Does this functionality currently exist?

[newbie21]

Hey all, I'm still trialing SageTV, so far the wife and I love it, however, I have one somewhat minor problem.

If I flip through channels too fast, the program seems to lock up, this seems to be due to the file opening/closing for the LiveTV caching. Is there a way to configure how long you stay on a channel before it begins recording? (i.e. If I stay on channel for 1+ minute it starts recording, otherwise does not, unless specifically instructed to do so, like during scheduled or manual recording)

Or does it already do this? If it doesn't, it seems like it would give a increase of performance...

Thanks in advance

[mikbro]

I have only seen Sage hang like this when you are using a video codec that is marginal (ie does not work 100% with Sage). What video codec are you using?

BTW I have never seen this problem with the Hauppauge supplied codecs, so you may want to try them if you are not already using them.

[newbie21]

I was using just the regular Intervideo codecs from WinDVD5 because it seemed to give me the best video quality... maybe that is my problem.

[mikbro]

Yeah, I have seen them cause that problem. In my experience the machine will eventually recover (after 20-30 seconds). I would try the intervideo codecs that came with the pvr-250 and see if you still have the problem.

Depending on your video card, there are other codecs that are just as stable, but provide better PQ than the default hauppage/intervideo drivers.

[newbie21]

The test machine I am using has an ATI 9500, and the PVR machine itself will probably have an ATI as well...

Another strange thing is that if I enable the DXVA in the registry with the Hauppage drivers I freeze up immediately (same with the regular WinDVD Drivers).

Are there other options that deliver good PQ as well? (Elecard doesn't seem to deliver as good to my eyes as Intervideo)

[stanger89]

I'm quite happy with Sonic Cineplayer decoders and my Sapphire 9500.

[maximumpig]

did switching codecs fix it?
I'm pretty sure I'm using the hauppauge codecs and getting the same lockup problem--in fact, I get a hard crash, mouse cursor won't even move, need to hit 'reset' button to escape the lockup.

[newbie21]

It mostly fixed it. I've been experimenting with many things though, so maybe something else fixed it.

I've noticed some really interesting things about overlay vs VMR on my machine (i.e. VMR is really bad quality, while overlay is a much more smooth look) is this normal?