TSReader and myHTPC HOWTO
By Blueman2
Version 1.2

For those who want to put a pretty front end on TSReader’s exceptionally stable and rich functionality, one option is myHTPC.  MyHTPC is a Home Theater PC (HTPC) front end that is highly configurable and easy to use.  It essentially turns TSReader into a Standard and High Definition capable PVR, allowing you to watch live TV and schedule advanced recordings using a Tivo™ like interface. 

One of the great things about the TSReader and myHTPC combination is the flexibility they provide in setting up various HTPC configurations.  We will cover only a couple particular configurations here, but you will quickly learn how to tailor them to fit your needs.  Many of the programs discussed here are very feature rich and can take a while to learn.  This HOWTO assumes the reader has already gained a working knowledge of these programs by visiting their web sites and reading their documentation.  

The Hardware:

The Software:

myHTPC_EpgTSReaderPlugin.wsc This file links myHPTC’s neat electronic program guide (Tivo ™ like) interface with TSReader’s flexible command line support
myHTPC_EpgTSReaderPlugin_Config.vbs This is the configuration program that lets the myHTPC know such things as type of card you are using and dish/LNBF configuration

Basic Setup: (TSReader and MyHTPC, using VLC to decode the picture)

Let’s use BEV’s Nimiq 2 at 82W as an example. Unfortunately, there are not many FTA channels on this bird, but it serves as an example of how to set this up.  

tsreader -M -i -X “C:\Program Files\myHTPC\data\tv\listings\xmltv.xml” 12224 R 20000 11250 0

Advanced Setup Option 1: (Using JVC D-VHS or Roku to decode the picture)

Now that we have the basics in place, let’s move to other decoding options. While VLC is nice, some prefer to use external hardware based decoders to decode their HDTV and SD signals. The JVC D-VHS units (30K and 40K models) and the Roku HDTV Media Player are good choices. To make then work, you need to modify the myHTPC_EpgTSReaderPlugin.wsc file in your myHTPC directory. We will hijack the “Watch Now” button so that instead of launching TSReader with VLC support, it will launch TSReader with D-VHS or Roku support. Here is what to do:

// -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
//
function Watch( channelID , channelDisplayNames , programTitle , programDesc , startDate , startTime , endDate , endTime , duration, channelNumber, subtitle)
{


// Get custom user setting
mySettings();
//Get command number
getcommand(diseqc1, diseqc2, diseqc3, diseqc4, programDesc)

// This variable Is the Path (And options) To the Dvb Tv Viewing program. You can change the
// directory To anything you want As Long As you keep the Double \\ between directories.

var change = '"' + TSReaderPathJS + '\\' + TSReaderProgram + '.exe ' +'"'+'-M -i -v ' + channelNumber + ' ' + '1 '+ cmdlineinfo;
var Shell = new ActiveXObject( "WScript.Shell" );
Shell.Run( change );

//msgdisplay = cmdlineinfo
//Shell = new ActiveXObject("WScript.Shell");
//dummy = Shell.PopUp(msgdisplay,0,"Error!",16);
return "";


}
//------------------------------------------------------------------------------

var change = '"' + TSReaderPathJS + '\\' + TSReaderProgram + '.exe ' +'"'+'-M -i -R 100 ' + channelNumber + ' ' + 'd-vhs 10000 '+ cmdlineinfo;

Advanced Setup Option 2: (Using Girder for remote control of myHTPC)

To make the experience of using myHTPC friendlier and more Tivo ™ like, you can add the ability to control the program using a hand held remote.  For this option, you will need to buy an IR input device such as the IRMAN, and install control software such as Girder. Girder is a rather rich but complex program, so this How-To must assume the reader already knows how to use the program.

Install the IRMAN IR receiver per its instructions

 

Now you can use your remote to control myHTPC just like a Tivo ™.