tltv

tltv is an open protocol designed for creating and operating a federated network of television channels. It enables users to generate their own channels without requiring signup, platform approval, or permission, using an Ed25519 key pair as the channel identity. The protocol supports open discovery, federation, and relay of streams between nodes, allowing for decentralized broadcasting.

The platform uses signed metadata and standard HLS streaming, with each channel and stream represented as a unique tltv:// address that integrates the key and stream information. Users can install the tltv command-line tool to generate keys, start servers, and manage streams, with example commands provided for key generation, server startup, and viewing streams via compatible media players. The protocol is fully open source and is available under the MIT License.

Reference implementations include a server based on GStreamer and HLS for federation, a web client for viewing and controlling streams, and command-line tools for identity management, signing, bridging, relaying, and running origin servers. Additional resources include minimal server and relay examples, as well as an autonomous channel programmer package. The tool is aimed at those interested in decentralized streaming and open television networks.