Transcoding - is my PC powerful enough?

[David G]

I tried the media extender vob transcoding feature for the first time today, and all I'm getting when playing the file is sound, and no picture at all.

Does that mean the server's not powerful enough? (It's a relatively old Athlon XP 2200+). It didn't show any picture whatsoever, even when I paused it to let it "catch up" (or so I figured but it didn't happen).

Any idea?

[JUC]

What version of the server are you using? I think there was one recently that resulted in similar issues. Try the latest RC
JUC

[David G]

I have the latest RC (4.1.14). Is this a known issue for it?

[Para]

Originally Posted by David G

I have the latest RC (4.1.14). Is this a known issue for it?

Not that I know of. You may submit a bug report and see if they can help figure out the problem.

My initial guess would have been that the 2200+ was a little light weight for transcoding but it should have at least done something.

Audio only might be a clue though. 4.1.13 implemented a transcode optimization for VOBs on the MVP. It transcoded the audio only and just copied the video to the MVP. This caused some people (me ) to have audio sync problems. You could change this though. However, this will increase your processor load, but it will force the transcoding of the video as well as audio.

In the client directories, you can change your mvp's property file from the following:

miniclient/vob_transcode_mode=DVDaudioonly
to
miniclient/vob_transcode_mode=DVD

just back up before your change and see if it helps. Can't hurt to try.

[hummedan]

I had the same problem when I tried placeshifting for the first time on my laptop. I found that my screen color depth was set too low 16 bit. When I changed my color depth to 32 bit and everything started working. Video + Sound. Something to try!

[David G]

hummedan: I'm using the media extender, so there's no changing the color depth.

Para: I skipped 4.1.13 (updated from 4.1.12) so I didn't find the property you mentioned. I did add the one you suggested though, and it didn't help

I'll log a bug report.

Thanks -

[Para]

Originally Posted by David G

I skipped 4.1.13 (updated from 4.1.12) so I didn't find the property you mentioned. I did add the one you suggested though, and it didn't help

I'll log a bug report.

A Bug Report is certainly the best bet. They need the info and you get top notch service too.

Sorry for not being more clear concerning the property file. The file I am talking about is the one named the same as the MAC address of your MVP. It is located in the following directory (or something like it):

C:\Program Files\SageTV\SageTV\clients

or the first "SageTV" directory may be "Frey Technologies" if you have only upgraded since before they changed their name.

Even if you skipped 4.1.13, it should have the property:

miniclient/vob_transcode_mode=DVDaudioonly

4.1.14 includes that property.

It seems to be a VERY good idea from Sage to develop that optimization. It cut my CPU load for transcoding from approx 20% down to 3%. The only problem was that my audio sync was off by 3 seconds. I am still looking for a way to adjust the sync so I can go back to audio-only transcoding.

I could be all wrong about transcoding being the issue with your problem, but again, it can't hurt to try.

[David G]

I think my first try was a fluke. I tried another DVD and it worked fine this time... except this time it is clear the htpc's not pwerful enough, as the picture was blocky as hell and choppy.

Not sure what happened with the other DVD, I'll try ripping it again. I will try playing with the properties you mention though, to see if it makes things any smoother. But I doubt it. I think I'll just end up ripping the DVDs to MPEG...