SageTV 1.4.3 Beta Now Available

[Narflex]

The latest beta for SageTV is now available. It can be downloaded from our beta page at http://sage.tv/beta.html

Please take a look at the release notes below to see what has been fixed and/or added to this release from version 1.3.8. Most notable for SageTV are the following:

-Added DVD Playback support

-Added Transport Stream support

-Various bug fixes and performance enhancements

Enjoy!

Complete updates to release notes for SageTV:
Sage Release Notes

V1.4.3 Beta 6/26/2003
1. Launching SageTV.exe while SageTV is running will awake it from the system tray if its there instead of showing an error.
2*. Disabled Closed Captioning for DVDs, I need to make it configurable because currently its always on.
3. Added support for the USB-UIRT as an infrared receiver (transmitter/learning support will be added later)
4. Bug fix for client freezing: MediaServer checks to ensure file reads don't cause EOF exceptions due to inconsistencies in disk buffering across the network.
5. Added a mmc/feature_mask_disable property that allows disabling certain hardware multimedia functions. A value of 8 will disable the Hauppauge Micronas hack which may be causing PAL users some problems.
7. Added a ui/auto_show_osd_on_mouse_move property. If you set it to false, mouse movement will not cause the OSD to show. DVDs do NOT autoshow the OSD with mouse movement because it can interfere with usage of the DVD menus.
8. Enhanced DShow error messages
9. Removed .5second extraneous wait time when creating a new MPEG file
12. Added startup_delay which causes a sleep when the app loads before it does anything, can help with loading at startup issues.
13. Fixed Favorites padding so it only pads when its not back-to-back with another Favorite on the same channel.
14. Fixed MR overlapping bug where you can overlap manual recordings on a single channel.
15. Fixed so the EPG will return to the current time when appropriate.
16. Added ID3V2 tag parsing for MP3s.
17. Redid library importing so it is significantly faster for loading .mp3 files
18. Fixed some bugs in the ID3V1 tag parsing.
19. SageTV now includes episodes names for a show in its filename generation. This can be disabled via the use_episodes_in_filenames property if desired.
20. Detailed Info for a file now includes the actual file location.
21. SageTV server checks version so it matches the client.
22. Fixed bug in Scheduler where it wouldn't always pick the first instance of a favorite to record.
23. Fixed conflict detection bug in scheduler where a single priority overlap wouldn't takeover a nonprioritized one. This should fix a lot of the 100% CPU issues.

V1.4.2 Beta 6/18/03
1. Added Transport Stream support to demultiplexor. SageTV/Recorder now support playback of TS files using software decoding.
2. DVD playback support. If you set a DVD drive to be a library import folder, then a TS_VIDEO entry should appear in the Video Library. Select that and it will play the DVD.
3. Significant improvements to library import technique.
6. Added DVD Express filters to preconfigured filters list
7. Fixed bug where decoder filters list showed everything
8. Fixed bug where filters sometimes wouldn't show up due to sorting error
9. Expanded the internal mediatypes SageTV uses. IMPORTANT!!!! YOU SHOULD REIMPORT YOUR LIBRARY BECAUSE OF THIS.
11. Software decoding can be completely disabled now. Its in the properties file as videoframe/disable_sw_decoding
12. Repainting performance enhancements to the UI.

[SHS]

Cool bean can't wait try this

[SHS]

Ok where DVD stuff at?

[Lester Jacobs]

I did a quick test. Looks good so far (i.e. everything I tried seemed to work, haven't played with the new features in depth yet).

I did try out the DVD feature though; everything seemed to work there with my quick test. The only thing I noticed was that the channel up/down did not do anything. I would have expected them to do chapter forward/backward.

Also, is there any support in there for the ATI All In Wonder cards yet; either with or without the software encoder? I was looking for support at least for live TV viewing (i.e. no mpeg-2 encoding/software encoder involvement, just the live output of the card) in this release since my ATI AIW is lying unused in my system at the moment. Can you comment on whether support for ATI AIW cards (and in fact any "regular" tuner card) is scheduled for the final release? Just want to know as this is the main thing I'm looking for at the moment so if it isn't going to be in there then I won't be needlessly waiting for the next beta release hoping to test this feature.

Cheers
Lester

[SHS]

Oh Jeff this worng TS_VIDEO it should be VIDEO_TS
I did what said but library import folder not show up Video Library

[Lester Jacobs]

Originally posted by SHS
Lester what are you using for mpeg codec?.

Using the Cyberlink decoder from my PowerDVD install (on my test system)

Lester

[SHS]

Never mind Lester

[bodgadle]

wow, disable software encoding, have been waiting for that one, nice work Jeff and thanks :)

[bodgadle]

just installed it, disable sw encoding works a treat, cpu usage now at a nice 22% for me on my epia m9000.

Muchos gracias

[Narflex]

For DVD playback, do the following:
1. Add the DVD drive as a library import folder
2. Go to the Video Library. There'll be a VIDEO_TS entry (or something similar), select that.
3. If that entry doesn't appear, and you have a DVD in the drive, then you simply need to 'kick' Sage to get it to rerun its scan. This can be done by going to the EPG and simply selecting something to record and then cancelling it (i.e. just hit record twice on something that won't cause a conflict, this'll be updated later so it'll kick itself when it needs to). Or by adding/removing something from the library import list.

For the ATI cards, I'm planning on doing that real soon. But a question first, does Live Preview work correctly for the ATI cards in SageRecorder? I've already gotten one report that it does, and if this is true in general, then this'll make integration of this feature much easier than I thought.

[Lester Jacobs]

Originally posted by Narflex
...
For the ATI cards, I'm planning on doing that real soon. But a question first, does Live Preview work correctly for the ATI cards in SageRecorder? I've already gotten one report that it does, and if this is true in general, then this'll make integration of this feature much easier than I thought.

Unfortunately I can't check this out since my 10 day trial of Sage Recorder has expired and the new beta didn't seem to reset the trial period for some reason. Hopefully someone else can confirm this for you.

Cheers
Lester

[SHS]

I try option 3 jeff and still no lucky there.
Even try install Cyberlink decoder still no lucky there
Oh I have no Aspi install just so you know would that have something to do with?.

[Narflex]

No, it doesn't depend on ASPI at all. Can you send me your sagetv_0.txt log file from this SHS?

oh yeah, log files are enabled again :)

[SHS]

Ok on it way Jeff

[edmc]

video_ts shows up in my Library/Video folder after I added the DVD Drive to the Library Directories as instructed in the ReleaseNotes.

Alas, when I "play" it, SageTV only goes thru the opening video (i.e. the FBI notice and some opening video which plays before the menu appears). This with no Audio. After that, SageTV just sits there...

I tried switching from the Hauppauge Audio/Video decoders to the Cyberlink A/V ones I use in ZoomPlayer - to no avail - same behavior.

Quick update:

After waiting a few minutes, SageTV did eventually get to the Menu display. Still no Audio. And no way to navigate the Menu.

Any Suggestions?

Oh, and one more thing: When I display System Information, the Software Version is indicated as "SageTV V1.4.2 Beta", not "...1.4.3B...".

[SHS]

It a bit bug in DVD part of it edmc I wait in jeff make next update build

[justme]

19. SageTV now includes episodes names for a show in its filename generation.
Thank You:thumbup:

[laurenglenn]

Originally posted by edmc


Oh, and one more thing: When I display System Information, the Software Version is indicated as "SageTV V1.4.2 Beta", not "...1.4.3B...".
I had this same problem. It kept saying Beta 1.3.

The only thing that fixed it was to uninstall Sage and reinstall the beta. Now it shows 1.4 beta for me.

The DVD didn't work on my end. It shows video_ts in the Library, but it still won't play my Stargate Ultimate Edition DVD. It's fine, I guess. I bought Sage to record TV which it does beautifully, and then use the MPEGs in Ulead DVD MovieFactory to make a DVD.

One thing about the mouse movement option. BTW, Thanks for adding it. :) It would be great if clicking on the screen could bring up the info window. Otherwise, the mouse is unable to control Sage unless you either hit Info on the remote or "I" on the keyboard. Aside from that, thanks for adding this feature and the others too... :)

Lauren

[edmc]

me> Latest SageTV Beta shows 1.4.2, not 1.4.3 as expected...

lauren> "It kept saying Beta 1.3"...

I think you misread my post. My version differs not in the number after
the first period but after the 2nd. Why this is important - I suppose - is
because a few things changed between these two sub-versions according
to the ReleaseNotes.txt file.

lauren> The only thing that fixed it was to uninstall Sage and reinstall the beta.

Hmm... I haven't uninstalled SageTV in a very long time. I always just install it over the top of the previous version. And I make sure it's not running at the time.

Perhaps your 1st attempt (i.e. with no preceeding uninstall) went to some other directory and when you checked it out you simply ran the old version from that old directory?

[justme]

My version differs not in the number after
the first period but after the 2nd. Why this is important - I suppose - is
because a few things changed between these two sub-versions according
to the ReleaseNotes.txt file.
Mine also says it's 1.4.2 in the SageTV System Information screen. I believe this is just a small case where the version section of the code was not updated. The reason I come to this conclusion is that my install(DL was named 1.4.3) has several features that are only listed as part of 1.4.3. ie episode titles as part of filenames and waking SageTV from sleep by just calling SageTV.exe without any switches.

[laurenglenn]

Originally posted by edmc
me> Latest SageTV Beta shows 1.4.2, not 1.4.3 as expected...

lauren> "It kept saying Beta 1.3"...

I think you misread my post. My version differs not in the number after the first period but after the 2nd. Why this is important - I suppose - is because a few things changed between these two sub-versions according to the ReleaseNotes.txt file.

lauren> The only thing that fixed it was to uninstall Sage and reinstall the beta.

Hmm... I haven't uninstalled SageTV in a very long time. I always just install it over the top of the previous version. And I make sure it's not running at the time.

Perhaps your 1st attempt (i.e. with no preceeding uninstall) went to some other directory and when you checked it out you simply ran the old version from that old directory?

Whatever. And to answer your question, NO. That's not what happened. I just thought it was a problem similar to mine in which no matter how many times I installed the new version did it ever upgrade. The program wasn't running at the time (I checked).

It has only been installed in the one same directory as always. Did *you* try uninstalling and reinstalling? After reading your post, my guess is no. All I posted was a solution that worked for me. If you don't want to do it, then don't. I don't care. You obviously don't seem to want to do it. Uninstalling doesn't remove the settings or database file, so it shouldn't cause a reason to not do it.

I hope you find an answer that better pleases you.

Lauren

[Narflex]

1.4.3 was mislabed as 1.4.2. The real version 1.4.2 was never publicly released.

[stanger89]

What filters are you all using for DVDs and recorded programs? I ask because the Hauppauge filters can't play encrypted DVD's and I'm having issues with SPDIF output with all Sonic and Intervideo filters. The Sonic filters seem to get stuck in pass-through mode after viewing a DVD so I get no audio from recordings, and the I can't get the intervideo filters to pass AC-3 through, I only get 2channel decoded audio from them.

I can't wait to get this all working. It's looking really good so far. By the way, did you ever find out why the Sonic decoders get stuck if you let a file play to the end? Just curious since I really like them and they're the only ones I've bought (WinDVD came OEM with my Revo).

Thanks in advance,

Chad

[PeteInSF]

what does:

11. Software decoding can be completely disabled now. Its in the properties file as videoframe/disable_sw_decoding

Do?

Might it help me with my Creative audio out of sync problem?

Pete

[edmc]

lauren> Did *you* try uninstalling and reinstalling?

You got it - I did not try uninstalling first. While this is often required with other apps, I recall that this hasn't been necessary with SageTV for some time now.

lauren> If you don't want to do it, then don't. I don't care.

Ouch... Sorry if I offended you. I was only trying to suggest that the uninstall/reinstall step hasn't been required in the past. Glad to hear it worked for you though...

In any event, Narflex's post#22 above explains the confusion.

[justme]

PeteInSF ask:
what does:
11. Software decoding can be completely disabled now. Its in the properties file as videoframe/disable_sw_decoding
Do?


I believe that's for people who have a PVR350(Built in HW decoding). This way they don't need to waste CPU resources on SW decoding for their computer's display if they are just using the PVR350's builtin TV outputs.

This is just a guess, but it makes sense. This has been a long time request of PVR350 owners. Can Jeff or any PVR350 owners confirm this?

I have considered getting a PVR350(I have SageTV on a PVR250) and a SageTV client. Setting the two up in a decoder box next to the TV might be a good addon. But my second motherboard lacks the power for software decoding. Turning off the SW decoding for the PVR350 and eventually some OSD for the 350 could provide the last few pieces. :)

Don't worry Jeff I'm not trying to be pushy. I realize you are working on 350 OSD as soon as you can. I have faith and patience that you'll get it working asap. Maybe in the 1.5.x or 1.6.x round of betas. Keep up the great work.:)

[Narflex]

justme, Yes, that feature is intended for PVR350 users.

[gplasky]

Just curious if Streamzap support will be in Sage anytime soon. I know I can use it through Girder and the SageTV plugin but was just curious if you might be able to get around to natively supporting it soon. Also wanted to comment on Beta 1.4.3. I have puchased your product and have been generally please with it. I'm able to play DVD's. I'm using Sonic Cinemaster 1.5 decoders and getting a really sweet picture and sound. Stiil trying to figure out the picture library though. I added the "My pictures" directory in setup. (Same place I added my D:\ drive for the DVD) Don't see any pictures so I assume there is more to do or I'm just missing the concept. Is there any /switch I can use on the command line when starting Sage so when it comes up, it comes up in Live TV? Keep up the good work. Looking forward to testing the next beta. I'm using your product as the centerpiece of my new HTPC.

Gerry

[JasonJoel]

I use a Streamzap too. They originally said the support MIGHT make 1.3.x (it did not though).

Hopefully now that there are TWO people asking for it, it might make it in. :)

Love that remote.

Jason


Originally posted by gplasky
Just curious if Streamzap support will be in Sage anytime soon. I know I can use it through Girder and the SageTV plugin but was just curious if you might be able to get around to natively supporting it soon. Also wanted to comment on Beta 1.4.3. I have puchased your product and have been generally please with it. I'm able to play DVD's. I'm using Sonic Cinemaster 1.5 decoders and getting a really sweet picture and sound. Stiil trying to figure out the picture library though. I added the "My pictures" directory in setup. (Same place I added my D:\ drive for the DVD) Don't see any pictures so I assume there is more to do or I'm just missing the concept. Is there any /switch I can use on the command line when starting Sage so when it comes up, it comes up in Live TV? Keep up the good work. Looking forward to testing the next beta. I'm using your product as the centerpiece of my new HTPC.

Gerry

[padre]

11. Software decoding can be completely disabled now. Its in the properties file as videoframe/disable_sw_decoding

Where do I access this option? I have the PVR350 and want to completely turn off the software decoding (to the local monitor) and just use the TV outputs w/hardware decoding.

Thanks!

[justme]

Its in the properties file as videoframe/disable_sw_decoding

[metropole]

Does it support now the tv out init for the 350?

[sub]

The most recent Hauppauge drivers seem to initialize the tvout, so that you dont have to start WinTV2K first.

[Narflex]

Really? Can anyone else confirm this? That'd be really cool. :)

[padre]

Yes, my 350 works now without having to start/stop WinTV. I can just startup SageTV and the port is initiatized.

[justme]

Do you mean official, Hauppauge beta, or an SHS release? Could you post the complete version that you are using?

[padre]

For me, it was the "WinTV-PVR 250/350 1.7.21188 drivers" from the SHS forum (download site).

[gplasky]

Which are also the the beta drivers available from the Hauppauge site. Same version.

Gerry

EDIT: Also using WinTV-PVR 250/350 1.7.21188 drivers (beta drivers from Hauppauge site. (Or SHS PVER site.)