SageTV/HD-PVR and channel tuning

[trini0]

I'm not sure if anyone knows how or if it can be done, but I'm asking here before I ask tech support.
I'm basically having a random problem with sage and my hd-pvr
http://forums.sagetv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39972

After trying out the betas and working with sage tech support, I'm being told that the issue may be a driver/hardware problem that is confusing sage with incorrect media length errors.

One day I was tinkering, and I would manually tune the channel on the stb while Sage was in "Live TV" mode, and channel changes appeared to work flawlessly. Granted, Sage is still recording to one file, but it got me thinking.

From my novice speculations, I think, currently, when sage changes "tunes" a channel, the HD-PVR stops/starts capturing from the stb (wild guess from when the bling light turns off, then back on).
For me, I believe during this "on/off" state, is when the HD-PVR would randomly put out "incorrect" data that is confusing Sage.
I was wondering if my problem would go away if Sage would have the HD-PVR remain in a constant "capture" state (maybe writing to a null file, when the application is idle), and when watching live tv or recording it would create the media files like a normal Sage setup does.

Does my speculation make any sense to anyone?
I have no real proof to backup my thoughts/theories.
Are there any switches/knobs I can manipulate in the properties file to have the HD-PVR remain in a constant "capture" state to see what the end result would be in my situation?

I believe that if the HD-PVR could be left in a constant "capture" state, it would also eliminate the need for the setting "delay_to_wait_after_tuning", which would result in perceived faster channel changes.

I would like to hear what your thoughts are of this idea that I have, and whether if its possible in the current framework.
If it is not currently possible, I'll go to support to see if this is feasible...

BTW. I'm currently running the latest published beta of the HD-PVR driver, and Sage software.

Thanks for listening...

[HelenWeathers]

Originally Posted by trini0

I believe that if the HD-PVR could be left in a constant "capture" state, it would also eliminate the need for the setting "delay_to_wait_after_tuning", which would result in perceived faster channel changes....

The reason for the delay to wait property is to let the HD-PVR settle down after a channel change before capture begins. Especially for people who have their STB set to native output, when going from 1080 to 720 to 480 channels some had stability problems. (That's why some set their STBs to fixed output, ie 1080 or 720). I am running the latest Sage TV beta (with stock properties settings from clean install) and HD-PVR beta and am not having these problems, so you should contact tech support if they persist. They might be able to give you a property setting to change and make the problem go away.

I know it doesn't help your problem when people respond with "Mine's Working" but wanted you to know that it's working for most, I believe.

[trini0]

Yes I guess what you're saying is true for users whose resolution changes. So strike that thought.
I'll turn to support to see what they think of constant capture idea...

[trini0]

Ah yes. Another beta.
Going to check it out to see if mmc/hdpvr_magic does anything for me when I get home.
In the meantime, anyone knows what this switch is for???

[Skirge01]

By any chance are you using ffdshow? I could swear I've seen similar things when running my recordings through those filters. Once I stopped using it, all of that went away.

Also, try reducing the recording quality and see if that helps at all.

You can certainly capture nonstop. Just set up a manual recording for a very long time on a single channel.

Are you using the SPDIF connection and DD audio? You could also try turning off DD or using the analog connections.

[trini0]

Originally Posted by Skirge01

By any chance are you using ffdshow? I could swear I've seen similar things when running my recordings through those filters. Once I stopped using it, all of that went away.

Also, try reducing the recording quality and see if that helps at all.

You can certainly capture nonstop. Just set up a manual recording for a very long time on a single channel.

Are you using the SPDIF connection and DD audio? You could also try turning off DD or using the analog connections.

No I'm not using ffdshow. Its a raw install of Vista/Sage/supporting software & drivers.
I'm currently using analog input for my audio. Not sure how the STB is outputting its audio through the analog outputs. I'll have to verify this when I get home.

[trini0]

Still no joy.
I'm going to rebuild the system with XP and see if it works any better