Get QAM Content with your existing QAM capture cards!

[mikejaner]

I agree with WAZKAREN on the EVO Console preview function. My EVO Console also found about a hundred channels, and out of those only 20 or so worked, which made for a very long and boring task of dragging and dropping into the black area. I am also using an A180. I did notice that a few times, I had to restart the app to be able to start the preview after dragging and dropping for a while. I just chalked that up to the program and not the A180, since we are still dealing with a beta. If the A180 is having stability issues, that would be a bad thing :-(

I suggest making the preview for each channel be as simple as clicking once, or even twice on the actual channel. The drag and drop function took a while to figure out (mainly because of being a man, and not reading the directions first), and just seems kludgy.

Even the channel scan idea with the folder of files from a scan is a good idea.

Maybe you can do a muli-preview window where there are say, three by three small windows of successive scans, where the preview window plays for a second or so, then moves to the next box and scans the next channel and plays for a second et.....
Just so you know, I am being constructive, and not trying to be negative. This application is great and does a great job!! There are just a few things that could use a little polish.

[wazkaren]

I'm having problems with Evo Console 1.1. On start up I get an error dialog that says:


Error getting node info for node:0030DB726e83
Details:The given key was not present in the dictionary.


I select "OK" on that dialog and the console opens. I do a channel scan and when the scan is done I get an Exception in Evo Console. This is the exception text:




************** Exception Text **************
System.Collections.Generic.KeyNotFoundException: The given key was not present in the dictionary.
at System.ThrowHelper.ThrowKeyNotFoundException()
at System.Collections.Generic.Dictionary`2.get_Item(TKey key)
at Darwin.DeviceInfo.ReadSettings()
at Darwin.EvoConsole.frmPlayer.menuScan_Click(Object sender, EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.RaiseEvent(Object key, EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem.OnClick(EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.HandleClick(EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.HandleMouseUp(MouseEventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.FireEventInteractive(EventArgs e, ToolStripItemEventType met)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.FireEvent(EventArgs e, ToolStripItemEventType met)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip.OnMouseUp(MouseEventArgs mea)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripDropDown.OnMouseUp(MouseEventArgs mea)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmMouseUp(Message& m, MouseButtons button, Int32 clicks)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripDropDown.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)


************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v2.0.50727/mscorlib.dll
----------------------------------------
EvoConsole
Assembly Version: 1.0.2588.42978
Win32 Version: 1.0.2588.42978
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Venturality%20Inc/EVO%20Console/EvoConsole.exe
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll
----------------------------------------
System
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Drawing
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll
----------------------------------------
log4net
Assembly Version: 1.2.9.0
Win32 Version: 1.2.9.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Venturality%20Inc/EVO%20Console/log4net.DLL
----------------------------------------
System.Configuration
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Configuration/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Configuration.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Xml
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll
----------------------------------------
Darwin.DeviceController
Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Venturality%20Inc/EVO%20Console/Darwin.DeviceController.DLL
----------------------------------------
System.ServiceProcess
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.ServiceProcess/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.ServiceProcess.dll
----------------------------------------
Darwin.UdpCapture
Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Venturality%20Inc/EVO%20Console/Darwin.UdpCapture.DLL
----------------------------------------
System.Management
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Management/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Management.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Web
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.210 (QFE.050727-2100)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_32/System.Web/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Web.dll
----------------------------------------
Darwin.TransportStream
Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Venturality%20Inc/EVO%20Console/Darwin.TransportStream.DLL
----------------------------------------

************** JIT Debugging **************
To enable just-in-time (JIT) debugging, the .config file for this
application or computer (machine.config) must have the
jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section.
The application must also be compiled with debugging
enabled.

For example:

<configuration>
<system.windows.forms jitDebugging="true" />
</configuration>

When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception
will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the computer
rather than be handled by this dialog box.

[Stealth1971]

Originally Posted by mikejaner

Even the channel scan idea with the folder of files from a scan is a good idea.

So did you try the Console 1.1 "Video Clip Capture" feature? Or are you saying we still need more ways to determine if it is valid content? - just curious

[Stealth1971]

Originally Posted by wazkaren

Error getting node info for node:0030DB726e83
Details:The given key was not present in the dictionary.

In your install folder there is a "config" folder. Could you try moving the files named 0030DB726e83.DeviceInfo & 0030DB726e83.channels to another folder (for backup), move not copy - then try starting the app. I think the config files may be currupt... The app will create new ones.

Also please send me a copy of the files too - I can look them over for dugging purposes.

Thanks!

[Stealth1971]

Originally Posted by mikejaner

I suggest making the preview for each channel be as simple as clicking once, or even twice on the actual channel. The drag and drop function took a while to figure out (mainly because of being a man, and not reading the directions first), and just seems kludgy.

Even the channel scan idea with the folder of files from a scan is a good idea.

Just so you know, I am being constructive, and not trying to be negative. This application is great and does a great job!! There are just a few things that could use a little polish.

Yes - I am going to rethink the whole preview mechanism - version 2.0?. Good ideas you had too

Thanks for the props!

[Stealth1971]

Originally Posted by Stuntman

I just downloaded the Fusion Lite ISO and have it running on a server.. with one exception.. I didn't put the card in it (the card is at home.. will do that later).. the server is running and states it is listening on port 80.. it has an IP address...

I installed the EVO console on another PC here on my network.. again, not on the PC that is running SageTV Server.. just a pc on my work network..

I thought that I might be able to see the console's GUI and verify it can get to the server...

However.. the console crashes when I run it! Should I be able to run the console on a PC that isn't the SageTV server? I realize I can't get any content this way.. it was more a 'proof of concept' attempt..

Can the server run if the encoder isn't present? Seems to be... but then I guess it isn't really aware of any content..

Silly attempt?? Probably.. just thought that the console would find the server and would come up empty.. I'll carry the hardware home tonight and try again.. correctly..

The console should still run regardless of devices or no devices. Could you send me a error message it gave you?

[chickman]

Originally Posted by Stealth1971

Can you go to the EVO Media folder (in the installation folder) and check if there are any MPG files? There may be a problem with the view in certain instances. I am hoping to have some sort of fix tonight.

I successfully was able to view all available 15sec media files (nicely done) and correctly assign the viewable frequencies to the correct channels. Unfortunately CBS and ABC do not decode clearly enough to view but they do with the DVICO Fusion software. I will try replacing the coaxial cable to see if this improves things. If the console software and EVO Linux Media Server is stable I will definitely be purchasing the software.

Thanks for all the quick responses, recent updates, and continued work.

Regards,

Craig

[Stuntman]

Is there any way to get into the EVO server to verify that the Fusion Lite card is correctly detected and running? My evo console sees the EVO device but nothing shows up in the channel scan.. the scan takes about 2 seconds to run... I've tried re-seating the card and still get nothing. The EVO server has no keyboard or mouse or monitor on it.. so I was hoping for HTTP or maybe even SSH or some other type of entry to verify...

Thanks!!!!!!!

[mikejaner]

So did you try the Console 1.1 "Video Clip Capture" feature? Or are you saying we still need more ways to determine if it is valid content? - just curious

I just looked at the results of trying that feature, and I have to say it didn't work for me. Even the unplayable files were in the megabytes just like the legit ones. For example some of my legit channels were captured at 6MB of data, and some of the encrypted ones were the same size. File sizes were all over the place too, so there is no pattern to see either.

[Stealth1971]

Originally Posted by mikejaner

I just looked at the results of trying that feature, and I have to say it didn't work for me. Even the unplayable files were in the megabytes just like the legit ones. For example some of my legit channels were captured at 6MB of data, and some of the encrypted ones were the same size. File sizes were all over the place too, so there is no pattern to see either.

arghhh - my ultimate goal is after the clip capture to analyze the stream and determine if its good or not. Its going to require decoding the video contents and not the just the transport stream. We have our custom transport stream parser but not a elementary stream parser.

Thanks for the feedback!

[Stealth1971]

Originally Posted by Stuntman

Is there any way to get into the EVO server to verify that the Fusion Lite card is correctly detected and running? My evo console sees the EVO device but nothing shows up in the channel scan.. the scan takes about 2 seconds to run... I've tried re-seating the card and still get nothing. The EVO server has no keyboard or mouse or monitor on it.. so I was hoping for HTTP or maybe even SSH or some other type of entry to verify...

Thanks!!!!!!!

Yes SSH and HTTP are available for debugging.

I wasn't going to give this out but if it going to help you and everyone out to get it working here it is:

The login for SSH - user id: root / password: password

The HTTP commands are not documented, but they have direct maps to the EVO Console functions. I will try to put together a doc for that later.

If you SSH into your EVO device, one of the first things to check out is output from the tail of the "dmesg" util. It will tell you if the drivers loaded properly. "lsmod" will also list the loaded driver modules in memory.

[wazkaren]

Originally Posted by Stealth1971

In your install folder there is a "config" folder. Could you try moving the files named 0030DB726e83.DeviceInfo & 0030DB726e83.channels to another folder (for backup), move not copy - then try starting the app. I think the config files may be currupt... The app will create new ones.

Also please send me a copy of the files too - I can look them over for dugging purposes.

Thanks!

That fixed the crash but I can't view any channels with the Fusion. When I boot Windows and use the Fusion Application there are a couple of channels I can see that the Fusion version of the Evo Device couldn't view.

I think I'm just going to stick with OTA for now, I'm just not having any luck.

Greg

[Stealth1971]

Originally Posted by wazkaren

When I boot Windows and use the Fusion Application there are a couple of channels I can see that the Fusion version of the Evo Device couldn't view.

Those couple channels are probably QAM64 not 256 - which seems to be problematic right now. I hope as the app gets more mature maybe it can be helpful to you later.

Tim

[wazkaren]

Originally Posted by Stealth1971

Those couple channels are probably QAM64 not 256 - which seems to be problematic right now. I hope as the app gets more mature maybe it can be helpful to you later.

Tim

The channels are reported as QAM256 by Fusion (although the Fusion App really sucks so who knows if it's right), and these channels would work sometimes with the A180. But your point is well taken, I'll let the product mature a bit more and try again later.

Thanks,
Greg

[Stuntman]

Originally Posted by Stealth1971

The login for SSH - user id: root / password: password

I'd already guessed that!

Originally Posted by Stealth1971

If you SSH into your EVO device, one of the first things to check out is output from the tail of the "dmesg" util. It will tell you if the drivers loaded properly. "lsmod" will also list the loaded driver modules in memory.

I've done this now.. but can't make any sense of it.. sadly.

I've attached the output here.. can anybody look at this and see if all looks right? I've used this card with Windows and the Fusion software.. I assume the hardware works fine.

The EVO console channel search starts and stops in a second.. two max.. with nothing found..

Thanks!

PS.. Fusion Lite

[Stealth1971]

Originally Posted by Stuntman

I've attached the output here.. can anybody look at this and see if all looks right? I've used this card with Windows and the Fusion software.. I assume the hardware works fine.

The EVO console channel search starts and stops in a second.. two max.. with nothing found..

Thanks!

PS.. Fusion Lite

Your card probably works fine. The linux stuff looks fine (drivers loaded and such) Could you pop the card out and try reseating it in another PCI slot? I had the same issue here in a dev machine.

When the scan ends immediately - that means the EVO linux software cant find the PCI device. (it is silently failing - it should report an error which it is not doing )

[chickman]

I am attempting to setup the EVO Services so to AutoStart in case the PC decides to reboot itself. I have gone into Windows Services Manager and started the service as instructed. I then went back to the EVO Console to toggle the "on" state which then quickly prompted me to 'Please shutdown the service: 'EVO Services' before running the application" which I did. I started the EVO Console and toggled the "on" position. Once I competed this I ran the "EVO Console (AutoStart)" and rebooted the PC. After several attempts and different settings I am still unable to get the SageTV Encoders to start prior to SageTV loading up. Has anyone else had similar issues or could explain to me the order in which I should have done things? I may just be missing something small or you could just tell me to go back to my VCR.

Thanks,

Craig

[Stuntman]

Originally Posted by Stealth1971

Your card probably works fine. The linux stuff looks fine (drivers loaded and such) Could you pop the card out and try reseating it in another PCI slot? I had the same issue here in a dev machine.

When the scan ends immediately - that means the EVO linux software cant find the PCI device. (it is silently failing - it should report an error which it is not doing )

I've tried this on 3 different PCI Slots.. made no difference... guess the superbowl will be in plain old SD... I'll try again later, after perhaps some more debugging has been done.. sure looks good though.. bummer is that my 30 day will probably expire before it gets fixed.

Any other suggestions?

[jaygardner]

Same problem here - i've tried reseatting and have tried multiple PCI slots - no luck.

[Stealth1971]

Originally Posted by jaygardner

Same problem here - i've tried reseatting and have tried multiple PCI slots - no luck.

Are you using the Fusion Lite also? When we did our original testing with Fusion 5 RT (non-lite versions) and the PCHDTV cards we had close to 100% success rates.

The Lite support was just added due to the requests. We have a Fusion 5 Lite here in our test "lab" and it worked right away. My question is there different flavors/versions to this card?

The model (based on the printing on the back of the card) that we have on loan is "Fusion HDTV5 Lite" Rev 1.0.