Trouble wit 2 HD PVRs

[gdippel]

I'm trying to migrate SageTV from Windows (under which I have been successfully running SageTV for many years) to the SageTV docker in unRAID. I have successfully set up the docker and everything works well when recording with one of the HD PVRs. When I try to record on both HD PVRs, one records fine but the other usually freezes or doesn't initiate the recording. This happens with both HD PVRs, depending on which one I start to record from first. Occaisionally, both wil work for a brief time, strangely enough. I've tried different USB ports, restarting the docker and HD PVRs, same problem. My setup is using LibreELEC 6.5-rc5, i'm using firewire channel changing and recording to my cache drive (2 pooled HDs.) I am recording using component with spdif. Any suggestions?

[stuckless]

Are your receivers set to use 1080i or 720p? I recall having issues recording using 1080i. I have 2 HDPVRs recording n 720p, with no issues. (well, I do have issues with the power supplies from time to time )

[gdippel]

I have them recording at 1080i, I'll try 720p

[gdippel]

I set both STBs to output 720p. I made some progress. Now when recording on one HD PVR, when I select a channel to record/watch on the second, it first doesn't record (no signal) but when I stop recording and start recording on the same channel, it's ok. It's seems to be a lag for a period of time before the signal is acquired by the second HD PVR. No such lag when recording from one. Could this be a hard drive/bandwidth issue? I have them both recording to my cache pool. I have scheduled two recordings. I'll see what happens.

[gdippel]

Just checked the two 1 hour recordings. One is fine. The second is in slow motion with no audio. When i check recording info, the slo-mo recording lists the audio as AAC not 5.1 Dolby. I suspect the lag on the second recording is somehow screwing up the audio. Is there a way to have a time padding before the recording starts? Manually, I have to select the the channel, stop recording and then record and all is well.

Found the delay setting in the Sage properties file. Changed to 8000 (8 seconds) and manually all is ok. I've scheduled some recordings for later and I'll see how it goes.

[dstanley]

Not sure what to suggest. Something is happening with your system and I suspect it is either USB or drive related.
I have four HD-PVRs that can record simultaneously without a problem.
I have my STBs locked to 720p but only because my Pkex system studders on the 1080i recordings on my Odroid boxes.
Maybe look for the unraid drive benchmark docker and see if it shows anything.
Going to be hard to troubleshoot this one.
The HD-PVRs are sensitive to power supply and cables as well.
Sorry that I am not much help - other than encouragement that it does work.

Dwight

[gdippel]

Setting the delay in Sage properties seems to have done the trick. All recordings went well on both HD PVRs recording at 720p.

[dstanley]

It really does take a long time for the HD-PVRs to 'spin up' and get recording - I notice the led light coming on for a second or so - then off for another brief flash and back on again before it settles to on all the time - the digital sound input is pretty critical to the recording becoming stable as well.
I have had mine delayed ever since I had them to overcome any recording issues.
I just never think of it anymore ... glad you seem to have it fixed up!