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Setup and data

Last updated: 2026-10-25 (2026-10-26 06:15 UTC)

WyreDeck supports several setup paths. Each path keeps a different amount of work on the TV, but none of them includes a content subscription.

Provider shapes

Xtream Codes

An Xtream provider normally supplies a server URL, username, and password. WyreDeck uses the provider API to import channels, movies, series, and available guide information.

M3U playlist

An M3U source is a playlist URL containing stream entries. It may be paired with a separate XMLTV guide URL when the provider supplies one.

XMLTV guide

XMLTV describes scheduled programs. It is guide data, not a stream source. A channel may play when its listing is missing, and a complete guide does not prove that a stream is currently available.

Provider setup modes

Local Install Only

The TV connects to the provider, stores the provider configuration and imported catalog locally, and performs catalog and metadata work on the device. This is the default for most users.

WyreDeck LAN Backbone

The TV pairs with a WyreDeck appliance on your own network. The Backbone can store provider credentials, import and organize catalogs, serve screen and search data, and retain profile playback state for connected TVs. Playback URLs are resolved through the Backbone, while the TV plays the selected stream.

The Backbone is equipment you operate. It is not WyreDeck's account service. LAN device trust is scoped to each appliance. See LAN Backbone for edition details (Standard vs. Full), account slot rules, and connection steps.

Anonymous WyreDeck account

A WyreDeck account is a random 16-digit number with no email, person name, or password. The account service handles pairing, device credentials, tier, and expiry. It does not receive provider credentials, provider catalogs, or viewing state from the currently shipped app.

Account creation and Premium availability remain limited during the private test. See Accounts and pairing and account help for the current availability, pairing walkthrough, and no-recovery rules.

Content surfaces

Providers may supply any combination of:

  • Live TV: channels and available guide listings.
  • Movies: video-on-demand movies.
  • Series: shows, seasons, and episodes.

Each surface syncs independently. A failed guide update does not necessarily mean channel playback is broken. See Profiles, favorites, and guide for how local profiles, favorites, and guide schedules behave across Free and Premium tiers.

Metadata and TMDB

Provider catalogs often have limited artwork and descriptions. In Local Install mode, bringing your own personal TMDB v3 API key is approved for both Free and Premium tiers and does not require Premium, while per-client support for the direct BYOK path is still being completed. The saved key is encrypted and kept on the TV, where it is used for direct metadata requests to TMDB once enabled on that client, separate from planned WyreDeck-managed metadata enrichment.

A LAN Backbone uses its own configured key and applies its own enrichment rules. Neither path sends the key to WyreDeck's account service.

Where data lives

  • TV: Local Install provider credentials, imported catalogs, settings, and viewing state.
  • Your LAN Backbone: Backbone-managed provider credentials, catalog data, device trust records, and profile playback state.
  • Your provider: receives the provider requests needed to import and play the service.
  • TMDB: receives metadata queries when enrichment is active.
  • WyreDeck account service: stores an anonymous account fingerprint, tier and expiry, and scoped paired-device records when an account is used.
  • Tester issue-report service: stores a report only when you submit one from the app. Reports use bounded diagnostics and default to 30-day live retention during the private test. See Updates and issue reports.

Read the Privacy policy for the exact current collection, redaction, and retention details.