Snappier Server

Latest version: v1.2.6

Install & Run Guide

This page covers how to download, install, and run Snappier Server in both GUI (Electron) and CLI‐only modes on Windows, macOS, and Linux, for both x86_64 and ARM64 architectures.

What is Snappier Server?

Snappier Server is a lightweight yet powerful service designed to run seamlessly on your machine 24/7 ideally - otherwise you may miss recordings. Built exclusively for the Snappier IPTV App, it acts as the brain behind all your media recording and downloading needs.

With the Snappier IPTV App, users can effortlessly schedule live TV recordings, save CatchupTV, and download movies or entire TV series from their IPTV provider. Movies can also be scheduled to download at a specific future date and time. Snappier Server takes care of these requests in the background—quietly, efficiently, and reliably.

Note: Each active recording or download uses one connection to your IPTV service. If your subscription only allows a single connection, you won’t be able to watch live TV or start another recording at the same time. However, once a recording has started, you can begin watching it from the server even while it’s still in progress—this does not use up a connection

By default, all your media is saved to the Current Working Directory (CWD) + snappierServer/ folder, but you're free to specify a custom location for folders to organize your recordings and downloads your way. The downloaded content is fully compatible with the Snappier IPTV app and can also be played in any media player that supports the formats.

Note: Live TV and CatchupTV recordings are saved in the .ts (MPEG Transport Stream) format. While widely compatible, this format may not work with certain players—such as Infuse. However, if you enable remuxing the .ts file will be converted to .mkv format making it more compatible.

Once a recording or download begins through the Snappier IPTV App, Snappier itself can be closed. Snappier Server continues the task independently, ensuring everything completes smoothly—even while you're away.

Need help? Join our friendly community on Discord! You’ll find the invite link directly in the Snappier IPTV app.

Notice: Snappier Server is currently a beta feature of the Snappier IPTV App. While it's designed to work for most users, it may not be compatible with all systems or network setups. Installation is the responsibility of the user, and while we may not be able to assist with every individual setup, we’ll always try our best to help in the Discord server if possible. We welcome feedback as we continue to improve it.

1. GUI App (Tray)

The GUI App provides a system‐tray icon and Preferences window with full EPG (Electronic Program Guide) configuration support. Through the Preferences window, you can easily:

• Configure server settings (port, remux, download paths)
• Enable and manage EPG sources with a user-friendly interface
• Add multiple EPG URLs with priority settings
• Set EPG refresh intervals
• Generate Xtream Codes EPG URLs automatically

Pick the right package for your OS and CPU:

⚠️ If you're installing on a computer with a graphical user interface (GUI) — such as Windows, macOS, or Linux — the GUI app is recommended. For headless systems (without a GUI), please use the CLI-only binary provided in Section 2 below.

# Debian/Ubuntu:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install ffmpeg

# Fedora/RHEL:
sudo dnf install ffmpeg

# Arch Linux:
sudo pacman -S ffmpeg
  

2. CLI-Only Binary

🔧 This CLI‐Only Binary is designed for headless/server environments without any GUI.

The CLI package is a single native executable (no GUI), suitable for servers or Docker. It listens on port 8000 by default.

Download

• Windows x64: Download
• Windows ARM64: Download
• macOS x64: Download
• macOS ARM64: Download
• Linux x64: Download
• Linux ARM64: Download

Prerequisite: FFmpeg

Ensure FFmpeg is installed for full recording, remuxing, and optional movie/series downloading support:

# Debian/Ubuntu:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install ffmpeg

# Fedora/RHEL:
sudo dnf install ffmpeg

# Arch Linux:
sudo pacman -S ffmpeg

Note: If you're running the CLI version in a desktop environment and want notifications, install and activate a Linux notification daemon such as dunst or xfce4-notifyd:

• Ubuntu/Debian:
  sudo apt install dunst
  or
  sudo apt install xfce4-notifyd
• Fedora:
  sudo dnf install dunst
  or
  sudo dnf install xfce4-notifyd
• Arch Linux:
  sudo pacman -S dunst
  or
  sudo pacman -S xfce4-notifyd

After installation, ensure the daemon is started or enabled in your session (e.g., by adding dunst & to your autostart script).

Installation & Run

1. Place the binary in a directory on your PATH, or run it directly:

chmod +x snappier-server-cli-‹platform›-‹arch›
./snappier-server-cli-‹platform›-‹arch›

2. To change the default listening port (8000), set the PORT environment variable before launching the server.
   See the section below titled How to Set Environment Variables for step-by-step instructions.
3. All API endpoints (schedules, recordings, movies, series) are available at:

   http://localhost:8000

4. Connect the App: In the Snappier IPTV app, go to Settings → Snappier Server and enter the IP address and port number of the machine running Snappier Server (e.g., 192.168.1.100 and 8000). Do not include http:// or https://

Environment Variables

You can configure the server by setting the following environment variables before launch:

• PORT
  Set the port the server listens on (default is 8000).
• ENABLE_REMUX
  Set to true to convert .ts files to .mkv format automatically.
• RECORDINGS_FOLDER
  Path to store live TV recordings.
• MOVIES_FOLDER
  Path to store downloaded movies.
• SERIES_FOLDER
  Path to store downloaded TV series.
• DOWNLOAD_SPEED_LIMIT_MBS
  Set max download speed for curl-based downloads (in MB/s). Use 0 to disable limit.
• USE_CURL_TO_DOWNLOAD
  Set to true to force using Curl for all downloads (movies/series) instead of FFmpeg.
• ENABLE_EPG
  Set to true to enable EPG (Electronic Program Guide) support.
• EPG_URL
  Single EPG XML URL (e.g., http://example.com/epg.xml).
• EPG_URLS
  Multiple EPG sources as JSON array (e.g., [{"url":"http://source1.com/epg.xml","name":"Main","priority":1}]).
• EPG_REFRESH_INTERVAL
  How often to refresh EPG data in hours (default is 24).

Command-Line Arguments (Alternative to Environment Variables)

The CLI binary also supports command-line arguments for easier configuration. Use --help to see all available options:

./snappier-server-cli --help

EPG Configuration Examples

Single EPG Source:

# Basic EPG setup
./snappier-server-cli --enable-epg --epg-url "http://example.com/epg.xml"

# With custom port and refresh interval
./snappier-server-cli --port 8080 --enable-epg \
  --epg-url "http://provider.com/epg.xml" \
  --epg-interval 12

Multiple EPG Sources:

# Multiple sources with priority (lower number = higher priority)
./snappier-server-cli --enable-epg --epg-urls '[
  {"url":"http://primary.com/epg.xml","name":"Primary","priority":1,"enabled":true},
  {"url":"http://backup.com/epg.xml","name":"Backup","priority":2,"enabled":true}
]'

Complete Configuration Example:

./snappier-server-cli \
  --port 8080 \
  --enable-epg \
  --epg-url "http://provider.com/epg.xml" \
  --epg-interval 24 \
  --enable-remux \
  --recordings ~/Recordings \
  --movies ~/Movies \
  --series ~/TVShows

Verifying EPG Status

Once running with EPG enabled, check the status using curl:

# Check EPG status
curl http://localhost:8000/epg/status

# View channels
curl http://localhost:8000/epg/channels

# Force EPG refresh
curl -X POST http://localhost:8000/epg/refresh

How to Set Environment Variables

If you prefer environment variables over command-line arguments, here's how to set them on each platform:

Windows (Command Prompt)

set PORT=9000
set ENABLE_REMUX=true
set ENABLE_EPG=true
set EPG_URL=http://example.com/epg.xml
snappier-server-cli.exe

Windows (PowerShell)

$env:PORT = "9000"
$env:ENABLE_REMUX = "true"
$env:ENABLE_EPG = "true"
$env:EPG_URL = "http://example.com/epg.xml"
.\snappier-server-cli.exe

macOS / Linux (Bash/Zsh)

export PORT=9000
export ENABLE_REMUX=true
export ENABLE_EPG=true
export EPG_URL="http://example.com/epg.xml"
./snappier-server-cli

To make variables permanent on macOS/Linux, add them to your shell's startup file, like ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc.

3. Common Notes

• Configuration: GUI mode stores prefs in config.json under your user‐data folder (%APPDATA% on Windows, ~/Library/Application Support/… on macOS, ~/.config/… on Linux).
• FFmpeg: The macOS and Windows builds bundle FFmpeg, so you don’t need to install it separately on those platforms. On Linux, you must install FFmpeg manually.
• Docker: Use the CLI binary in a Docker image for headless deployments.
• Finding Your IP Address: To connect the Snappier IPTV app to the server, you'll need the local IP address of the machine running Snappier Server:
  • Windows: Open Command Prompt and run ipconfig. Look for the "IPv4 Address" under your active network adapter.
  • macOS: Open Terminal and run ipconfig getifaddr en0 (or en1 depending on your network). Alternatively, go to System Settings → Network → select your network → look for “IP address”.
  • Linux: Open Terminal and run hostname -I or ip a. Look for your active interface’s IP address (e.g., eth0 or wlan0).
• Network Access: Make sure any firewalls or routers allow traffic on the selected port if you want to access the server from another device.
• VPN Configuration: If using a VPN, ensure that both Snappier and the Snappier Server are on the same LAN/subnet to communicate properly.

Understanding and Using the EPG Feature

What is EPG?

EPG stands for Electronic Program Guide. It's like a TV guide that shows you what's currently playing and what's coming up next on your IPTV channels. With EPG enabled, you can see program titles, descriptions, air times, and more—making it much easier to find and schedule recordings of your favorite shows.

Why Use EPG?

• See what's on: View current and upcoming programs for all your channels
• Schedule recordings: Pick shows from the guide and record them automatically
• Better navigation: Find content by browsing the program schedule instead of channel surfing
• Program information: Get details like show descriptions, episode info, and air times

How to Get Your EPG URL

Your EPG data comes from your IPTV provider. There are two common ways to get your EPG URL:

Method 1: From Your IPTV Provider

Most IPTV providers offer an EPG URL (also called XMLTV URL). This is usually provided when you sign up for service. Check:

• Your welcome email or setup instructions from your provider
• Your provider's customer portal or dashboard
• Contact your provider's support team to request the EPG URL

The URL typically looks like: http://provider.com/xmltv.php?username=yourname&password=yourpass

Method 2: Xtream Codes Format (Most Common)

If your IPTV service uses Xtream Codes (most do), you can generate the EPG URL yourself using this format:

http://your-server:port/xmltv.php?username=USERNAME&password=PASSWORD

Example: If your IPTV login details are:

• Server: iptv.example.com
• Port: 8080
• Username: johndoe
• Password: secretpass123

Your EPG URL would be:

http://iptv.example.com:8080/xmltv.php?username=johndoe&password=secretpass123

Setting Up EPG (GUI App)

If you're using the GUI (Tray) app, setting up EPG is simple:

1. Open Preferences: Click the Snappier Server tray icon and select "Preferences"
2. Navigate to EPG Settings: You'll find the EPG section in the Preferences window
3. Enable EPG: Check the "Enable EPG" checkbox
4. Add Your EPG Source:
   • Click "Add EPG Source" or similar button
   • Paste your EPG URL (from Method 1 or 2 above)
   • Give it a friendly name (e.g., "Main Provider EPG")
   • Set priority (1 is highest priority)
5. Set Refresh Interval: Choose how often to update the guide (24 hours is recommended)
6. Save: Click Save or Apply to activate EPG

Advanced: You can add multiple EPG sources. If you have backup providers or different EPG feeds, add them with different priorities. The server will merge data from all sources, with lower priority numbers taking precedence when there are conflicts.

Setting Up EPG (CLI Binary)

If you're using the CLI-only binary, you have two options:

Option A: Command-Line Arguments (Easiest)

When you start the server, add EPG parameters:

# Basic single EPG source
./snappier-server-cli --enable-epg --epg-url "http://iptv.example.com:8080/xmltv.php?username=johndoe&password=secretpass123"

# With custom refresh interval (12 hours instead of default 24)
./snappier-server-cli --enable-epg --epg-url "http://provider.com/epg.xml" --epg-interval 12

# Multiple EPG sources with priorities
./snappier-server-cli --enable-epg --epg-urls '[
  {"url":"http://primary.com/epg.xml","name":"Primary","priority":1,"enabled":true},
  {"url":"http://backup.com/epg.xml","name":"Backup","priority":2,"enabled":true}
]'

Option B: Environment Variables

Set environment variables before launching:

Windows (Command Prompt):

set ENABLE_EPG=true
set EPG_URL=http://iptv.example.com:8080/xmltv.php?username=johndoe&password=secretpass123
set EPG_REFRESH_INTERVAL=24
snappier-server-cli.exe

macOS/Linux (Terminal):

export ENABLE_EPG=true
export EPG_URL="http://iptv.example.com:8080/xmltv.php?username=johndoe&password=secretpass123"
export EPG_REFRESH_INTERVAL=24
./snappier-server-cli

Verifying EPG is Working

After enabling EPG, verify it's working properly:

1. Check Status: Open your browser or use curl to check:

   http://localhost:8000/epg/status

   You should see information about your EPG sources and when they were last updated.
2. View Channels: Check that channel data is loading:

   http://localhost:8000/epg/channels

   This shows all channels detected from your EPG.
3. Check in Snappier App: Open the Snappier IPTV app on your device (phone, tablet, or TV). Make sure you've connected it to your Snappier Server first (see steps below). If EPG is working, you should now see program information when browsing channels and be able to access the TV guide feature.

Connecting Snappier IPTV App to the Server

To use EPG (and all other Snappier Server features) in the Snappier IPTV app, you need to connect the app to your server:

1. Find Your Server's IP Address: Get the local IP address of the computer running Snappier Server:
   • Windows: Open Command Prompt and run ipconfig. Look for the "IPv4 Address" under your active network adapter (usually starts with 192.168.x.x or 10.0.x.x)
   • macOS: Open Terminal and run ipconfig getifaddr en0 (or en1). Or go to System Settings → Network → select your network → look for "IP address"
   • Linux: Open Terminal and run hostname -I or ip a. Look for your active interface's IP address (e.g., eth0 or wlan0)
2. Open Snappier IPTV App: Launch the Snappier IPTV app on your phone, tablet, or TV device
3. Go to Settings: Navigate to Settings (usually a gear icon in the menu)
4. Find Snappier Server Settings: Look for "Snappier Server" section
5. Enter Server Details:
   • IP Address: Enter the IP address you found in step 1 (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
   • Port: Enter the port number (default is 8000 unless you changed it)
   • Important: Do NOT include http:// or https://—just enter the numbers
6. Save & Test Connection: Save the settings. The app should test the connection and confirm if it's successful
7. Verify EPG: Once connected, navigate to your channels. You should see program titles, times, and descriptions if EPG is enabled and working

Troubleshooting Connection:

• Make sure both your device (phone/tablet/TV) and the computer running Snappier Server are on the same WiFi network/subnet
• Check that any firewall on the computer running Snappier Server allows connections on port 8000 (or your custom port)
• If using a VPN, ensure both devices are on the same local network
• Try accessing http://YOUR-IP:8000/health in a web browser on your phone/tablet—if it shows a response, the server is reachable

Troubleshooting EPG

EPG Not Showing Up in the App

• Make sure EPG is enabled in Snappier Server settings
• Verify the EPG URL is correct—test it by pasting it in a web browser (it should download an XML file)
• Check that the server had time to download EPG data (the first download happens when you enable it)
• Restart both Snappier Server and the Snappier IPTV app

EPG Data is Outdated

• Manually trigger a refresh: curl -X POST http://localhost:8000/epg/refresh
• Reduce the refresh interval if programs update more frequently than 24 hours
• Check that your IPTV provider's EPG is up to date

EPG URL Not Working

• Test the URL in a browser—it should download an XML file
• Make sure username and password in the URL are correct
• Check with your IPTV provider that the EPG service is active
• Some providers require special EPG URLs—contact support if the standard Xtream format doesn't work

EPG Refresh Schedule

By default, EPG data refreshes every 24 hours automatically. You can customize this interval:

• GUI: Set in Preferences → EPG Settings → Refresh Interval
• CLI: Use --epg-interval 12 (for 12 hours) or set EPG_REFRESH_INTERVAL=12

Note: Frequent refreshes (every hour) may slow down your server or exceed provider limits. 12-24 hours is typically sufficient since TV schedules don't change that often.

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