tvheadend/tvheadend
FreeTvheadend is the leading TV streaming server for Linux with ATSC, DVB-C/C2, DVB-S/S2, DVB-T/T2, IPTV, SAT>IP and unix pipe input sources
FreeFree tier
About tvheadend/tvheadend
Tvheadend is a leading open-source TV streaming server and digital video recorder for Linux. It supports a wide range of input sources including ATSC, DVB-C(2), DVB-S(2), DVB-T(2), HDHomeRun, IPTV, UDP, HTTP, SAT>IP, and Unix Pipe. Outputs are available via the native HTSP protocol, HTTP, or SAT>IP. Features include electronic program guide (EPG), timeshift, scheduled recording, transcoding, and a JSON API. The project is actively maintained with documentation at docs.tvheadend.org and community support via a forum and IRC.
Key Features
TV streaming server and digital video recorder (DVR)
Supports multiple input standards: ATSC, DVB-C(2), DVB-S(2), DVB-T(2), HDHomeRun, IPTV, UDP, HTTP, SAT>IP, Unix Pipe
Output via HTSP (native protocol), HTTP, and SAT>IP
Electronic program guide (EPG) and XMLTV support
Timeshift and scheduled recording capabilities
Transcoding support
JSON API for integration
Docker deployment support
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and open-source under GPL-3.0 license
- Supports a wide variety of TV and streaming input sources
- Active community and thorough documentation
- Lightweight and efficient, designed for Linux
- Includes built-in DVR and timeshift features
Best For
Setting up a home TV server to stream live TV to multiple devicesDigital video recording with scheduling and timeshiftIPTV delivery and streamingTranscoding TV streams for different devicesIntegrating TV functionality into custom applications via JSON API
FAQ
What input sources does Tvheadend support?
Tvheadend supports ATSC, DVB-C(2), DVB-S(2), DVB-T(2), HDHomeRun, IPTV, UDP, HTTP, SAT>IP, and Unix Pipe.
What outputs does Tvheadend provide?
Tvheadend provides outputs via HTSP (native protocol), HTTP, and SAT>IP.
Is Tvheadend free?
Yes, Tvheadend is free and open-source software licensed under GPL-3.0.
Where can I find Tvheadend documentation?
Documentation is available at https://docs.tvheadend.org.
Can Tvheadend be run in a Docker container?
Yes, Tvheadend provides Docker images and instructions in the README.Docker.md file.