Channel Creation Guide

A comprehensive guide to creating TV channels in EXStreamTV, from the simplest setup to advanced multi-block scheduled programming.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Quick Start: Your First Channel in 5 Minutes
3. Method 1: Basic Manual Channel
4. Method 2: AI-Powered Channel Creation
5. Method 3: Scheduled Channel
6. Method 4: Advanced Multi-Block Channel
7. Method 5: Import and Customize
8. Best Practices
9. Troubleshooting

---

Introduction

What is a Channel in EXStreamTV?

A channel in EXStreamTV represents a continuous stream of video content, similar to a traditional TV channel. Each channel consists of:

• Content Source - Where your media comes from (playlists, collections, or individual items)
• Schedule (optional) - Rules for when specific content plays
• Playout - The active playback configuration
• Branding (optional) - Logos, watermarks, and overlays

Channel Components

Channel
├── Basic Info (name, number, logo, group)
├── Content
│   ├── Playlist (ordered list of items)
│   └── Collection (filtered set of media)
├── Schedule (optional)
│   ├── Time Blocks
│   ├── Recurring Patterns
│   └── Filler/Commercials
├── Playout
│   ├── Mode (continuous, scheduled, loop)
│   └── Anchor Points
└── Deco (optional)
    ├── Watermarks
    └── Bumpers

Choosing the Right Method

Method	Complexity	Best For
Quick Start	Beginner	Single playlist, continuous playback
Basic Manual	Beginner	Simple channel with custom settings
AI-Powered	Intermediate	Complex themed channels, scheduling help
Scheduled	Intermediate	Time-based programming
Multi-Block	Advanced	Full broadcast-style scheduling
Import	Varies	Migration from other platforms

---

Quick Start: Your First Channel in 5 Minutes

Get a channel up and running as fast as possible.

Animated walkthrough of the basic channel creation process

Prerequisites

• At least one media source connected (Plex, Jellyfin, or local folder)
• Some media scanned into the system

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Navigate to Channels

Go to Channels > Manage Channels in the sidebar.

The channels management page showing the toolbar with Add Channel and AI Create buttons

Step 2: Click Add Channel

Click the Add Channel button in the toolbar. You'll see both "Add Channel" for manual creation and "AI Create" for guided setup.

The Create Channel dialog with empty form fields

Step 3: Fill Basic Information

Example: Creating "Classic Movies" channel (101) in the Entertainment group

• Channel Number: Enter a number (e.g., "101")
• Channel Name: Give it a name (e.g., "Movies")
• Group: Optional category (e.g., "Entertainment")

Step 4: Select Content

Under "Content Source," choose:

• Playlist: Select an existing playlist, OR
• Collection: Choose a collection, OR
• Quick Setup: The system will create a playlist for you

Step 5: Save and Enable

1. Click Save to create the channel
2. Toggle the channel to Enabled
3. Your channel is now streaming!

Test Your Channel

1. Go to Player in the sidebar
2. Select your new channel from the dropdown
3. Press play to verify it works

Congratulations! You've created your first channel.

---

Method 1: Basic Manual Channel

For more control over channel settings while keeping things simple.

When to Use

• You want a single collection or playlist to play continuously
• No complex scheduling needed
• Simple 24/7 playback of similar content

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Content

Before creating the channel, organize your content:

1. Go to Content > Playlists or Content > Collections
2. Create a new playlist/collection if needed
3. Add media items to your playlist

Tip: Playlists maintain order, collections are more dynamic.

2. Create the Channel

1. Navigate to Channels > Manage Channels
2. Click Add Channel
3. Fill in the form:

Field	Description	Example
Number	Unique channel number	201
Name	Display name	Classic Movies
Group	Category for organization	Movies
Logo	Upload or URL to channel logo	(optional)
Enabled	Whether channel is active	On

3. Configure Content Source

• Playlist Mode: Choose an existing playlist for ordered playback
• Collection Mode: Select a collection for dynamic content
• Playback Order: Chronological, random, or shuffle

4. Set Playback Options

• Continuous: Plays forever, looping when content ends
• Keep Position: Remember where viewers left off
• Episode Tracking: For TV shows, track episode progression

5. Save and Test

1. Click Save
2. Enable the channel if not already enabled
3. Go to Player and test playback

Best Practices for Basic Channels

• Name clearly: Use descriptive names like "80s Action Movies"
• Group logically: Use groups to organize similar channels
• Add a logo: Channels with logos look more professional
• Test playback: Always verify your channel works before sharing

---

Method 2: AI-Powered Channel Creation

Use the AI Channel Creator for guided setup with expert personas specialized in different content types.

Animated preview of the AI Channel Creator interface

When to Use

• You want guidance on channel setup
• Creating themed channels (e.g., "1970s Nostalgia")
• Need help with scheduling and commercial breaks
• Want best practices built-in

Accessing AI Create

1. Go to Channels > AI Create Channel, OR
2. Click AI Create in the channels toolbar, OR
3. Use the AI Create quick action from the dashboard

The AI Channel Creator with expert persona selection

Choose from 6 expert personas, each specialized in different content types

Available Expert Personas

Choose from specialized AI experts for different content types:

Persona	Specialty	Best For
Max Sterling	TV Programming Executive	Classic TV, scheduling, dayparts
Howard Kowalski	Sports Savant	Sports, classic games, documentaries
Steve Nakamura	Tech Savant	Technology, Apple, computing
Vincent & Clara	Movie Critics	Films, film history, directors
Professor Chen	Kids Programming	Children, Disney, animation
Dr. Eleanor Marsh	PBS Expert	Documentary, educational, PBS

How It Works

You'll chat with your selected expert, who will:

• Asks questions about your channel concept
• Suggests scheduling approaches
• Recommends content organization
• Handles technical configuration

Example Conversation

You: "I want a 1970s and 1980s TV channel with commercials"

Max: "Ah, the golden age of television! Let me ask you a few questions:

1. What's your content library situation? Do you have TV shows from Plex?
2. Are you looking for a 24-hour schedule or specific dayparts?
3. Should we include Saturday morning cartoons?
4. Any particular genres you want to emphasize?"

You: "I have Plex with classic TV shows. I want 24-hour with Saturday cartoons. Primetime should be dramas and comedies."

Max: "Perfect! Here's how I'd structure this..."

The AI Process

1. Describe Your Vision: Tell the AI what kind of channel you want
2. Answer Questions: The AI asks clarifying questions
3. Review Specification: See a preview of the channel structure
4. Create Channel: Let the AI build everything for you

The right panel shows a live preview of your channel specification as you chat, updating in real-time as Max gathers information about your preferences.

AI-Created Components

The AI can automatically create:

• The channel with proper settings
• Smart collections for content filtering
• Schedules with daypart assignments
• Filler presets for commercials
• Playout configuration

Tips for AI Channel Creation

• Be specific about eras: "1970s-1980s" works better than "old"
• Describe your library: Tell the AI what content you have
• Mention preferences: Commercials, start times, special blocks
• Ask for suggestions: The AI knows classic TV programming patterns

---

Method 3: Scheduled Channel

Create channels with time-based programming.

Overview of the scheduling interface

When to Use

• Different content at different times of day
• Specific shows at specific times
• Weekly programming patterns
• More broadcast-like experience

Understanding Schedules

A schedule defines WHEN content plays:

Schedule
├── Monday-Friday
│   ├── 6:00 AM - Morning News
│   ├── 9:00 AM - Talk Shows
│   ├── 12:00 PM - Soap Operas
│   ├── 6:00 PM - Evening News
│   └── 8:00 PM - Primetime Dramas
└── Saturday
    ├── 8:00 AM - Cartoons
    └── 8:00 PM - Movies

Step-by-Step

1. Create a Schedule

1. Go to Scheduling > Schedules
2. Click Add Schedule
3. Give it a descriptive name (e.g., "Classic TV Daily Schedule")

The Schedules management page with Add Schedule button

The Create Schedule dialog with options for multi-part episodes and shuffle settings

2. Add Schedule Items

For each time slot:

1. Click Add Item
2. Set the Start Time
3. Choose the Content Source (collection/playlist)
4. Set Duration or let it auto-calculate
5. Configure playback options

3. Configure Recurring Patterns

• Daily: Same schedule every day
• Weekdays: Monday-Friday only
• Weekends: Saturday-Sunday only
• Specific Days: Choose individual days

4. Create the Channel

1. Go to Channels > Manage Channels
2. Create a new channel
3. Under Playout settings, select Scheduled Mode
4. Choose your created schedule

5. Create a Playout

1. Go to Scheduling > Playouts
2. Click Create Playout
3. Link your channel and schedule
4. Set to Active

Schedule Tips

• Plan on paper first: Sketch your schedule before building
• Use collections: Easier to manage than individual items
• Buffer time: Add a few minutes between shows for flexibility
• Test transitions: Make sure shows switch correctly

---

Method 4: Advanced Multi-Block Channel

Full broadcast-style channel with blocks, filler, and branding.

When to Use

• Replicating traditional TV experience
• Complex programming with commercials
• Multiple themed blocks per day
• Professional presentation with branding

Architecture Overview

Channel: "Retro TV"
├── Schedule: "Retro TV Master Schedule"
│   ├── Morning Block
│   │   ├── 6:00 - Wake Up Cartoons
│   │   └── Commercial Break (Filler Preset A)
│   ├── Daytime Block
│   │   ├── 9:00 - Game Shows
│   │   ├── 12:00 - Soaps
│   │   └── Commercial Breaks (Filler Preset B)
│   └── Primetime Block
│       ├── 8:00 - Drama Hour
│       ├── 9:00 - Comedy Block
│       └── Commercial Breaks (Filler Preset C)
├── Filler Presets
│   ├── Preset A: Short breaks (30 sec)
│   ├── Preset B: Standard breaks (2 min)
│   └── Preset C: Long breaks (3 min)
└── Deco
    ├── Channel Watermark (logo)
    └── Bumpers (station ID)

Building It Step by Step

Phase 1: Organize Your Content

1. Create Collections by genre and era:

   • "70s-80s Cartoons"
   • "Classic Game Shows"
   • "Daytime Soaps"
   • "Primetime Dramas"
   • "Sitcoms"

2. Create a Filler Collection for commercials:

   • Archive.org Prelinger collection
   • Custom bumpers/promos

Phase 2: Create Programming Blocks

1. Go to Scheduling > Blocks
2. Create blocks for each daypart:

The Blocks management page for creating time-based programming blocks

Morning Cartoon Block

• Name: "Saturday Morning Cartoons"
• Duration: 4 hours
• Source: "70s-80s Cartoons" collection
• Shuffle: Yes

Primetime Drama Block

• Name: "Drama Hour"
• Duration: 1 hour
• Source: "Primetime Dramas" collection
• Shuffle: No (chronological)

Phase 3: Configure Filler Presets

1. Go to Scheduling > Filler Presets
2. Create presets for different contexts:

The Filler Presets page for configuring commercial breaks and filler content

Standard Commercial Break

• Duration: 2 minutes
• Frequency: Every 15 minutes
• Source: Filler collection
• Shuffle: Yes

Phase 4: Build the Schedule

1. Go to Scheduling > Templates (optional: create reusable template)

The Templates page for creating reusable schedule patterns

2. Go to Scheduling > Schedules
3. Create master schedule
4. Add blocks and filler:

6:00 AM - Morning Block
  → Insert Filler Preset: Short Breaks
9:00 AM - Daytime Block
  → Insert Filler Preset: Standard Breaks
8:00 PM - Primetime Block
  → Insert Filler Preset: Long Breaks
11:00 PM - Late Night
  → Movies with minimal breaks

Phase 5: Add Branding (Deco)

1. Go to Scheduling > Deco

The Deco page for bumpers, station IDs, and promotional content

2. Create channel watermark:

   • Upload logo image
   • Position: Bottom-right
   • Opacity: 70%

3. Create station ID bumpers:

   • 5-second clips between shows
   • "You're watching Retro TV"

Phase 6: Connect Everything

1. Create the channel at Channels > Manage Channels
2. Create playout at Scheduling > Playouts:
   • Link channel to schedule
   • Enable filler presets
   • Enable deco

Phase 7: Test Thoroughly

1. Use Diagnostics > Test Stream
2. Verify:
   • Content plays in correct order
   • Commercial breaks insert properly
   • Watermark displays correctly
   • Bumpers play between shows

Advanced Tips

• Use templates: Create schedule templates for consistency
• Time alignment: Set shows to start on the hour or half-hour
• Vary filler: Mix commercial lengths for authenticity
• Preview schedule: Check the visual timeline before going live

---

Method 5: Import and Customize

Migrate from other platforms or M3U sources.

The Import Channels page for importing from YAML configuration files

Importing from ErsatzTV

1. Go to Channels > Import Channels
2. Select ErsatzTV as source
3. Provide your ErsatzTV database or export file
4. Map channels to local media sources
5. Review and import

Importing from M3U

1. Go to Channels > Import M3U
2. Paste your M3U playlist URL or content
3. Configure import options:

The Import M3U page for importing from M3U playlists or the curated stream library

• Channel number assignment
• Group mapping
• Logo handling

4. Review channels before import
5. Click Import

Post-Import Customization

After importing, you may want to:

• Update channel logos
• Reassign content sources to local media
• Adjust channel numbers
• Modify playback settings

---

Best Practices

Content Organization

1. Use descriptive names: "80s Action Movies" not "Movies 1"
2. Create smart collections: Filter by genre, year, rating
3. Separate content types: Don't mix movies and TV episodes
4. Maintain metadata: Good metadata = better filtering

Schedule Design

1. Know your dayparts:

   • Morning (6-9 AM): Light content
   • Daytime (9 AM-5 PM): Talk shows, soaps
   • Early fringe (5-8 PM): Transition content
   • Primetime (8-11 PM): Best content
   • Late night (11 PM+): Movies, adult content

2. Lead-in strategy: Put popular shows before new content

3. Consistent timing: Start shows at predictable times

4. Genre flow: Similar content should flow together

Commercial Breaks

1. Period-appropriate: Match commercials to content era
2. Varied length: 30 seconds to 3 minutes
3. Natural breaks: Insert at logical story breaks
4. Don't overdo it: 8-12 minutes per hour maximum

Performance

1. Test before publishing: Always verify playback
2. Monitor resources: Watch CPU/memory during transcoding
3. Use hardware acceleration: Enable GPU encoding if available
4. Optimize source files: Pre-transcode if possible

Channel Maintenance

1. Refresh content: Update collections regularly
2. Monitor playback: Check logs for errors
3. Update schedules: Seasonal or holiday changes
4. Backup configuration: Export settings regularly

---

Troubleshooting

Channel Not Playing

Symptoms: Black screen, buffering, or error message

Check:

1. Is the channel enabled?
2. Is the playout active?
3. Does the content source have items?
4. Are media files accessible?

Fix:

• Enable channel and playout
• Verify playlist/collection has content
• Check media source connectivity
• Review streaming logs for errors

Content Not Appearing

Symptoms: Empty playlist, missing items

Check:

1. Is the media source connected?
2. Has the library been scanned?
3. Are collection filters correct?

Fix:

• Refresh media source
• Rescan libraries
• Adjust collection filter criteria

Schedule Not Following

Symptoms: Wrong content at wrong times

Check:

1. Is the schedule linked to the channel?
2. Are schedule items correctly configured?
3. Is the time zone correct?

Fix:

• Verify playout connects schedule to channel
• Check schedule item times
• Verify server time zone setting

AI Not Responding

Symptoms: AI Channel Creator not working

Check:

1. Is Ollama installed and running?
2. Is the AI model downloaded?
3. Check Diagnostics > AI Troubleshooting

Fix:

• Install Ollama following the guide
• Download required AI model
• Check Ollama connection in settings

Using AI Troubleshooting

For persistent issues:

1. Go to Diagnostics > AI Troubleshooting
2. Describe your problem
3. Include relevant error messages
4. The AI will analyze and suggest fixes

---

Next Steps

After creating your first channels:

1. Set up HDHomeRun - Share channels with TV apps
2. Configure EPG - Electronic program guide for clients
3. Add more sources - Connect additional media libraries
4. Explore scheduling - Try more complex programming

---

Last updated: January 2026