Two tuners, unable to record when other programmes overlap

[funkybro_uk]

Hi

I have a two tuner setup... Occasionally I want to record two programmes which are broadcast back to back on one channel. Let's say these are on from 2100-2200 and 2200-2300.

If I then want to record a programme on another channel which overlaps these programmes (say it's on from 2130-2230), the TV guide will not allow me to schedule it, telling me to cancel one of the two programmes I already have scheduled on the original channel.

I presume both tuners are recording the same thing as pre/post-show padding. So is there any way around this issue?

Thanks
funkybro

[AOSandman]

Your first two recordings were scheduled on different tuners, in order to retain padding. Trying to add a third program which overlaps *both* of the first two programs will result in a conflict because the scheduler will not move either of the first two programs to be on the same tuner (which would free up the other tuner for the third program).

Solution: When the scheduler prompts you to cancel one of the first two recordings, just pick either one & let the scheduler cancel it. That frees up one of the tuners & lets the third program get scheduled. You can now re-add the cancelled program and the scheduler will put it on the same tuner as the first program that you didn't cancel, so now all three get recorded.

That sounds more confusing than it is. Just cancel 1 when prompted, then re-add it.

[buzzweetman]

First... I am a complete newbie. I am just in the process of build my pvr. But I have two tuners, and in some initial testing, I found the same problem.

Thanks for the explanation AOSandman... it makes sense that this is what is happening.

I guess the dilemma is that, because of padding, back to back shows really overlap. So they get assigned to different tuners. Is this really necessary? Like I said, I'm a newbie... to any kind of pvr. I guess if the back to back shows were recorded by the same tuner, then there is an issue as to which show gets the padding in between them. Technically it IS possible to write code to just use one tuner for back to back shows. It just has to be smart enough to break the two apart, copying the shared padding. Right?

So... for those who have a single tuner... you can't record back to back shows unless you set paddings to 0? Is this a fact?

Buzz

[bgowland]

I guess the dilemma is that, because of padding, back to back shows really overlap. So they get assigned to different tuners. Is this really necessary?

In my opinion, yes. I can't see the point in putting padding on unless it's to make sure you get the beginning/end of a programme in case the broadcast doesn't run to time for whatever reason.

So... for those who have a single tuner... you can't record back to back shows unless you set paddings to 0? Is this a fact?

No. If you have one tuner, the first show will have its post-padding cut in favour of the pre-padding of the second. The shows can be scheduled (without conflict) if the only overlap is the padding. That's the way I understand it anyway but it's been a while since I only had one tuner.

Cheers,
Brian

[AOSandman]

...the first show will have its post-padding cut in favour of the pre-padding of the second.

Actually, post-padding will be dropped on the first recording, AND pre-padding will be dropped on the second recording. To use the parent's example, program1 would stop recording at exactly 2200 (no post padding) and program2 would immediately start (no pre-padding).