Streaming live TV or managing IPTV can be a joy — or a nightmare — if you don’t have the right setup. If you’re using a Synology NAS and want to make it super efficient and easy, then you’re going to love xTeVe. This clever little tool lets you manage your IPTV channels and pick what you want to stream. It’s like a TV station in your pocket. Let’s make installing xTeVe on your Synology NAS easy and fun!
TL;DR
Installing xTeVe on Synology takes just a few steps, and it can make your IPTV life way easier. You’ll need Docker, a functioning NAS, and some patience. Once xTeVe is up, you’ll be able to organize your channels and stream like a pro. Stay tuned, this guide walks you through the whole process — step by step!
What Is xTeVe?
xTeVe is a M3U proxy server for Plex DVR and Emby that helps map and organize IPTV streams. Think of it like a middleman that cleans up your messy channel list and sends it neatly to your streaming system.
It supports:
- M3U playlists
- XMLTV EPG data
- Plex & Emby integration
It runs well in Docker — and that’s exactly what you’ll use on your Synology NAS.
What You’ll Need First
Before we dive into the installation, make sure you check off this short list:
- A Synology NAS running DSM 6.2 or later
- Docker installed on your Synology
- Some basic understanding of how the DSM interface works
- Your M3U playlist and XMLTV EPG URL (optional but handy)
Ready? Let’s do this!
Step 1: Install Docker from Package Center
This is super simple.
- Log into your Synology DSM interface.
- Open Package Center.
- Search for Docker.
- Click Install.
Once installed, Docker will show up in your main menu.
Step 2: Create a Folder for xTeVe
This folder will store your xTeVe config files.
- Open File Station.
- Choose a volume or shared folder like docker.
- Right-click and choose Create > New Folder.
- Name it something like xteve.
Step 3: Launch Docker and Search for xTeVe
Now the real fun begins.
- Open the Docker app on your NAS.
- Go to the Registry tab.
- Search for xteve.
- Look for a good trustworthy image — dnsforge/xteve or alturismo/xteve are popular picks.
- Right-click it and hit Download.
Give it a few seconds or minutes depending on your network speed.
Step 4: Set Up the Container
Once downloaded, go to the Image tab in Docker and find your xTeVe image. Let’s create the container!
- Click on the image and hit Launch.
- Give your container a name, like xteve.
- Under Advanced Settings, check:
- Enable auto-restart (so xTeVe runs even after a reboot)
- Volume tab: Add a folder mount
- Mount your newly created xteve folder to /home/xteve (or whatever the image documentation recommends)
- In the Network tab, choose Use the same network as Docker Host
Click Apply and then Next, and finally Done.
Great! xTeVe is now running!
Step 5: Access xTeVe Web Interface
Open your browser and go to the following address:
http://YOUR_NAS_IP:34400
Replace YOUR_NAS_IP with the actual IP address of your NAS.
If everything worked, you’ll see the welcome screen for xTeVe. 🎉
Step 6: Configure xTeVe
The interface will guide you through setup. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Enter your M3U Playlist URL.
- Enter your XMLTV (EPG) URL.
- Select the number of streams (2-3 is a good start).
The system will download your playlist and start organizing it.
Once done, go to the Mapping section. This is where you match channels to XMLTV data.
Step 7: Connect xTeVe to Plex or Emby
The beautiful part about xTeVe is that Plex or Emby thinks it’s a tuner.
In Plex:
- Go to Live TV & DVR settings.
- Click Setup DVR.
- Select ‘Network Device’ and enter the xTeVe tuner URL:
http://YOUR_NAS_IP:34400/devices.xml
Soon, Plex or Emby will pull in your IPTV channels just like a normal TV tuner.
Bonus Tips
Here are a few cool tricks to get the most out of xTeVe:
- Favorites Filtering: Use xTeVe to hide unwanted channels.
- Channel Logo Mapping: Makes your setup more visual and friendly.
- Docker Updates: Periodically check for new versions of the container for bug fixes and features.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Hey, not everything always goes to plan. That’s okay.
- Port not accessible? Make sure your container uses the host network mode.
- Web UI doesn’t load? Reboot both NAS and container, and double-check port 34400.
- M3U links not working? Double-check they’re up-to-date and correct.
If all else fails, Google is your best friend. Forums like Reddit and the Plex community are gold mines.
And… That’s a Wrap!
So there you have it: your shiny new xTeVe setup, humming away on your Synology NAS. With a little patience and some setup time, you’ve just built an IPTV system that rivals traditional cable. Not bad, right?
Feel free to tweak, explore new settings, or even connect other players like Kodi. The possibilities are huge once you understand the basics.
Happy streaming!
