PVR/Backends

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Live TV, PVR & Radio Contents

PVR main page

1. Tuner Cards
2. Backends
3. Setup
4. Live TV Artwork

Related Pages:

All PVR Pages
All PVR Add-on Pages

Home icon grey.png   ▶ PVR ▶ Backends


Introduction

The backend software interfaces with the TV tuner card and decodes channel signals and enables all the Live TV and PVR functionality.

Via PVR Client add-ons, Kodi supports many different types of Live TV, PVR and Radio backends and other types of services.

Once you have chosen your TV Tuner card, use the appropriate tables below to select the backend software for your intended operating system. Also check the backend is still maintained as many backends are no longer officially maintained by their original creators but the Kodi add-ons are maintained for those users with older systems.

Notes:

  • There are no backends that can be installed on Android, iOS and tvOS. Once the backend is installed on another platform on your home network, you can install the Kodi add-on on your Android, iOS or tvOS device to access the backend.
  • The Supported platforms listed refers to the ability of the backend to be installed on various platforms, not the Kodi addon.
  • Check the Maintained column to confirm whether the backend is receiving official regular updates and support. Accurate as of January 2023


Internal Card & USB Dongle

If you selected either an Internal TV tuner card or a USB TV Tuner dongle as described in Tuner Cards, then the following backends are suitable.

Backend Name Android iOS Linux MacOS ARM (RPi) tvOS Windows Maintained Links
Argus TV No No No No No No Yes No Add-on / Website
DVBLink\TV Mosaic No No Yes No Yes No Yes No Add-on / Website
DVBViewer No No No No No No Yes Yes Add-on / Website
MediaPortal No No No No No No Yes Yes Add-on / Website
MythTV No No Yes Yes No No No Yes Add-on / Website
NextPVR No No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Add-on / Website
PCTV No No No No No No Yes No Add-on / Website
Tvheadend HTSP No No Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Add-on / Website
VDR VNSI Client No No Yes No No No No No Add-on
Windows Medica Center No No No No No No Yes No Add-on

Note: If you are unsure which backend to pick and don't have a strong understanding of this topic then we recommend NextPVR as it is the easiest to setup and use and also supports most platforms and broadcast standards.


Network Attached Device

If you prefer a Network Attached Device as described in Tuner Cards, then the following are suitable for use with Kodi

Device Provider Maintained? Links
HDHomeRun Yes Add-on / Website
OctoNet Yes Add-on / Website
VBox Yes Add-on / Backend / Website
Vuplus (Enigma2) Yes Add-on / Backend


Other PVR Services

These remaining PVR add-ons are used for IPTV services, usually provided by an internet service provider.

Backend Name Type Maintained? Links
FilmOn IPTV Yes Add-on / Website
Freebox IPTV Yes Add-on / Website
IPTVSimple IPTV Yes Add-on
NJoy IPTV Yes Add-on / Website
PlutoTV IPTV Yes Add-on / Website
SledovaniTV IPTV Yes Add-on / Website
Stalker Middlewear IPTV Yes Add-on / Website
TeleBoy IPTV Yes Add-on / Website
Waipu IPTV Yes Add-on / Website
Zattoo IPTV Yes Add-on / Website


Installation

Instructions on installing your tuner card and backend software is outside the scope of this wiki.

Follow the manufacturers instructions for installing the tuner card.

For assistance installing and setting up the backend, visit the wiki and forums of the backend provider. Links to websites are in the tables above.

When both items are working correctly and you are able to watch Live TV using the backend software, continue with the next page of this guide.


Next step: Installing and using the PVR Add-on


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