[Tutorial] How to install VDR and scan ATSC (North America) channels

NedScott

In this tutorial you will learn how to set up VDR on OpenELEC 6, from scratch, and do a basic channel scan using the ATSC TV tuner.

Installing VDR

VDR is a program that runs in the background on the WeTek box. It's the actual program that handles the TV signal, recordings, and so on. Kodi then acts as an interface and player for VDR. So the first thing we need to do is install VDR.



Normally VDR is installed as a separate program, outside of Kodi. However, on OpenELEC programs are installed as "add-ons" from within Kodi, even if they're not normal Kodi add-ons.



In Kodi, go to

Settings -> Add-ons -> Install from repository -> OpenELEC (official) repository -> Add-on repository ->

Select and install the OpenELEC Unofficial add-on repository, as this version of VDR is maintained by the community. Don't let that scare you, as it still works just as good.



Now go back into

Settings -> Add-ons

except this time go into

Install from repository -> OpenELEC (Unofficial) repository -> Services -> VDR

Select and install



VDR should now be installed.

Doing a channel scan

Normally, this would be done using the VDR configuration settings, but ATSC signals need to use a different tool for VDR.


Since we've already installed the VDR backend server, just disable it in the add-on settings. You can find it under Settings -> Add-ons -> My Add-ons -> Services.

Stay on that window in Kodi so we can easily re-enable it later.



Go into Settings -> Add-ons -> Install from repository -> OpenELEC (unofficial) repository ->

We'll need to go into Programs and install w_scan



Now we need to enable SSH in OpenELEC.

On the home screen of Kodi (when using the default skin) go to the System tab and then select OpenELEC from the sub-tab. If you are not using the default skin, you can also find the OpenELEC settings under Program add-ons.

Now select Services and enable SSH.

We'll need to know the local IP address of the WeTek box, so let's find that under the System Info sub tab, back on the Kodi home screen. This is also under System. Under General we should see a number such as 10.0.0.5 or 192.168.0.5. Note this number.

Now we need to make an SSH connection using another computer on the same local network as the WeTek box. If you are using Ubuntu or OS X, you can simply open the Terminal program. If you are using Windows then you will want to download Putty

Make an SSH connection by typing in

ssh root@IPADDRESSGOESHERE

Where it says IPADDRESSGOESHERE, that should be the number we noted before. For example, root@10.0.0.5

When it asks for a password, enter openelec



If you live in the US, use this command:

w_scan -c us >> /storage/.kodi/userdata/addon_data/service.multimedia.vdr-addon/config/channels.conf



If you live in Canada, use this command:

w_scan -c ca >> /storage/.kodi/userdata/addon_data/service.multimedia.vdr-addon/config/channels.conf



Wait for the scan to complete.



When the scan is complete you can re-enable the VDR PVR Backend add-on.

Setting up VDR

Installing the VDR program should also install and enable the VDR Kodi add-on, which saves us a step.

For basic operation, let's go into

Settings -> TV ->

and select Enable.

That will now populate the TV section in the main menu with the channels that were previously found, and allow you to do basic recordings.

Adding EPG data

this section is coming soon