITV -- ITV3 (running)
0x2005 0x2085: pmt_pid 0x0102 ITV -- ITV2 (running)
0x2005 0x20a1: pmt_pid 0x0116 ITV -- ITV4 (running)
0x2005 0x20c0: pmt_pid 0x0108 Channel 4 TV -- Channel 4 (running)
0x2005 0x20fa: pmt_pid 0x010e Channel 4 TV -- More 4 (running)
0x2005 0x2100: pmt_pid 0x010b Channel 4 TV -- E4 (running)
0x2005 0x2104: pmt_pid 0x010c Channel 4 TV -- Channel 4+1 (running)
0x2005 0x2145: pmt_pid 0x0110 Teletext Limited -- Teletext (running)
0x2005 0x21c3: pmt_pid 0x0112 Teletext Limited -- Teletext Cars (running)
0x2005 0x2240: pmt_pid 0x0114 Channel 4 TV -- Teletext on 4 (running)
0x2005 0x2244: pmt_pid 0x011c Global Radio -- Heart (running)
>>> tune to: 561833:I999B8C23D12M64T2G32Y0:T:27500:
0x3002 0x3242: pmt_pid 0x0101 five -- Five (running)
0x3002 0x3280: pmt_pid 0x0113 five -- Five Life (running)
0x3002 0x32c0: pmt_pid 0x0117 five -- Five US (running)
0x3002 0x3340: pmt_pid 0x0103 QVC -- QVC (running)
0x3002 0x37c0: pmt_pid 0x0105 Sit-Up Ltd -- bid tv (running)
0x3002 0x3900: pmt_pid 0x010a EMAP -- Smash Hits! (running)
0x3002 0x3940: pmt_pid 0x010b EMAP -- MOJO (running)
0x3002 0x39c0: pmt_pid 0x010c Teletext Limited -- Ttext Holidays (running)
0x3002 0x3a80: pmt_pid 0x010e five -- UKTV Style (running, scrambled)
0x3002 0x3b80: pmt_pid 0x0112 five -- TVX / RED HOT (running)
0x3002 0x3cc0: pmt_pid 0x0114 five -- UKTV Gold (running, scrambled)
0x3002 0x3d00: pmt_pid 0x0115 Sit-Up Ltd -- price-drop tv (running)
0x3002 0x3dc0: pmt_pid 0x0118 five -- Teachers TV (running)
0x3002 0x3e20: pmt_pid 0x0124 Turner Broadcasting System Europe Limited -- Nuts TV (running)
0x3002 0x3e80: pmt_pid 0x011d five -- Eurosport UK (running, scrambled)
0x3002 0x3ea0: pmt_pid 0x0104 ITV -- CITV (running)
0x3002 0x3ee0: pmt_pid 0x011c ITV -- SETANTA SPORTS (running)
0x3002 0x3f00: pmt_pid 0x011b Teletext Limited -- Teletext Games (running)
0x3002 0x3f20: pmt_pid 0x0125 The Jewellery Channel -- Jewellery Chan (running)
0x3002 0x3f60: pmt_pid 0x0120 TopUp TV Ltd -- TopUp Anytime1 (running, scrambled)
0x3002 0x3f80: pmt_pid 0x0121 TopUp TV Ltd -- TopUp Anytime2 (running, scrambled)
0x3002 0x3fa0: pmt_pid 0x0122 TopUp TV Ltd -- TopUp Anytime3 (running, scrambled)
WARNING: filter timeout pid 0x0010
>>> tune to: 529833:I999B8C34D34M16T2G32Y0:T:27500:
0x4000 0x4280: pmt_pid 0x02ca BBC -- BBC Parliament (running)
0x4000 0x41c0: pmt_pid 0x02be BBC -- BBC FOUR (running)
0x4000 0x4240: pmt_pid 0x02bf BBC -- CBeebies (running)
0x4000 0x4600: pmt_pid 0x02c0 BBC -- BBC R5 Live (running)
0x4000 0x4640: pmt_pid 0x02c1 BBC -- BBC 5L SportsX (running)
0x4000 0x4680: pmt_pid 0x02c2 BBC -- BBC 6 Music (running)
0x4000 0x46c0: pmt_pid 0x02c3 BBC -- BBC 7 (running)
0x4000 0x4700: pmt_pid 0x02c4 BBC -- 1Xtra BBC (running)
0x4000 0x4740: pmt_pid 0x02c5 BBC -- BBC Asian Net. (running)
0x4000 0x4c00: pmt_pid 0x02c6 BBC -- 301 (running)
0x4000 0x4c40: pmt_pid 0x02c7 BBC -- 302 (running)
0x4000 0x4c80: pmt_pid 0x02c8 BBC -- 303 (running)
0x4000 0x4180: pmt_pid 0x02bd BBC -- 305 (running)
0x4000 0x4e00: pmt_pid 0x02c9 BBC -- Community (running)
0x4000 0x4840: pmt_pid 0x02cb BBC -- BBC Radio 1 (running)
0x4000 0x4880: pmt_pid 0x02cc BBC -- BBC Radio 2 (running)
0x4000 0x48c0: pmt_pid 0x02cd BBC -- BBC Radio 3 (running)
0x4000 0x4900: pmt_pid 0x02ce BBC -- BBC Radio 4 (running)
Network Name 'Crystal Palace'
>>> tune to: 578166:I999B8C34D34M16T2G32Y0:T:27500:
0x5000 0x5740: pmt_pid 0x02c1 Channel 4 TV -- E4+1 (running)
0x5000 0x5640: pmt_pid 0x02bd Sky -- Sky News (running)
0x5000 0x5680: pmt_pid 0x02be Sky -- Sky Spts News (running)
0x5000 0x56c0: pmt_pid 0x02bf Sky -- SKY THREE (running)
0x5000 0x5840: pmt_pid 0x02c2 talkSPORT -- talkSPORT (running)
0x5000 0x5c80: pmt_pid 0x02cd Sky -- Sky Text (running)
0x5000 0x5a40: pmt_pid 0x02ca Virgin Radio -- Virgin Radio (running)
0x5000 0x5cc0: pmt_pid 0x02cf yoomedia -- tvtv DIGITAL (running)
0x5000 0x5700: pmt_pid 0x02c0 UKTV -- Dave (running)
0x5000 0x5780: pmt_pid 0x02cc Square1 Management Ltd -- smileTV (running)
0x5000 0x59c0: pmt_pid 0x02c8 London Christian Radio Ltd -- Premier Radio (running)
0x5000 0x5a00: pmt_pid 0x02c9 Score Digital -- Clyde 1 (running)
Network Name 'Crystal Palace'
>>> tune to: 537833:I999B8C34D34M16T2G32Y0:T:27500:
0x6000 0x6440: pmt_pid 0x03e9 EMAP -- The HITS (running)
0x6000 0x6480: pmt_pid 0x03ea MTV Europe -- TMF (running)
0x6000 0x64c0: pmt_pid 0x03eb UKTV -- UKTV History (running)
0x6000 0x6500: pmt_pid 0x03ec Flextech -- Virgin1 (running)
0x6000 0x6540: pmt_pid 0x03ed CCI -- Ideal World (running)
0x6000 0x6640: pmt_pid 0x03fd EMAP -- Kiss (running)
0x6000 0x66c0: pmt_pid 0x03ff EMAP -- Kerrang! (running)
0x6000 0x6700: pmt_pid 0x0400 GMG -- SMOOTH RADIO (running)
0x6000 0x67c0: pmt_pid 0x0403 EMAP -- The Hits Radio (running)
0x6000 0x6800: pmt_pid 0x0404 EMAP -- Magic (running)
0x6000 0x6840: pmt_pid 0x0405 EMAP -- Q (running)
0x6000 0x6980: pmt_pid 0x0407 4TV Ltd -- 4TVinteractive (running)
0x6000 0x69c0: pmt_pid 0x03ee ITV -- ITV2 +1 (running)
0x6000 0x6a00: pmt_pid 0x03f0 Channel 4 TV -- Film4 (running)
0x6000 0x6780: pmt_pid 0x0402 BBC -- BBC World Sv. (running)
0x6000 0x6680: pmt_pid 0x03fe EMAP -- heat (running)
0x6000 0x6a40: pmt_pid 0x03f1 Channel 4 -- Gems TV (running)
0x6000 0x6a80: pmt_pid 0x03f2 Camelot Group plc -- Lottery Xtra (running)
Network Name 'Crystal Palace'
dumping lists (90 services)
Done.

Below is an example of the first few lines of the 'channels.conf' that was produced by the example above. Notice that the channels are grouped by MUX and not by their UK LCN (Logical Channel Number) which are the numbers with the '@' in front on alternate lines. 

:@1
BBC - BBC ONE:505833:I999B8C34D34M16T2G32Y0:T:27500:600:601,602:0:0:4164:0:0:0
:@2
BBC - BBC TWO:505833:I999B8C34D34M16T2G32Y0:T:27500:610:611,612:0:0:4228:0:0:0
:@80
BBC - BBC NEWS 24:505833:I999B8C34D34M16T2G32Y0:T:27500:640:641:0:0:4415:0:0:0
:@70
BBC - CBBC Channel:505833:I999B8C34D34M16T2G32Y0:T:27500:620:621,622:0:0:4671:0:0:0
:@3
ITV - ITV1:481833:I999B8C23D12M64T2G32Y0:T:27500:520:521,522:0:0:8261:0:0:0
:@6
ITV - ITV2:481833:I999B8C23D12M64T2G32Y0:T:27500:530:531,532:0:0:8325:0:0:0
:@10
ITV - ITV3:481833:I999B8C23D12M64T2G32Y0:T:27500:540:541,542:0:0:8294:0:0:0
:@102
Teletext Limited - Teletext Cars:481833:I999B8C23D12M64T2G32Y0:T:27500:0:789:0:0:8643:0:0:0
:@4
Channel 4 TV - Channel 4:481833:I999B8C23D12M64T2G32Y0:T:27500:560+8190:561,562:0:0:8384:0:0:0
:@13
Channel 4 TV - Channel 4+1:481833:I999B8C23D12M64T2G32Y0:T:27500:580+8190:581,582:0:0:8452:0:0:0
:@29
Channel 4 TV - E4:481833:I999B8C23D12M64T2G32Y0:T:27500:570+8190:571,572:0:0:8448:0:0:0
:@14
Channel 4 TV - More 4:481833:I999B8C23D12M64T2G32Y0:T:27500:590+8190:591,592:0:0:8442:0:0:0
:@28
ITV - ITV4:481833:I999B8C23D12M64T2G32Y0:T:27500:600:601:0:0:8353:0:0:0
(null) - [2243]:481833:I999B8C23D12M64T2G32Y0:T:27500:0:621:0:0:8771:0:0:0
:@728
Global Radio - Heart:481833:I999B8C23D12M64T2G32Y0:T:27500:0:631:0:0:8772:0:0:0

VDR will load the channels into the EPG in the order that they are listed in the 'channels.conf'. So for example in the UK you might want to 'sort' the lines in the 'channels.conf' based on their LCN before loading them into VDR... although the 'channels.conf' will work fine without this. Here is a command which will create a new 'channels-sorted.conf' file from the original, sorted by LCN: 

 perl -0777ne 'print for sort{($a=~/^:@(\d+)/)[0]<=>($b=~/^:@(\d+)/)[0]}split/(?=^:@)/m' channels.conf > channels-sorted.conf
 mv channels-sorted.conf channels.conf

Now that you have a good 'channels.conf' for your local DVB-T transmitter you need to load it into VDR. So just upload the new 'channels.conf' file using LinuxMCE's Web Admin site - go to Advanced –> Configuration –> VDR and use the 'Browse' button next to 'Upload custom file' to find where you created your 'channels.conf' file and click 'Upload'. Now restart vdr from the console; 

sudo /etc/init.d/vdr restart

Now use the following command to check that vdr is running; 

/etc/init.d/vdr status

You should see the line below; 

Getting status of Linux Video Disk Recorder   -= LMCE VERSION 0710-10 =- : vdr - is running.

Now the acid test...go to your LinuxMCE Orbiter and select 'TV' from the 'Media' menu to see a live picture and your all done.

Scanning for DVB-S Channels

Configuration To configure VDR we should get the list of all available channels for desire satellite. You can find it somewhere or create using DVB utility scan. To do that we need the list of transponders stored as INI file. Get it from the JoshyFun's site. Store it somewhere on your LinuxMCE core. In my case I use the INI file for Hotbird.

Before scanning stop VDR: 

   sudo /etc/init.d/vdr stop

and start scanning procedure: 

   scan -o vdr -p -x 0 0130.ini > channels.conf

It might take about 10-20 minutes depends on the number of available channels on your satellite. When scanning is finished just upload the created channels.conf file via Admin site - Advanced --> Configuration --> VDR. And then pickup your satellite from the list (see picture above).

LinuxMCE VDR Configuration Screen


Quick reload router (most probably is not needed) and press button TV on the on-screen Orbiter. You should be able to watch live TV. To navigate on that screen use F6, F7 and F8 buttons on your keyboard, Gyration mouse or Fiire remote. Additionally you can switch channels, see EPG and schedule recording from VDRAdmin web interface.

Enable Dolby Digital Audio in xinelibout

sudo -s
ssh moonXX (where XX is the number of your MD)

Then start alsamixer on the commandline and press the right arrow on the keyboard until you get till "IEC958". If this is muted (says MM) then press the "m" button on the keyboard and the ESC key to save.

Then stop vdr : 

/etc/init.d/vdr stop

and edit /etc/vdr/setup.conf and change the following lines to look like this : 

xineliboutput.Audio.Port = iec958
xineliboutput.Audio.Speakers = Pass Through
CurrentDolby = 1
UseDolbyDigital = 1

And if you also want to record Dolby Digital then also change : 

RecordDolbyDigital = 1

After saving the changes, restart vdr : 

/etc/init.d/vdr start

Now you can replay recordings with Dolby Digital Audio

/Viking

Troubleshooting

If VDR works not as you expect you can do following:

  1. Check VDR log - /var/log/pluto/<ID_VDR_IN_YOUR_SYSTEM>_VDR.log
  2. Check if everything ok with your DVB card:
    • lspci - you should see your card in the list of PCI devices
    • dmesg|grep -i dvb - if driver if your DVB card is loaded correctly you will see it here. Note that in some cases you should place a firmware for your card into /lib/firmware!

MCE Remote Functions

The MCE Remote button functions listed below are for lmcevdr-v10.

What do the buttons do?

MCE IR Remote

TV Off

Not implemented currently

PC Off

When the menu bar is displayed or the screen saver is displaying images this button will power off the Core or any Media Directors that have IR remote control features. In VDR this button stops the Live TV picture (any scheduled recordings will be unaffected).

Record

Pressing this button when watching Live TV will start an 'Instant Recording'.

Stop

Pressing this button will stop the playback of a recording and return you to the Live TV picture on the channel you were watching previously.

Pause

When you have a Live TV picture on the screen pressing this button will 'Pause Live TV' and start recording - pressing this button again will un-pause the picture and start playing the recording while continuing to record the live transmission. If you are watching a recording and you press this button the playback of the recording will stop and the picture will 'freeze' on the screen. Pressing this button again will continue the playback of the recording again.

Rew

Rewinds a recording. There are 3 Rew speeds - pressing this button once gives you speed 1, press it again for speed 2 and a third time for speed 3. This button does nothing when watching Live TV.

Play

Pressing this button in 'Pause' mode plays the paused recording and pressing it again will 'Pause' the playback again.

Fwd

Fast Forwards a recording. There are 3 Fwd speeds - pressing this button once gives you speed 1, press it again for speed 2 and a third time for speed 3. This button does nothing when watching Live TV.

Replay

Press to jump back 1 min in a recording. Press repeatedly to jump back quickly through a recording.

Skip

Press to Skip forward 1 min in a recording. Press repeatedly to jump forward quickly through a recording.

Back

Takes you back to the last VDR on-screen menu if watching Live TV or a Recording and back to previous on-screen menu if an a VDR on-screen menu is already displayed.

More Info

Press once to display 'Info screen' for a Live Channel or a Recording. Press again to cancel 'Info screen'.

Up Arrow

While watching Live TV does a Channel Up. In on-screen menu moves to the menu option above.

Left Arrow

When watching a recording is equivalent to pressing 'Rewind'. In on-screen Schedule menu moves backwards in time.

OK

Pressing this button when Live TV displays the mini on-screen guide for 5 secs at the bottom of the screen. When playing a recording pressing this button displays the playback progress panel at the bottom of the screen. Press again to hide the playback progress panel.

Right Arrow

When watching a recording is equivalent to pressing 'Fwd'. In on-screen Schedule menu pressing this button moves forwards in time.

Down Arrow

While watching Live TV pressing this button does a Channel Down. In VDR on-screen menu moves pressing this button moves you to the menu option below. When watching a recording is equivalent to pressing 'Pause'.

Vol - (+) (-)

Increase or Decrease volume.

Green Start Button

Displays LinuxMCE Menu Bar.

Channel - (+) (-)

Increases or Decreases the Channel number and then changes to that Live TV channel

Mute

Pressing this button repeatedly toggles between Muted sound, on-screen subtitles and un-muted sound.

Recorded TV

Displays the VDR TV Recordings screen. Use Back repeatedly to back out of on-screen menus and get back to Live TV.

Guide

Displays the on-screen EPG Guide for the currently tuned channel. Use Colour buttons to Record, View Progs, Now & Next, Schedule & Next.

Live TV

Turns on Live TV or if already watching Live TV displays the on-screen EPG.

DVD Menu

When watching Live TV displays Channel List.

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,*,0,#

Use to choose channel number directly in Live TV or to jump to on-screen menu items directly when an on-screen menu is displayed.

Clear

Currently unused

Enter

Equivalent to pressing 'OK'

Text

Currently unused

Red

In Live TV displays Recordings menu. In VDR menus does the 'Red' labeled function.

Green

In Live TV displays Channels on-screen menu. In on-screen menus does the 'Green' labeled function.

Yellow

In Live TV displays Info on-screen menu. In on-screen menus does the 'Yellow' labeled function.

Blue

In Live TV displays Timers on-screen menu. In on-screen menus does the 'Yellow' labeled function.

Adding your own plugins to vdr

Installing vdr-dev

If you want to build and add plugins to vdr you need to install the vdr-dev package. Open a console session at your core or ssh in from another machine and do; 

apt-get install vdr-dev

Now follow the instructions for building the plugin you are interested in.

Manual Installation

For details on manually installing VDR please look in VDR Manual Install.

See also

Retrieved from "http://wiki.linuxmce.org/index.php?title=VDR&oldid=37049"