So, you're diving into the world of Tvheadend and want to level up your setup? One way to seriously boost its functionality is by using post processor commands. If you are looking for Tvheadend post processor command information, then you have come to the right place. This guide is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of how to use them effectively. Think of these commands as little helpers that spring into action after Tvheadend records your favorite shows. They can do everything from cleaning up the files to automatically converting them into formats that play nicely on all your devices. Let’s get started!

What are Tvheadend Post Processor Commands?

Okay, so what exactly are these post processor commands we keep talking about? Simply put, they are custom scripts or commands that Tvheadend executes after it finishes recording a program. Imagine Tvheadend diligently recording your favorite series. Once it's done, instead of just leaving the file as is, it hands it off to your post processor command. This command can then perform a variety of tasks based on your needs. The possibilities are pretty vast! You might use these commands to remove commercials automatically, convert the recording to a different video format (like going from .ts to .mp4), move the file to a specific directory, or even send a notification to your phone letting you know the recording is ready. Essentially, Tvheadend post processor commands provide a way to automate tasks and customize your recording workflow, making your life a whole lot easier. They help ensure your media library is organized, optimized, and ready to enjoy on any device you choose. Whether you're a seasoned media enthusiast or just starting out, understanding and implementing these commands can significantly enhance your Tvheadend experience. Plus, it’s kinda fun to tinker with them and see what you can accomplish!

Why Use Post Processor Commands?

Alright, let's dive into why you should even bother with post processor commands in Tvheadend. Trust me, once you see the benefits, you'll be hooked! First off, automation is a huge win. Instead of manually processing each recording, you can set up commands to automatically handle tasks like removing commercials, converting file formats, or moving files to your media server. Think about all the time you'll save! Tvheadend post processor command usage is beneficial in many different ways.

Another major advantage is compatibility. Different devices and media players often prefer different file formats. With post processor commands, you can automatically convert recordings to a format that works seamlessly across all your devices, whether it's your smart TV, tablet, or phone. No more struggling with incompatible files! Organization is another key benefit. You can set up commands to automatically rename and move recordings to specific directories based on the show's name, date, or any other criteria you choose. This keeps your media library neat, tidy, and easy to navigate.

Moreover, post processor commands offer customization. You have complete control over what happens to your recordings after they're finished. Want to add metadata, generate thumbnails, or even upload the file to a cloud storage service? It's all possible with custom commands. Ultimately, using post processor commands enhances your overall Tvheadend experience. It streamlines your workflow, saves you time and effort, and ensures your media library is perfectly tailored to your needs. So, if you're looking to get the most out of Tvheadend, definitely explore the world of post processor commands. You won't regret it!

Setting Up Post Processor Commands in Tvheadend

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of setting up post processor commands in Tvheadend. Don't worry; it's not as complicated as it might sound! First things first, you'll need to access your Tvheadend web interface. Just open your web browser and type in the IP address of your Tvheadend server, followed by the port number (usually :9981). Once you're in, navigate to the "Configuration" tab, then click on "Recordings". Here, you'll find the settings related to recording and post-processing. Now, look for the "Post-processor command" field. This is where you'll enter the command you want Tvheadend to execute after each recording. But before you do that, it's a good idea to create your script or command separately and test it to make sure it works as expected. You can use any scripting language you're comfortable with, such as Bash, Python, or Perl. For example, let's say you want to convert your recordings to .mp4 format using ffmpeg. You could create a simple Bash script that takes the input file as an argument, converts it to .mp4, and then deletes the original file. Once you've tested your script, you can enter the full path to the script in the "Post-processor command" field. For example, /path/to/your/script.sh. You can also pass arguments to your script using placeholders that Tvheadend provides. These placeholders allow you to dynamically pass information about the recording to your script, such as the input filename, output filename, channel name, and more. Some common placeholders include %f (input filename), %o (output filename), %c (channel name), and %t (title). So, if you want to pass the input filename to your script, you would enter /path/to/your/script.sh %f in the "Post-processor command" field. Remember to save your changes after entering the command. That's it! Now, Tvheadend will automatically execute your post processor command after each recording, allowing you to automate tasks and customize your recording workflow. Just make sure to test your setup thoroughly to ensure everything is working as expected.

Example Post Processor Commands

Alright, let's get into some real-world examples of post processor commands you can use with Tvheadend. These examples should give you a good starting point and inspire you to create your own custom commands! First up, let's tackle the classic: converting recordings to .mp4 format using ffmpeg. This is super useful for ensuring your recordings play nicely on all your devices. Here's a simple Bash script that does the trick:

#!/bin/bash

INPUT="$1"
OUTPUT="${INPUT%.*}".mp4

ffmpeg -i "$INPUT" -codec copy "$OUTPUT"
rm "$INPUT"

In this script, we're taking the input filename as an argument ($1), creating an output filename with the .mp4 extension, using ffmpeg to convert the file, and then deleting the original .ts file. To use this script in Tvheadend, you would enter /path/to/your/script.sh %f in the "Post-processor command" field. Next, let's look at a command for removing commercials using comskip. This is a game-changer for anyone who hates sitting through ads! Here's a basic Bash script:

#!/bin/bash

INPUT="$1"

comskip "$INPUT"

This script simply takes the input filename as an argument and runs comskip to detect and remove commercials. Of course, you'll need to have comskip installed on your system for this to work. Again, you would enter /path/to/your/script.sh %f in Tvheadend. Now, let's consider a command for moving recordings to a specific directory based on the channel name. This can help you keep your media library organized.

#!/bin/bash

INPUT="$1"
CHANNEL="$2"

DEST_DIR="/path/to/your/media/library/$CHANNEL"

mkdir -p "$DEST_DIR"
mv "$INPUT" "$DEST_DIR"

In this script, we're taking the input filename and channel name as arguments, creating a destination directory based on the channel name, and then moving the recording to that directory. To use this script, you would enter /path/to/your/script.sh %f %c in Tvheadend. These are just a few examples to get you started. The possibilities are endless! You can combine these commands, add more complex logic, or create entirely new commands to suit your specific needs. So, dive in, experiment, and have fun!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best planning, things can sometimes go wrong when setting up post processor commands in Tvheadend. Let's walk through some common issues and how to troubleshoot them. First off, if your post processor command isn't running at all, the most likely cause is a simple typo in the "Post-processor command" field. Double-check the path to your script and make sure it's entered correctly. Also, ensure that the script has execute permissions. You can grant execute permissions by running chmod +x /path/to/your/script.sh in your terminal. Another common issue is that the script runs, but it doesn't do what you expect. In this case, the best approach is to add some logging to your script. You can use the echo command to print messages to a log file, which can help you track what's happening. For example:

#!/bin/bash

INPUT="$1"

echo "Starting post-processing for $INPUT" >> /tmp/post-processor.log

# Your commands here

echo "Finished post-processing for $INPUT" >> /tmp/post-processor.log

By adding these echo statements, you can see when the script starts and finishes, and you can also log any errors or unexpected behavior. If you're using placeholders like %f or %c, make sure they're being expanded correctly. Sometimes, Tvheadend might not pass the correct values to your script. You can check this by logging the values of these placeholders to your log file. Also, be aware of file permissions. The user that Tvheadend runs under needs to have permission to read and write to the files and directories that your script is accessing. If you're encountering permission errors, you may need to adjust the ownership or permissions of these files and directories. Finally, if you're using external programs like ffmpeg or comskip, make sure they're installed correctly and that they're in your system's PATH. You can test this by running the program from the command line. By following these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to resolve most common issues with post processor commands in Tvheadend. Remember to test your setup thoroughly and don't be afraid to experiment!

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Ready to take your Tvheadend post processor command game to the next level? Here are some advanced tips and tricks to help you become a true power user! First up, consider using more complex logic in your scripts. Instead of just running a single command, you can create scripts that make decisions based on various factors, such as the channel name, the time of day, or the file size. For example, you could create a script that only removes commercials from recordings that are longer than a certain duration. Or, you could create a script that converts recordings to different formats depending on the device you're going to watch them on. Another advanced tip is to use environment variables in your scripts. Environment variables are a way to pass information to your scripts without having to hardcode it. This can make your scripts more flexible and easier to configure. For example, you could set an environment variable that specifies the directory where you want to store your recordings. Then, you can access this variable in your script using the $VARIABLE_NAME syntax. You can also use external APIs in your scripts to add even more functionality. For example, you could use the TVDB API to automatically retrieve metadata for your recordings, such as the episode title, season number, and episode description. Or, you could use the Pushover API to send notifications to your phone when a recording is finished. Another trick is to use named pipes (FIFOs) to communicate between different processes. This can be useful if you want to run multiple post processor commands in parallel. For example, you could create a named pipe that passes the input filename from one command to another. Finally, consider using a configuration file to store the settings for your scripts. This can make your scripts easier to manage and configure. You can use a simple text file, or you can use a more structured format like JSON or YAML. By using these advanced tips and tricks, you can create powerful and flexible post processor commands that will supercharge your Tvheadend setup. So, dive in, experiment, and have fun!

Conclusion

Alright, guys, we've covered a ton about Tvheadend post processor commands, from the basics to some pretty advanced techniques. Hopefully, you now have a solid understanding of what these commands are, why they're useful, and how to set them up. Remember, the key to mastering post processor commands is experimentation. Don't be afraid to try new things, tweak your scripts, and see what you can accomplish. The possibilities are endless! Whether you're looking to automate tasks, improve compatibility, or simply keep your media library organized, post processor commands can help you achieve your goals. So, go ahead and dive in. Set up some commands, play around with the settings, and see how much you can improve your Tvheadend experience. And if you run into any issues, don't hesitate to refer back to this guide or reach out to the Tvheadend community for help. Happy tinkering!