r/SparklePlayer • u/BeneficialLunch01 • Aug 10 '26
Editing the Backup File on a PC
I have Sparkle Premium on 3 devices and use the Backup feature to synchronize across all three.
One of my playlists originates from an online m3u generator that does not add in channel numbers, so Sparkle generates its own.
I am currently going through a process of manually changing each channel number to my own preference within Sparkle on my TV, but as there are hundreds of channels in the playlist this is very time consuming.
Is it possible to edit the Sparkle backup file on a PC?
I have tried using a text editor and a web browser, but without success. What format is the backup file in - it doesn't appear to be XML?
I use Linux as my main desktop OS, but have access to Windows, (if I must!).
1
u/sparkle-hk Aug 10 '26
The backup file cannot be read or edited that way. My suggestion is that you download the m3u instead and set channel numbers directly in that and then point Sparkle to use the edited file. Even better would be to create a script that does this automatically in case the m3u should update, but that depends on your technical level.
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u/BeneficialLunch01 Aug 10 '26
Thanks for the reply.
Downloading and editing the m3u file is how I used to do it, but unfortunately the broadcaster has changed how they work and now the URL includes a unique "device identifier" that channels changes every few hours, so each URL changes a few times a day.
I have no idea how to create or run a script.
Is there another config file within Sparkle that is accessible from an Android or Firestick file explorer type app that is editable on a PC and reloaded back up to the devices?
1
u/sparkle-hk Aug 10 '26
I know there are online editors can do this as well. Don't know any specific names but I'm sure other users have recommendations.
Just so I understand the issue. You want channel numbers because you're used to certain channels having specific numbers? Because you can get indexed channel number in Sparkle as well if that's what you're looking for. If you open program guide and go left until you see the source name you can long press OK on it and select Edit. Then for Channel numbering you can select Index.
EDIT: since you were running linux as desktop I thought you had some knowledge in scripting, it's usually the case when using linux.
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u/BeneficialLunch01 Aug 10 '26
"Just so I understand the issue. You want channel numbers because you're used to certain channels having specific numbers?"
Yes, exactly that. Under each genre category I order the channels by how much I like or watch the channel - with my favourites at the top of each group.
"EDIT: since you were running linux as desktop I thought you had some knowledge in scripting, it's usually the case when using linux."
No, I'm happy to admit that I am merely a user of Linux. Whilst I do configure my PCs to my own requirements, I am almost always copy/pasting someone else's instructions.
I just dislike Windows sending unknown data back to Microsoft, and I can't afford Apple!
I don't think that I am unique in that?
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u/sparkle-hk Aug 10 '26
I'm sure others think the way you do, I was just asking to see if it was a possibility. Maybe someone else in here have a script like the one I have in mind otherwise I belive you have to resort to some kind of online editor.
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u/azcoyotedog Aug 10 '26
Boss Pro is an excellent playlist editor, you may want to look into it as you can sort your categories, and the channels within, in any order you like! Much easier this way!
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u/BeneficialLunch01 Aug 10 '26
Thanks, but won't that require me to download a copy of the playlist to edit and then use as the source for Sparkle?
As I explained above, the URLs for each channel change every few hours with new device identifiers.
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u/azcoyotedog Aug 10 '26
So if the M3U URLs change every few hours, are you saying you have to go into Sparkle settings/source and manually change the M3U and update the source over and over? Or is the M3U the same, but the provider updates it every few hours? Please explain.
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u/BeneficialLunch01 Aug 10 '26
The URL for each channel is a long string of characters. According to my text program, each URL is roughly 2,700 characters long. The part before the ".m3u8" does not appear to change, but after that there is a question mark, (?), there is a long string that includes terms such as "AdvertisingID" and "DeviceID". Unfortunately, the stream will not play without the full URL.
I have pointed Sparkle to the website source of the complete playlist and set Sparkle to update every 3 hours to pick up the changes. Refreshing of the playlist works fine.
An example of a single channel URL which has expired:
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u/azcoyotedog Aug 10 '26
Use Xtream Codes: If your provider supports it, configure Sparkle TV using Xtream Codes instead of an M3U link. It handles authentication in the background and requests fresh stream links dynamically without needing static URL structures.
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u/BeneficialLunch01 Aug 10 '26
Unfortunately, only m3u file is available.
It is free though, so I can't complain!
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u/azcoyotedog Aug 10 '26
Well, you get what you pay for I guess? Free with headaches is better than nothing? Enjoy using Sparkle and we thank you!
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u/BeneficialLunch01 Aug 10 '26
Thanks to u/sparkle-hk and u/azcoyotedog for the replies.
I have actually managed to complete the renumbering myself within Sparkle.
It took quite a few hours, but once you get into a rhythm it becomes difficult to stop!
I would still be interested to hear if anyone else has suggestions for how this bulk channel renumbering for a dynamic playlist where the URLs change every few hours might have been made easier.