Client Live TV Freeze

[sidz]

Hi everyone,

Has been a while since I've needed help with NPVR.

I've recently moved to a server/client setup to free up space in the lounge and get rid of ambient noise from an always on fan.
Using an Intel NUC (NUC5i5RYH) as the client on Windows 10, and an HP xw8600 (dual CPU 32GB RAM, Server 2012) as the server in the loft.

There's a slight delay with any action (channel chage, stop/start), but that is not my problem here.

When watching live TV, I get regular pauses of the image and sound, and quite recently complete freezing that doesn't clear until I hit stop.
With these pauses and freezes, the screen displays a black and grey pattern that kind of looks like space invaders...

I've attached copies of the server and client logs. The example freeze took a lot longer than usual to appear.
Running 3.9.2 on both machines. I have the client directed to the IP of the server, and am not using MS DTV-DVD (using LAV). Firewall rules are fully open to NPVR on both server and client. Using powerline homeplugs beween client and switch. Server is Cat5 to switch.

Hope that is enough info, let me know if you need anything else.

regards
Sidz.

[sub]

The LAV Video Decoder is known to not play well with NextPVR (due to Microsoft Demultiplexer that NextPVR uses). I'd suggesting going back to the MS DTV-DVD as a first step.

[sidz]

Thank you Sub,

Under MPEG2 decoder drop down, I don't have the MS DTV-DVD option. I've now installed SAF and selected the Cyberlink PDVD13 entry, but still get the freeze. Although, it doesn't seem to matter what option I select I eventually get a freeze.

[scJohn]

"Using powerline homeplugs beween client and switch." I would start there (especially if the Homeplugs are both on separate circuits). Have you tried WiFi connection to see if the problem goes away? AC type routers do a better job than N type routers and your NUC should support the AC standard. If it is AC then you could try both the 2.4 and 5.0 Ghz frequency. No mention of what the switch is connected too.

[sidz]

The switch is a tp-link sg108, connected to a Draytek Vigor 2820n (then to the BT cable modem to get out).

I had a good night last night, no major pauses or freezes. This was a after a restart of the two homeplugs, so definitely lends itself to the issue being the home plugs.
The switch and NUC are in the same room, i just didn't want to run a cable past the fireplace.... might have to now.


I've switched over to wifi on the NUC. The 2.4 freq is pretty saturated in my area with various networks, all criss crossing the channels as well. I don't have a 5ghz router yet... all in good time though.

Will report back in a couple days, after seeing how it goes.

Cheers!

[scJohn]

If you house is already wired for cable, here is another option:https://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-Bonded-...96143acb66.

[ElihuRozen]

If you house is already wired for cable, here is another option:https://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-Bonded-...96143acb66.

I don't use these devices, but I have been using MoCA for years.

[mvallevand]

Also consider a Kodi client to NextPVR. It is much more stable over less than ideal networking IMO.

Martin

[sidz]

Update time!

I bought a cat6 cable and connected directly to the switch. Unfortunately this does run past the fireplace, but at least the client is now running freeze free!

I wish the house was cabled up! But a 30's built London terrace doesn't lend itself too well to easily doing that after the fact. Instead I've got a 30ft ethernet lead running down from the loft, as well hidden as I can get it, along door frames and skirting.


Wife and kids are happy now, and I'm left alone to tinker with other things.

I tried Kodi once when I bought a Brix (N2807 version). It didn't last long, I like the NPVR UI a lot better.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.