Without automation, the process is long and uninteresting: search the episodes release date on the US TV, search the episodes files on the internet, check the associated comments to check quality and fake, search the subtitles in French and English languages, fetch all this stuff, move and rename files in the dedicated folder and finally launch a “refresh” of the media center. Only after that I can lie on the couch to enjoy my new episode.

So I’ve used my brain, searched on internet, and tested some solutions to succeed in automating all the process.

1 – Find the new episodes: TVShows 2

To fetch automatically new episodes I get an open source software for Mac really simple to use: TVShows 2

TVShows 2 main window

This application is translated in many languages. It allows to subscribe easily to TV shows by choosing in an existing list. It is really easy to set it up to check regularly new episode and launch automatically the download in the dedicated folder (one folder by show).

TVShows 2 settings

Now we have a .torrent file saved in the right place. TVShows will launch the P2P download software by itself. I recommend to use Transmission available for many OS.

Download new episodes: Transmission

Transmission is a good piece of software to download torrents. There are many others. I let you decide which one you want to use. The settings I will describe should be easy to transpose.

The aim is to set up the software to start the download without asking an action to the user and download the video file in the same place where the torrent file is located.

Transmission settings

Now I’ve my episode downloaded on the right place without any action.

 Integrate the episode in Plex: Plex Media Server

I won’t explain how to install Plex here. There will be other posts on this blog about this subject to replace the old deleted tutorials. I will show some settings to make Plex detect automatically your new episodes, fetch metadata and eventually download subtitles.

You have to open the Plex Media Server preferences to make Plex update the library each time it detect a new file.

Plex Media Server Settings

Then, check if theTVDB metadata agent is correctly setup. This agent is internationalized and is able to fetch all the metadata of your preferred TV shows. OpenSubtitles.org secondary metadata agent have to be selected (4).

TheTVDB Metadata Agent Settings

If you don’t have done it already, you can choose the subtitle languages to download from OpenSubtiltes.org. Choose ”Preferences” (5) after selecting “OpenSubtitles.org” (4)

OpenSubtitles metadata agent settings

Congratulation, now your system is set up to download automatically new episodes and integrate them in Plex!

Below I will give you some correlated hints. I encourage you to read the following.

Backup solution for subtitles : Soleol

Sometimes, Plex opensubtitles.org metadata agent doesn’t work. I have a backup plan: Soleol (Free for Mac, Linux and Windows).

SolEol main window

This app finds subtitles on openSubtitles.org with a simple drag and drop on the “Get Subtitles” icon. Then it will fetch automatically subtitles by using the video file signature. If there are many matches, the most popular is selected but you can make your choice if needed. In the case of no match, you will find a link to search on podnapisi.net by using the episode name. After the subtitles downloaded you just have to click on “Update Library” and you subs will be available in Plex.

To setup Soleol you have to open preferences, choose your languages and add your credential (login /password) on  opensubtiles.org.

If you don’t find subtitles after that, you are really unlucky

Enjoy your new episodes: Plex clients

To enjoy your episodes, there are many Plex clients.

Officials:

• for Mac (free and open source)
• for iOS ( 3€99 universal for iPhone and iPad)
• for Androïd (4,99$)
• for Google TV (0,99$ during launching period)
• for Windows (free)
• for Roku (beta version, explanation on the forums.)

Third party clients:

• AppleTV 2 client (jailbreak needed. Explanation on the Wiki and on forums)
• Linux client (alpha version , development in progress on the forums)
• Client for some LG devices (TV, Bluray device , etc. info here and on forums)
• Client for some Samsung devices (info on forums)

You should find a client for your needs and your system.

One more thing: smartphone app

Last hint to be alerted when new episodes are available. I recommend two app for smartphones:

• TVShow Time:  iPhone and Androïd (free now and really gorgeous)
• iSeries (iPhone and Androïd : French speaking, free and link to your betaseries account)