CouchPotato Review

Last Updated: Jul 10, 2024

Rating
Price	Free
Features	Automated Video Downloader
	NZB and Torrent Automation
	Supports Multiple Platforms
	Compatible With NZBGet & SABnzbd

CouchPotato is a tool that scans Usenet and select torrent sites for desired video files, integrating seamlessly with popular NZB downloaders like NZBGet and SABnzbd. Once it locates a specific file, CouchPotato can automatically send it to your preferred downloader.

To utilize CouchPotato, you’ll need an account with a reputable Usenet service provider. The application is compatible with most Usenet providers and clients, making it a valuable addition to your toolkit.

The latest official release, version 3.0.1, was in August 2015. Since then, the community has provided minor updates. However, development has slowed, and users might consider alternatives like Sonarr, Radarr, and SickBeard, which offer similar automation features and can integrate with your favorite downloader to enhance the downloading experience.

Key Features

CouchPotato offers several features to enhance user experience:

• Search and Manage Video Files
• Download Renaming
• Written in Python
• Integration with Popular Downloaders: Supports NZBGet, SABnzbd, and various torrent downloaders.
• Movie List Management
• Scheduling: Search for files at specified intervals.
• User-Friendly Interface
• Customizable Notifications: Option to notify your Android device when a file becomes available.
• Customizable Settings: Adjust download quality, preferred search engines, release groups, and more.

CouchPotato is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Docker, and FreeBSD.

Plans & Pricing

CouchPotato is free to install and use. To support its developers, you can donate via Flattr or Bitcoin.

The application collaborates with Usenet service providers like Eweka, Newshosting, and UsenetServer to offer reliable Usenet access. They also recommend VPN subscriptions for added security during downloads.

Usage Overview

CouchPotato aims to automate the search and download process for Usenet and torrent users. While not essential for downloading from Usenet, its integration with NZB downloaders makes it a valuable tool, comparable to other PVRs in the market.

Installation

CouchPotato is written in Python, allowing it to run on various operating systems. Below are general installation steps for popular platforms:

Windows:

1. Download the latest Windows build from the [CouchPotato GitHub repository][22].
2. Extract the contents to your desired location.
3. Run CouchPotato.exe.
4. If the browser doesn’t open automatically, navigate to http://localhost:5050/.

macOS:

1. Ensure Python 2.6+ is installed.
2. Install Git.
3. Open Terminal and navigate to your Applications folder: cd /Applications.
4. Clone the CouchPotato repository: git clone https://github.com/CouchPotato/CouchPotatoServer.git.
5. Navigate to the CouchPotato directory and run the application: python CouchPotatoServer/CouchPotato.py.
6. If the browser doesn’t open automatically, go to http://localhost:5050/.

Linux:

1. Install Git using your package manager (e.g., apt-get install git for Debian-based systems).
2. Install LXML for improved website scraping.
3. Clone the CouchPotato repository: git clone https://github.com/CouchPotato/CouchPotatoServer.git.
4. Navigate to the CouchPotato directory and start the application: python CouchPotatoServer/CouchPotato.py.
5. For automatic startup on boot, set up the appropriate init script or systemd service.
6. Open your browser and go to http://localhost:5050/.

For detailed instructions and platform-specific guidance, refer to the CouchPotato GitHub repository.

Configuration

After installation, CouchPotato opens a welcome page with tabs to configure settings:

• General
• Downloaders
• Providers
• Renamer
• Automation
• Finish

In the Providers section, enter server information from your chosen Usenet service, including server address, port, and login credentials. Use an SSL-enabled port to ensure secure and anonymous downloads.

In the Downloaders section, specify whether you’re using Usenet, torrents, or both. Enable the appropriate downloaders from the list, such as NZBGet, SABnzbd, or NZBVortex.

To integrate CouchPotato with your NZB downloader, obtain the API key from your downloader’s settings and enter it in CouchPotato. This allows the program to send files to your downloader and automate the process.

Scheduling & Automation

CouchPotato’s scheduling feature lets you specify intervals for file searches, helping manage bandwidth usage.

By integrating with your chosen downloader, CouchPotato automates the download process. It can also check for new or better files and notify your Android device when they become available.

Usability

CouchPotato features a simple interface with multiple views:

• Manage List: Displays all available content.
• Wanted List: Shows files you’re seeking.

![CouchPotato Wanted](couchpotato

The CouchPotato home screen also provides a list of snatched and available video content and has a list of suggested files you may be interested in. Searching can also be done from different pages, since its search box can easily be found on the upper right corner of the interface.

Conclusion

CouchPotato can be compared to other popular PVRs like Sonarr andSickbeard. While these other automated video downloaders may attract more users to their platform, CouchPotato also has a lot of features that allow it to compete well with them. Overall, this product has a lot going for it. The interface is streamlined and easy to use, and it offers you flexibility in terms of the services you utilize to search for videos and how you download them. If you’re an avid video watcher, you’ll find the capability of customizing metadata to be particularly useful. The integration with some of the better USENET services and software out there also makes this something that’s definitely worth checking out.

Visit CouchPotato