New User - feedback questions for recording

[TVHelp]

I just installed the software and am trying to get use to it. I find that I am puzzled by why the name 'DEFAULT' can not be changed when setting a manual recording. Wouldn't it be easy enough to let us key in the name for our recording? Why should I be dependent on a program guide and the various utilities required just to get this setup for some reasonable accuracy. I am fine with being fully responsible for knowing what is on and what I want to record and I want to be able to set it up quickly!

In addition, why not make the channel selection in the recording setup a drop-down box? Hitting an arrow a thousand times to get where you want to be is annoying!!

Don't fall into the Microsoft trap - making it pretty but not making it work! Functionality and ease of use should always come first.

Next, it would be nice to have a start and end DATE for recurring program recordings.

I am sure if I ever get this fully setup and running I will have more input - but wanted to get this out there just in case someone knows a way to set the name for a recording without using the complex utilities setup.

In trying to figure things out I discovered I had a ton of recordings - that I had not planned on. Not sure how they got in the mix. But I would like some clarification on how/where the recordings are stored. It looked like channel folders, or manual folder was created, but in one case I got a 'no show details' folder. Where did that come from? Under what circumstance do I get the channel folder (is that for the repeated recordings?)? I think it would have made more sense to me if all the files had not been called DEFAULT

Ok, I know that was a lot. I hope someone can sift through this and provide insight.

Thank you for having this option for me! I just found a defect, I consider critical, in Media Centre and that is why I searched and found this option - I really hope it works out and I can get it all set before the new seasons start!!!!

[sub]

I just installed the software and am trying to get use to it. I find that I am puzzled by why the name 'DEFAULT' can not be changed when setting a manual recording. Wouldn't it be easy enough to let us key in the name for our recording?

With 'name' selected, just start typing and 'Default' will be replaced with whatever you want the recording called.

In addition, why not make the channel selection in the recording setup a drop-down box? Hitting an arrow a thousand times to get where you want to be is annoying!!

Remember this is made for driving from a remote. There is no drop down boxes etc. I dont use manual recordings very often, but from memory, you can type a channel number and press enter.

[johnsonx42]

why are you doing so many manual recordings? NPVR is designed around the idea of recording from the EPG (electronic program guide). Manual recordings are rarely used. For normal recordings, the folder will be named the same as the show title, and then the individual recordings will be named with the show title and start/stop date/time. you'll get a "no show details" folder if you record a show from the EPG but have no EPG data. manual recording folders get named whatever you put in the name field as described by sub. I don't know of any condition where you'd get a folder named for a channel.

I strongly suggest you get an epg loaded first; NPVR will make a lot more sense then. Schedules direct support is built-in, and they offer a 7-day free trial: http://www.schedulesdirect.org

[TVHelp]

Thanks for the info - got the Default option to over type - I was sure I tried it before and it did not work. That will be a great help....
However, the channel number over type does not. So... I deleted all the extraneous channels that I don't normally watch to help with this. Maybe a Favorites List would be good for this.

I did finally get the EPG setup with the xmltv option. It took most of the day to map stuff and get it right, and given that, here is my reason for the manual recording...

First, what if the guide does not update, or I just have not gotten to the process of trying to setup the automated update and what if I do it wrong, or for some reason it is all out of whack - I lose all recordings set via EPG!?

Second, what if I want to record back to back shows on the same channel and don't want to lose part of one or both of the shows in the switch over ( and don't have another tuner to allow the 'time before and after' setting option - this is one of the things in Media Centre that does not work well) or (as ABC loves to do) they actually run a minute or two over the scheduled time but this does not show in the EPG. In this scenario I feel safer setting manual recordings to continually record that single channel across both show times so I get it all - can't do that with an EPG! I will say however, that I was pleased to see the offset time can be set on a show by show basis - unlike Media Centre - and that should help some degree with this issue.

That brings up my other issue, why can't I set times in less than 10 minute increments?

Maybe what is needed here is a separate app for scheduling only, via computer and not a remote. I don't know if I will ever get around to setting up my remote, or if it will work, but since I sit at my computer and not at a distance I see no need for it...

I guess it comes down to trust. I have been severely disappointed with my NEW WIN7 PC and Media Centre. Basically nothing works. I loved my old WinTV7, but it can not handle more than two recordings at a time and I added a dual tuner (making 3) with my new PC to allow for the offset recordings (1 min over). Maybe when I get comfortable with this application and have all the utilities installed that will all fall away, but I think I should have the option for this until I am ready!

One new functional note, I tried to setup a recording via the EPG that would create a conflict (ie. not enough tuners) to test things out and found that it acted as if the recording was set and did not display a conflict, but simply dropped the recording from the pending list...Yet when setting up via a Manual Record it readily told me that there was a conflict and that nothing would record.....Just another plus for the Manual Record option

Thanks for the feedback. I am going to slowing cross over my MC recordings this week and see how it works out.

[sub]

First, what if the guide does not update, or I just have not gotten to the process of trying to setup the automated update and what if I do it wrong, or for some reason it is all out of whack - I lose all recordings set via EPG!?

This hasnt typically lead to problems in the past, so I dont see this as a good reason to favor manual recordings over using a EPG. Most people get their EPG setup and it's reliable.

Also, using a real EPG has advantages like the application knowing if a show will air late one week, and can adjust the recording times to make sure it still gets recorded etc.

Second, what if I want to record back to back shows on the same channel and don't want to lose part of one or both of the shows in the switch over ( and don't have another tuner to allow the 'time before and after' setting option - this is one of the things in Media Centre that does not work well) or (as ABC loves to do) they actually run a minute or two over the scheduled time but this does not show in the EPG. In this scenario I feel safer setting manual recordings to continually record that single channel across both show times so I get it all - can't do that with an EPG! I will say however, that I was pleased to see the offset time can be set on a show by show basis - unlike Media Centre - and that should help some degree with this issue.

Assuming you're using digital capture devices, NextPVR does multi-record, then means both of these back-to-back-on-same-channel recordings should end up with pre and post padding, even if they overlap. It also allows for other recordings that overlapp if they're on the same channel.

That brings up my other issue, why can't I set times in less than 10 minute increments?

Left/right move 10 minutes at a time, but you can also just type a time. ie, if you want a recording to start 6:48pm, just type 1848, ie 18:48 on a 24hour clock.

Maybe what is needed here is a separate app for scheduling only, via computer and not a remote. I don't know if I will ever get around to setting up my remote, or if it will work, but since I sit at my computer and not at a distance I see no need for it...

The app is what is. It was designed for people sitting across the room using a remote control to drive it. It probably do what you want anyway, but just keep intended target audience in mind when questioning the way the UI works.

One new functional note, I tried to setup a recording via the EPG that would create a conflict (ie. not enough tuners) to test things out and found that it acted as if the recording was set and did not display a conflict, but simply dropped the recording from the pending list...Yet when setting up via a Manual Record it readily told me that there was a conflict and that nothing would record.....Just another plus for the Manual Record option

It might not be as clear cut as your thing. If you're using digital, the recording may have been on the same frequency, so the app may have been able to do it using multi-record.

For example, with two tuners here on our DVB-S system, I can be recording 16 show at the same time

[mvallevand]

Maybe what is needed here is a separate app for scheduling only, via computer and not a remote. I don't know if I will ever get around to setting up my remote, or if it will work, but since I sit at my computer and not at a distance I see no need for it...

You might want to check out NEWA for scheduling NPVR via your browser.

Martin

[TVHelp]

Assuming you're using digital capture devices, NextPVR does multi-record, then means both of these back-to-back-on-same-channel recordings should end up with pre and post padding, even if they overlap. It also allows for other recordings that overlapp if they're on the same channel.

Yes, I was pleased to see that work my first night of recording.....Just what I was looking for!!! I may not need that third tuner with the multi-record feature. Is there some need-to-know facts about this feature and how to make use of it?

Does anyone have a recommendation on the extra utilities/plug-ins as to what ones are compatible to use together, what order they should be installed in, or what to know to get them to work together (specific location for files, etc.)?

You might want to check out NEWA for scheduling NPVR via your browser.

I can't find info on NEWA - the link just goes to a blank page?

I would love to get this application functioning with a full set of features.

Thank you!

[imilne]

Does anyone have a recommendation on the extra utilities/plug-ins as to what ones are compatible to use together, what order they should be installed in, or what to know to get them to work together (specific location for files, etc.)?

The only plugin incompatibilities I'm aware of are the two in my sig: AudioAdjust and ReClockOrNot - you can use one or the other, but not both together. They're both for very specific purposes though, so chances are you won't need either.

Iain

[TVHelp]

Since I can't get the renaming guideplus utility to work, I am wondering if by manually renaming my files will cause old records to remain behind in the database that will somehow need to be manually cleared to prevent it from growing out of control. Does anyone know if that could become an issue and have a recommendation, besides copying the file to rename it then deleting the original from the What's New listing?

[johnsonx42]

if you simply rename the file, npvr will delete the database record. there is a setting in config.xml to control whether this happens, but the default behavior is that it does.

if you want to automatically rename a recording file, but have the database updated to reflect the new name, there are several methods around. if you search for a thread started by me called "nscripthelper -rename making me insane" you'll see the postprocessing.bat I use to insert the episode name (aka subtitle) into the recording file name, while ensuring comskip is done with the file and that no one is watching the recording before proceeding to rename the file and then update the database.