Recorded videos pause every few minutes

[BigMoose]

This is different to random codec stuttering problems. I've managed to prove there's something wrong with the recording. Using other codecs and other players (including VLC with its internal codecs) it pauses in the same place. It's only recently started happening hence I thought it worth commenting on here in case it's related to the OP or others have issues since 1.4.7.

Things I have changed since this used to work are: upgrade to 1.4.7, added a second DVB-S card, am recording two things at once (different TPs so using both cards, but the problematic recording is on the original card that never used to do this). One recording is SD and seems fine (on the new card), the problematic recording is BBC HD (1080i H264, recorded with the original card). The machine defrags once a week on a Wed, so isn't still doing that on a Sat night (when this occurs). I am also watching the HD recording while it and the SD recordings are in progress.

I'm wondering is there's a bottleneck somewhere but I'm struggling to think where. Interesting idea about the logging being too high (it's set to debug always). There was nothing I could see in the recording service log to indicate problems. It cant be interuptions to the sat signal else both recordings would suffer the same way.

Any ideas what I could try??

[stustunz]

try unplugging one card and do a recording
double check your connections
maybe your signal is just a little weak

[BigMoose]

I'll give it a go although the cable into the card that's now causing problems hasn't been touched in a long time and this particular card used to recard HD perfectly. Is there good/free signal meter software to check the strength on the off chance something has recently slightly blown the dish off course?

[stustunz]

but didnt you split the signal off to the 2 cards =weaker signal
dont know of any meters sorry
but have a look at the signal strength on the card before and after removing the other card may give you an indication
each card has different ways of measuring signal so the numbers from one card dont mean anything when compared to another

[BigMoose]

No, Sat works by having a separate cable from the dish to each card. You cant split a sat signal to two tuners.

[gEd]

try removing the dvb-s card and seeing if the original card is ok. If so, you are likely sharing interupts. try the dvb-s card in a different slot if possible.

does it only happen when u record 2 things at once or when playing back whilst recording?

[stustunz]

well i have it split at the machine just have to make sure you use a splitter that doesnt block power
how is yours done then if its not split
you must have 2 lnbs?

[BigMoose]

I have a quad LNB - which is usual in the UK. I think I read somewhere that you can get away without it in NZ as they don't use both polarities? I could be talking utter crap, but in Europe you cant get away with 2 tuners on one LNB unless you happen to have them both on the same TP and polarity which for most normal cases wont happen.

[BigMoose]

does it only happen when u record 2 things at once or when playing back whilst recording?

I've only noticed it while recording 2 things at once (and watching one of the in progress recordings). Clashing interupts is an interesting suggestion. Not that I have any spare slots... The wife is getting annoyed so I'll likely have to revert to recording Strictly in SD on sat and will be interesting to see if it does it with 2xSD recordings while playing one back.

[stustunz]

ok up with ya now sorry