hdhr_VCR

A Smart VCR script for all HDHomeRun devices.
No cloud. No subscriptions. No drama.
Just simple, AppleScript-powered TV recording for macOS.

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Why?

I wanted to record TV shows quickly on my HDHomeRun, without a massive install or a paid DVR system. This project gives you guide-based, one-click recording—no accounts or setup fees.

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Features

• Automatic HDHomeRun discovery – Finds all compatible tuners on your network.
• Guide-based recording – Automatically pulls show, season, episode, and timing info.
• Flexible Series Recording:
  • Record by channel or across all channels for syndicated shows (NEW)
  • Supports SeriesID tracking for smarter scheduling (NEW)
• Dynamic Task Queueing:
  • Show IDs for series recordings are now queued and processed efficiently at the end of the idle loop (NEW)
• Modular Script Design:
  • Core logic split into a library file for easier updates and better stability (NEW)
• Powerful Logging and Debugging:
  • Robust, handler-specific logs
  • Optional JSON log mode: open API calls in your browser for troubleshooting (NEW)
• Smart Error Handling:
  • Automatic pause on repeated recording failures (NEW)
  • Protects against accidental config wipeouts (NEW)
• Disk space management:
  • Configurable disk space checks before/during recording (NEW)
• Easy “Add,” “Edit,” and “Manual Add” workflows
• macOS notifications: See every step from “about to record” to “recording complete”
• Runs quietly in the background—no complex setup needed

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Requirements

1. macOS

2. JSONHelper is required (free)

3. A configured HDHomeRun device from SiliconDust

4. The HDHomeRun device should have a static IP on the network, as we record the IP address of the tuner when we add a show.

5. hdhr_VCR needs access to the following paths:

   • ~/Documents/hdhr_VCR.json
   • ~/Library/Caches/hdhr_VCR/
   • ~/Library/Logs/hdhr_VCR.log

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Quick Start

1. Download hdhr_VCR.applescript (latest release).
2. Open in Script Editor.
3. Go to File → Export...
   • Save as Application
   • Check “Stay open after run handler”
4. Move the app to your Applications folder and launch.
5. On first run, grant the necessary permissions (macOS will prompt).

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How to Use

• Add: Pick a tuner, pick a channel, pick a show—done.
• Series Recording: Record on specific days, repeats every week.
• Manual Add: Need something outside the guide? Use decimal time (e.g., 18.75 for 6:45pm).
• Run: Resets UI or goes idle.
• Edit/Remove: Click the app in the dock for options.

Screenshots

See below for a visual walkthrough of the process:

• Channel List Selection

• Show Grid / Guide View

• Show Info

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How It Works

• Scans for tuners, fetches lineup and guide.
• Stores settings/data in JSON and AppleScript records.
• Uses curl for all network/file transfers.
• Prevents sleep with caffeinate during recordings.
• Shows and device records look like this:

{show_title:"Example", show_time:16, ...}

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Maintainer Automation

See docs/CODEX_REQUESTS.md for details on the workflow that archives Codex requests automatically after a pull request merges.