Persistent cable-style channels
Create persistent user-made channels from media already stored on your computer so playback feels more like a scheduled TV lineup than a folder browser.
ChannelOS
ChannelOS is a downloadable Windows app that turns a local media library into a programmable cable-style TV system. It helps people who want persistent channels, a TV Guide, and couch-friendly playback without moving or uploading their files.
Overview
ChannelOS is a downloadable Windows app that turns a local media library into a programmable cable-style television system. Instead of opening folders and picking files one by one, you create persistent channels, assign media to them, and browse them through a TV Guide that shows what is currently airing.
The product is positioned as an early Windows alpha for people who already own a media library and want a more television-like way to watch it. It works locally, keeps your library in place, and is designed around scheduled channel playback, on-demand viewing, and a fullscreen interface for relaxed viewing sessions.
Core features
TV Guide scheduling view
View what is currently airing across channels in a TV Guide interface designed around channel surfing and scheduled playback.
Fullscreen and windowed viewing
Use the app on a couch-friendly fullscreen interface, or switch back to a windowed mode with F11 when needed.
Controller support
Control playback with an Xbox-compatible controller, which supports a more living-room-style workflow.
Folder and item-level channel management
Add media folders from the library or attach individual media directly to an existing channel instead of rebuilding everything from scratch.
Persistent local library playback
Play local files on demand, while keeping channels, library state, and settings persistent between launches.
Practical use cases
Turn a media library into a TV-like lineup
Set up a personal viewing experience where movies and shows play through named channels instead of being launched one file at a time.
Browse scheduled playback
Use the TV Guide to check what is currently airing and jump between channels as if you were browsing stations on a television.
Living-room viewing
Watch from a couch with fullscreen playback and controller input, making the app feel closer to a living-room media device than a desktop file manager.
Organize channels with different levels of granularity
Add entire folders to the library when you want broad coverage, or place individual media directly into a specific channel when you want finer control.
Local-first media playback
Keep a local collection intact while testing a new playback workflow, since the app is designed to leave your files where they already live.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Transforms an existing local media collection into persistent channels.
- Keeps media local and does not move, rename, upload, or replace files.
- Includes a TV Guide for seeing what is airing now.
- Supports both fullscreen and windowed use, plus Xbox-compatible controller input.
- Does not require separate Python, Qt, VLC, or FFmpeg installations.
Cons
- It is an early Windows alpha, so channel programming and management features are still expected to expand.
- The product page does not list support for other operating systems.
- Pricing details are not shown on the page.
FAQ
What does ChannelOS run on?
ChannelOS is an early Windows alpha that currently focuses on turning local media into persistent channels with a TV Guide and library playback. The page does not describe a separate browser-based or mobile setup.
How do you get started with it?
On first launch, you choose a folder containing media you own. ChannelOS then indexes the media in place and creates your first channel.
Does ChannelOS copy or upload my files?
No. The product page says ChannelOS works locally and does not move, rename, upload, or replace your media.
Do I need extra runtime software to use it?
The page says it is a downloadable Windows x64 alpha and that it does not require separate Python, Qt, VLC, or FFmpeg installations.
Is it free?
The creator says ChannelOS will remain free, open source, and local first. The page does not provide a paid plan or pricing details.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Tool
- Platform
- Windows
- Product type
- Downloadable app
- Workflow
- Local-first, channel-based media playback
- Source domain
- captainkoopa.itch.io
- Status
- In development / early alpha
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