[Feature Request] Global Option to Disable All Live TV Recording

[timman7035 1]

Right now, the only way to prevent recordings is to go into each user’s permissions and manually turn off recording access.
That works, but it’s easy to forget — especially when adding new users or managing multiple accounts.

This means that even if I’m using VirtualTV or streaming channels built from my own library, users can still click “Record” on a live show and start a DVR recording — which I don’t want at all.

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Feature Request

Please add a global switch in the Emby Server settings (e.g., under Live TV → DVR Settings) that lets the admin disable all recording capabilities, regardless of individual user permissions.

Something like:

[ ] Disable all Live TV recording globally

When enabled:

• The Record button should be hidden or disabled for all users.

• All scheduled recordings should be blocked from starting.

• Per-user recording permissions would be overridden by this setting.

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Why This Helps

• Prevents accidental or unwanted recordings.

• Keeps storage from filling up with duplicate shows.

• Simplifies server management (no need to check each user).

• Perfect for setups using VirtualTV or IPTV sources where content already exists in the library.

• Ensures consistent server behavior across all devices and apps.

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Example Use Case

I run VirtualTV channels that stream shows already in my Emby library.
I want users to be able to watch Live TV, but not record it — since those titles already exist.
A single global toggle to disable recording would make this much easier to manage.

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Summary

Please consider adding a server-wide “Disable All Live TV Recording” setting that globally turns off all recording options and overrides user permissions.
It would make Emby much easier to manage for playback-only Live TV setups.

Thanks for all the hard work — Emby is an amazing platform, and this feature would make it even better!

[ebr 16169]

Hi. Having options that conflict with each other is not ideal IMO.  What if we just defaulted that option to off when creating a new user?  I'm not saying we're going to do that, I'm just offering it as a potential alternative to what you asked for.

 

[pünktchen 1409]

For VirtualTV the only real solution would be if Emby provides a new property "IsRecordable" to either channels or programs. If a live tv plugin sets this property to false, Emby should hide every recording functionality for the channel or program.

[Luke 42077]

4 hours ago, pünktchen said:

For VirtualTV the only real solution would be if Emby provides a new property "IsRecordable" to either channels or programs. If a live tv plugin sets this property to false, Emby should hide every recording functionality for the channel or program.

Yes this would make the most sense.

[timman7035 1]

Thanks all! I agree—your approach makes sense and would really help my setup. Appreciate the quick responses and consideration.