zap2xml

Automate TV guides to XMLTV format. Easy to use, up-to-date. See below for getting started.

I also somewhat maintain a version of the original in the historical-perl branch if you're interested in that.

First Time Installation in node.js, How to Run, Scheduling or using Docker see Wiki for instructions

Need help? Finding a lineup or for Dish and DirecTV lineups. Other help? Drop a line in the Discussions

Recent updates

(2025-08-20)

• Changed default Sort option to the Channel Number in Lineup if available
• Added '--stationid' to sort the previous way by StationID
• Added --sortname to sort by the Call Sign

(2025-08-18)

• Changed URL pull to match output from page when stopped working
• Added Display Name with Channel Number and Call Sign to mirror previous Perl Script
• Added --nextpvr option to list Channel Number Call Sign first

(2025-08-09)

• Restored <episode-num system="dd_progid"> tag that Plex uses that was missing.
• Fixed Sorting so output is listed by Channel ID (common station/gracenote id) then by date/time.

(2025-08-07)

• Reordered Program fields to match original Perl script output
• --postalCode not required as long as Country and lineup Id correct except Over the Air
• Moved <date> above <category> to match original Perl output. Corrected where Movie Release Year is properly displayed.
• Added <length> tag.
• Updated channel logo no longer has fixed width so can display in better quality

(2025-08-06)

• Added Valid Country Codes that can be used
• Added --mediaportal option to use <episode-num system="xmltv_ns"> before others so Media Portal will display Season/Episode properly

(2025-08-05)

Changes since previous release

These changes are currently on the jesmannstl/zap2xml fork

• Added Category if available (Movie, Sports, News, Talk, Family etc)
• Added Category "Series" to all programs that did not return a category
• Added additional Season Episode formats for various players
• Added year as Season for programs that only list an episode number like daily cable news
• Added tag to all programs without an aired date normalized to America/New York
• Added xmltv_ns with the date aired as Season YYYY Episode MMYY to Non Movie or Sports with no other Season/Episode like local news so would have the ability to record as Series is most players.
• Added URL to program details from old Perl function.
• Added --appendAsterisk to add * to title on programs that are New and/or Live
• Added tag to programs that are not and/or
• Updated affiliateId after orbebb stopped working

Updated Docker with these changes use APPEND_ASTERISK: TRUE for the --appendAsterisk option