NextPVR Recording service creates zero length file, high CPU utilization

[zb21]

Hello,

I have an Acer dual core Atom nettop computer, 2GB RAM, Windows XP SP3, US version with Plextor ConvertX M402U analog capture device. This computer works with GBPVR software extremely reliably for about two years. It never missed the recording, I am extremely pleased with it, just analog TV is becoming outated.

About two months ago I purchased HDHOMERUN, European version, as the unit is being used in Europe. Installed NextPVR, which did not work initially as NextPVR was unable to see "DCR-2650 / HDHR Prime" tuners - as they show up now, and are neccessary to record european broadcasting. After installing HDHOMERUN and PextPVR updates (not sure which one helped) I am generally able to record. My current version of NextPVR is 2.2.6.

The problem is however, that after restarting the computer NextPVR is able to record one to two scheduled programs and then - when the next recording starts - the recording service creates a new file with zero length and the CPU utilization becomes very high, no actual recording takes place. The only cure is to restart Recording Service from the tray icon and - in this case - a new file is created, this time the broadcast is recorded properly. But when the next recording starts - the situation is the same again, zero length file and high CPU utilization. After a full computer restart - about one to two shows are recorded and the situation repeats itself again.

I normally do not have physical access to that computer, but when I had I remember that the tuners were not released after recording (that is the lights on the HDHOMERUN were on after recording). The only way to clear them was to start HDHOMERUN QuickTV for a second and quit, which was releasing the tuner used by QuickTV. I installed the recent patches, which were supposed to solve the problem, but no luck (I do not know if the lights stay on now).

Also, I was looking for NextPVR log files, which - think - are supposed to be in c:\Program Files\NPVR\logs directory, but the only subdirectories found in c:\Program Files\NPVR\ are "Other" and "SoftPVR".

Sorry for my long post, but I tried to be as precise as I can.
Thank you for any help you could provide,

ZB21

PS: GBPVR and Plextor converter is still installed and still works very well. For now I am attempting to record in parallel on GBPVR/Plextor and NextPVR/HDHOMERUN. GBPRV works wonderfully, NextPVR works after I restart the recording service each time. Then the record simultaneously, no skips, no problems, just the problem with initial start of NextPVR recording each time.....

[sub]

You'll need to post the logs. Locations are:

Windows Vista & Windows 7: C:\users\public\npvr\logs
Windows XP: C:\documents and settings\all users\application data\npvr\logs

Which process is causing the high CPU?

[zb21]

Thank you for a quick answer.
I attached the log files.

High CPU utilization is caused by NRecord.exe.

Thank you again for your help,
ZB21

[sub]

On the Settings->Devices screen you should be using the DVB-T/DVB-C devices ('Silicondust HDHomeRun Tuner 122028CB-0') instead of the HDHomeRun Prime entries.

[zb21]

The problem is that if I select DVB-T device (I use antenna, not cable) no channels are detected during channel scan
Channels are detected only when I select Prime tuner. That was the initial problem that I mentioned. About two months ago, prior to HDHOMERUN (?) updates the Prime tuners were not showing up at all and for that reason there were no channels detected at all.

ZB21

I guess the problem might be that this is European version of the tuner.

[sub]

The problem is that if I select DVB-T device (I use antenna, not cable) no channels are detected during channel scan

This will because your firewall software is blocking network traffic from the HDHR to NextPVR.exe

I guess the problem might be that this is European version of the tuner.

I've got the european version of the HDHomeRun, and works great for me for both DVB-T and DVB-S. Firewall is always the issue for HDHR users.

[zb21]

So, which application and port should I open on the firewall?
As far as anty-virus software I only use Microsoft Security Essentials.

[zb21]

I disabled the firewall, channel scan still shows no channels....

[sub]

I have no idea what ports the SiliconDust HDHomeRun drivers use. I just allowed nextpvr.exe network access when my comodo firewall prompted first time.

[sub]

I'm still sure it'll be firewall related. It always is for HDHomeRun users. You'll still have something blocking this network traffic.