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ErsatzTV Legacy is an open-source platform that transforms your media library into personalized, live TV channels — complete with an Electronic Program Guide (EPG), custom scheduling, and seamless streaming to any IPTV-compatible device or app. Whether you want classic linear TV or fully scripted programming, ErsatzTV puts you in control.

Installation

Install ErsatzTV on Linux, Windows, macOS, or Docker in minutes.

Quickstart

Create your first channel and start streaming in four steps.

Core Concepts

Understand channels, libraries, schedules, and playouts.

API Reference

Explore the REST API to automate and integrate ErsatzTV.

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How It Works

1

Install ErsatzTV

Download a release package or pull the Docker image. ErsatzTV runs as a background server and exposes its web UI on port 8409.
2

Connect Your Media

Add a local library folder or connect a Plex, Jellyfin, or Emby server. ErsatzTV scans and indexes your movies, shows, music videos, and more.
3

Create Channels & Schedules

Design channels with numbers, logos, and streaming modes. Attach a Classic, Block, YAML, or Scripted schedule to control what plays and when.
4

Stream Anywhere

Point any IPTV client at http://<host>:8409/iptv/channels.m3u and the XMLTV guide at /iptv/xmltv.xml. Watch on Plex, Jellyfin, Emby, Infuse, VLC, or any HDHomeRun-compatible app.

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Key Features

Flexible Scheduling

Classic, Block, YAML, and Python-scripted schedule types to match any programming style.

Hardware Transcoding

GPU-accelerated encoding with NVENC, QSV, VAAPI, AMF, VideoToolbox, and RKMPP.

Media Server Integration

Native connectors for Plex, Jellyfin, and Emby with automatic library scanning.

IPTV & EPG Output

M3U playlist and XMLTV EPG endpoints compatible with every major IPTV client.

HDHomeRun Emulation

Appear as an HDHomeRun device on your network for seamless DVR app integration.

REST API

OpenAPI 3.1-documented endpoints for channels, FFmpeg profiles, libraries, and more.