There's something uniquely appealing about scheduled television, isn't there? Long before the endless choices of streaming on demand, tuning into specific channels for specific shows at specific times was just how we watched TV. I have fond memories of settling in for programming on channels like WTBS in the 1970s and 80s, and later, the brilliantly curated blocks on Nick at Nite. They offered a taste of something different, a break from the usual network fare.
Yet, even as I enjoyed them, a thought always lingered: "That's good, but it could be better." I often found myself wishing I could tweak the schedule, add shows I loved, or remove ones I didn't. Back then, that was pure fantasy. Now, with personal media servers like Plex, that fantasy is edging closer to reality.
Discovering the Potential: The Lon.TV Video
Recently, I stumbled upon a video by Lon Seidman that perfectly illustrates how far we've come in personalizing our streaming experience. It truly opened my eyes to the intriguing possibilities that exist today. I want to share it with you so you can see this concept in action for yourself:
[YouTube]
Brief Summary of the Video
In the video, Lon demonstrates how to create your very own personalized TV channel using your existing Plex media server in conjunction with an open-source software called ErsatzTV. Essentially, it lets you take your personal library of movies and TV shows and build a custom broadcast schedule, complete with specific start times, commercial breaks (if you want them!), and even filler content. The result is a "virtual channel" that feels just like tuning into traditional television, but with content you choose. It's a fascinating blend of old-school TV watching with modern technology.
The Allure of Taking Control
This concept immediately resonated with that long-standing "could be better" feeling I had watching channels like WTBS and Nick at Nite. For decades, we were at the mercy of network programmers. We took what we were given, or we missed it entirely. Now, the power to curate is truly in our hands.
The idea of being able to design a channel tailored precisely to my tastes – filled with my favorite movies, classic TV shows, and special programming – is incredibly appealing. With my extensive movie and TV show library already organized within Plex, I have a strong foundation for such a project. Of course, building and maintaining something like this isn't a trivial undertaking; it certainly requires setting aside dedicated time for setup and scheduling. Because of that, it remains a captivating idea that I'm currently pondering rather than actively implementing.
Wrapping Up
It's truly remarkable how technology continues to empower cord-cutters to redefine their entertainment. From the days of limited network choices to the vastness of streaming on demand, we're now entering an era where we can become our own programmers.
Does the idea of creating your own personalized TV channel appeal to you? What kind of programming would you create? My Streaming Life often involves Browse through the vast libraries of streaming services, but the idea of a curated, scheduled channel running through Plex, which is available on virtually all platforms, is certainly a tempting one to explore when I have more time.
Comments
Post a Comment
Your comments are welcome. Abusive or off-topic comments will be removed.