Recording to Network Drive

[Bittermormon]

I'm looking for some clarification on this issue please. I am trying to get GBPVR to record to a network drive and so far its not working. I will give it another go tonight after work, but I had a quick question. If I do indeed get the software to record to a network drive, can I view a program from the beginning while it is still recording?

I have done some searching and see that I need to have the recording service start using an account will full rights, but if anyone else has any "AHA" tips I would appreciate them.

TIA

[David]

I suspect this is a bad idea. If the network has any slowdown, your recording is likely to be choppy, and forget it if there is a network failure, even a short one.

Much better to record on a local hard drive. You can then move the file to network storage for later access. Just recently there is a posting of a utility that will update the GBPVR database to the new file location, including UNC path. In your postprocessing.bat file, add a command to move the file and then run the utility to update the database. I would test if the file exists at the remote location before updating the database.

Note that GBPVR will delete the record from the database if it can't see the file (across the network). The file will still exist, but it may be more difficult to access and you loose all the details of its recording (channel, description, etc.)

[capone]

You could do it if you map the map the drive, set it to reconnect on restart, and know that it would always be there on restart. Then it should treat it just like a virtual drive.

That said, I agree you shouldn't, also. You'll likely lose or get partial recordings for any hiccup in the network, and you'll get those even on a wired lan.

Better to expore auto and manual solutions to store recordings on the network when you're done.

[Bittermormon]

Thanks David and Capone.

David I see your Point. I originally had the idea of having a media server with all my music and shows and movies etc., but I think I'll just put any big drives in teh PVR and use it to store everything.

Thanks for the input. This forum is great.

[h_2_o]

I thought i'd try it on a gigabit based network and i didn't have any drops that i noticed. only recorded about 5 minutes for a quick test for all but i thought it might be good info to someone anyway.

however i agree with everyone else, it isn't the best idea

[widman]

I have had very few problems recording to a network drive. I use the UNC path for the recording directory, not a mapped drive. I also had to give the recording service a user name and password to allow it to log on to my network server.

My main problem was starting GB-PVR before the network connection was established. Occasionally my database would be wiped clean when GB-PVR couldn't see the recording directory. Thanks to recommendations from this forum, I got around the problem by starting the program with a batch file that called a batch file on the server. This made sure GB-PVR wouldn't start without the computer being connected to the network.

widman

[David]

I have had very few problems recording to a network drive. I use the UNC path for the recording directory, not a mapped drive. I also had to give the recording service a user name and password to allow it to log on to my network server.

My main problem was starting GB-PVR before the network connection was established. Occasionally my database would be wiped clean when GB-PVR couldn't see the recording directory. Thanks to recommendations from this forum, I got around the problem by starting the program with a batch file that called a batch file on the server. This made sure GB-PVR wouldn't start without the computer being connected to the network.

widman

So what happens when GBPVR doesn't start (no network). No recordings? That would kill the WAF! I hope your batch file is a little more complicated than you describe.

[Bittermormon]

So what happens when GBPVR doesn't start ...that would kill the WAF!

My wife had to tape Deperate Housewives (read make me program the VCR) on sunday because I had teh PVR torn apart. She actually said she's glad I like dinking around with it because its pretty slick to use. Victory. I personally wouldn't want to chance it now.

Thanks for all teh help guys ( and gals??...I dunno who you are)

[David]

I too had to figure out the VCR this last week while rebuilding my box. I told my wife that there was a fair chance it would actually record. It did record, but she then spent the next few days bugging to make sure the show would be recorded as usual.

[widman]

So what happens when GBPVR doesn't start (no network). No recordings? That would kill the WAF! I hope your batch file is a little more complicated than you describe.

The batch file only starts the program. This means I ocassionally have to hit the power button twice to get GB-PVR to start. The recording service never seems to have a problem finding the network when the computer wakes up from standby and I haven't missed any recording any schedule shows.