Zero Length Recordings

[sub]

I'm guessing your capture device didnt lock onto a signal for whatever reason, but I cant tell for sure because your logs have the BDA status checks disabled.

[flyswatta]

I had a similar problem and it was due to signal strength - I was splitting the signal and had it over a long cable run. Pick up a signal booster (usually about 10db boost) for under US$20 and see if your problem goes away.

[Anthony]

Sub,

I've tried setting the "DisableBDAStatusChecks" option in Config.xml to both True and False. I wonder why it's not reporting status either way?

Flyswatta,

Yeah, I'm guessing signal strength is playing a part, but I wish there was a way to force the recording to happen anyway since my signal seems to fluctuate a little. I hate to lose an entire show just because the first second or two dropped below the usual levels.

I have a 10DB Motorola amp. It wasn't helping the signal in any way (in fact it made some channels worse), so I removed it to reduce the number of connections and potential problems.

I also went through my entire system last weekend replacing the old RG6 crimp-on connectors with higher quality compression fittings. It helped slightly, but not enough to eliminate all errors.

So far I've been trying my 4228 antenna in a few different locations in an upstairs "attic" room. But despite being only 20 miles from the local towers, I'm not getting very good signals (typically between 20 and 25 SNR). So, when the rain and snow lets up I plan to experiment with an outdoor antenna location.

Contrary to most things I've read, my attic antenna actually pulls in a STRONGER signal when we have a bunch of snow on the roof. When the snow melts, my signal drops too. Weird.

I have QAM cable, but for some reason my HVR-1600's won't lock onto the signal reliably. I can usually watch it OK, but recordings turn out a jumbled mess.

Anyway, I guess I'll keep fiddling with the antenna. Don't know what else I can do.

Thanks,

Anthony

[observer_11]

I really need to get this sorted out - WAF plummetting!!! Abiltiy to record is priority number 1! I have tried a clean re-install, different muxes, different versions of native_utils, re-installing VC++ runtimes, double checking permissions,and prayers. The result is always the same, everything appears to start as normal (directory and file created) but the recording file sits at 0 bytes (quietly mocking me.

S.O.S. ---- Getting Desparate! - - - Please help!!!

Did I mention I really gota get this working again?

[sub]

Do you have any remote access enabled on your machine? For example, VNC. If so, PM me some connection details and I'm happy to connect and take a look for you.

[observer_11]

Yes I am using WinXP remote desktop across my LAN. I have never used remote desktop from outside my LAN so I not sure but I think I got the port forwarding on my router setup now. Anyhow I will PM you the particulars.

Thanks

[sub]

One of the two tuners on your PVR500 is no longer in functioning state. I cant tell whether this because of a physical hardware problem, a driver bug, or some conflict with something else on your machine. Either way, that tuner is "broken".

I've changed both of your capture sources to use device #2, and it seems to be able to do live tv or recording without any problems.

Its definitely not a GB-PVR problem, because I've confirmed the same behaviour in GraphEdit.

[flyswatta]

Anyway, I guess I'll keep fiddling with the antenna.

Have you checked out antennaweb.org? You can put in your address and it will tell you *exactly* where the broadcast towers are so you can point your antenna directly at them. You don't have to sign up or put in your name or anything.

EDIT: Nevermind, looks like Sub found the issue.

[observer_11]

One of the two tuners on your PVR500 is no longer in functioning state. I cant tell whether this because of a physical hardware problem, a driver bug, or some conflict with something else on your machine. Either way, that tuner is "broken".

I've changed both of your capture sources to use device #2, and it seems to be able to do live tv or recording without any problems.

Its definitely not a GB-PVR problem, because I've confirmed the same behaviour in GraphEdit.

Wow, from half a world away you have logged in, diagnosed, and treated my ailing HTPC!! Thanks so much for your help and quick response. I'll take a look this eve after work at the broken tuner (ironic I can't remotely access my own HTPC across town from work but you can from there) .

Thanks again.

[sub]

No worries.