Watch Video while Recording TV?

[Addict]

Hi folks, I'm hoping I'm just doing something wrong...

It seems that the system will not record TV if I'm watching an imported video. The live TV buffer stops while playing a recorded video.

Now, I assume that I would be able to watch a recorded TV show while another show is being recorded...so why can't I watch a video while a show is being recorded?

Please advise...would be a total drag if I'm not able to watch a DVD (ripped w/DVD Shrink) while the DVR does it's work...

Thanks!

AL

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by Addict

Hi folks, I'm hoping I'm just doing something wrong...

It seems that the system will not record TV if I'm watching an imported video. The live TV buffer stops while playing a recorded video.

That's correct, because you're no longer viewing live TV, there's no reason to keep recording it.

Now, I assume that I would be able to watch a recorded TV show while another show is being recorded...so why can't I watch a video while a show is being recorded?

Scheduled recordings will continue while you're watching other things.

[Opus4]

So, if you want SageTV to keep recording the live TV show while you go watch something else, use the Record command (or the Record option in the pop-up Options menu) to set the show to be a Manual Recording. It will then finish recording the show & save it for later. Otherwise, just set up your Favorites and let it record whenever the show comes on.

- Andy

[Addict]

Ok... So I think you guys at least clarified some things.

I didn't actually say this, but the important thing is that the scheduled recordings still happen while watching videos or something else. It appears it actually does this?

I have to admit, it's quite strange that it wouldn't continue to keep the live-TV buffer going while watching a video or something else...but as long as scheduled programs ARE recorded, I'm happy.

So, confirmed that is the case?

Thanks for the quick replies folks!

[ke6guj]

Originally Posted by Addict

I didn't actually say this, but the important thing is that the scheduled recordings still happen while watching videos or something else. It appears it actually does this?

Yup, upcoming Favorite recordings and specified Manual recordings will be recorded when scheduled

I have to admit, it's quite strange that it wouldn't continue to keep the live-TV buffer going while watching a video or something else...but as long as scheduled programs ARE recorded, I'm happy.

So, confirmed that is the case?

That is because Sage doesn't use a live-TV buffer like some other PVR programs. All shows are recorded as needed, either as a manual recording, a favorite, or as currently being watched live tv. If you aren't watching live tv, then it will not record live tv.

[Opus4]

BTW: As a new user, you may want to check out the Quick Start section of chapter 2 in the PDF manual, starting on p. 18 of the v6.1 manual.

- Andy

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by Addict

I have to admit, it's quite strange that it wouldn't continue to keep the live-TV buffer going while watching a video or something else...but as long as scheduled programs ARE recorded, I'm happy.

Also, consider the ramifications of "constant buffering" as you expand the system. If you have two tuners, should both always be buffering? How about 3, 5, 10? If not, which one? What about clients? One live "buffer" always going for each extender/client?

[Addict]

Those are all very valid points I hadn't considered. I'm still currently living in my TiVo Series 1 life. <smile>

Perhaps if it were user-configurable, that would be nice. Let the user define which tuners are to leave the buffer on. Or, maybe limit it to the last station that was being viewed only...regardless of tuner. Eliminate clients from the equation, as they should be treated differently than the server, IMO.

Just some thoughts. Appeciate the commentary!

Really, it's not a show stopper...

AL

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by Addict

Those are all very valid points I hadn't considered. I'm still currently living in my TiVo Series 1 life. <smile>

I kinda figured, the whole way Sage handles live TV throws many users familiar with other DVRs.

As for the rest of this, it's just some thoughts, not anything more or less (ie no flaming )

Perhaps if it were user-configurable, that would be nice. Let the user define which tuners are to leave the buffer on.

OK, how about this wrench:

Consider a system with multiple tuners with different sources, let's take the most common situation:
x tuners with a Cable/Sat lineup
y tuners with an OTA lineup

Say you limit it to the 'x' tuners, what happens if you decide to watch something OTA?

Or, maybe limit it to the last station that was being viewed only...regardless of tuner.

That would be one way, but what about multiple users (Clients/Extenders), should it keep a buffer rolling for each of them, or just the actual last channel viewed? What if there are more clients than tuners?

Eliminate clients from the equation, as they should be treated differently than the server, IMO.

OK, why? Why should a Client/Extender be handled any differently (regarding tuning/live TV) than the server? What about a client with a Network Encoder in it?

Just some thoughts. Appeciate the commentary!

Like I said, just some comments to your comments, not trying to start a battle or anything.

[Opus4]

Originally Posted by Addict

Perhaps if it were user-configurable, that would be nice. Let the user define which tuners are to leave the buffer on.

Do you really want it to record all the time? You could try setting this property for the appropriate tuner, but I don't really recommend doing so:

mmc/encoders/<some number>/never_stop_encoding=true

- Andy