channel change while watching TV not working (2 Viewers)

[laserheat]

The problem is fixed. I edited the channel number for every channel by placing the actual channel number it that field. Not fun, 362 channels but it fixed it. I am surprised this has not happened to more people using SD, but maybe it's my setup. Thank you mm for looking at my logs and helping me fix the problem, it's very nice to have my channel changer back.
Eric

 

[mm1352000]

Thanks for reporting back.
I suggest you take a backup of your channel list... just in case!

 

[cwchapma]

Yes, I wondered why the channel changing wasn't working... I'll try and look into that tomorrow and patch the plugin ASAP.

Clint

 

[hurry143]

Thank you! I just installed version 1.3.0.1 of the plugin and can confirm that the problem has been fixed

 

[Quek9]

I am glad that I stumbled on this thread, I have been having the same problem. I don't know which version of SD that I am running but I hope that is not 1.3.0.1 because if it is, I have about 635 channels to manually edit .

 

[The_Keymaker]

This problem is still present.

Changing channels using the guide or mini-epg is successful, but directly entering the channel number does nothing. Well it does something, but it's very strange.

While watching TV in full screen, if i enter a channel number say '244', nothing appears on screen or sometimes only the fist number, '2' and then after some time, the remaining numbers "44", neither of which are valid channels for my provider (DirecTV) and the channels does not change.

I've checked all my channels in TV server and the channel numbers are correct. I'm using MP 1.6 and have an HDPVR 2 as capture device. My channel blaster is my custom plugin, but i know that's not the problem as selecting channels from the guide or mini-epg work AND the same behavior is exhibited when using the DIRECTV-SHEF plugin to change channels.

While attempting to determine a cause and solution, i discovered an frustrating quirk of MediaPortal: While in full screen TV the numeral '0' is the default keyboard shortcut for 'last viewed channel'! This is a very poor choice for obvious reasons. When entering a four (4) digit channel number with a leading '0', say '0356', the channel switches to the previous channel, then displays '356' on screen and finally switches to the correct channel.

I'll see about changing the keyboard shortcut for previous channel to something that makes more sense.

In the meantime, any suggestions on the faulty channel change by direct entry?

 

[mm1352000]

Hello The_Keymaker

I seem to be talking about this a lot recently.

This problem is still present.

Exactly what problem are you referring to?
People that have previously commented in this thread had misconfigured channels or MediaPortal. Once configuration was corrected they were able to zap as desired.
So, have you read the whole thread carefully and done as suggested?

Changing channels using the guide or mini-epg is successful, but directly entering the channel number does nothing. Well it does something, but it's very strange.

As above and as earlier stated in the thread:

1. Ensure channel numbers are set on channels correctly here: http://wiki.team-mediaportal.com/@api/deki/files/2585/=Edit_channel.png
   
2. Ensure "select channel by index" is unticked and "channel number max length" is set appropriately: http://wiki.team-mediaportal.com/1_...Configuration/22_TV/TV_Client#Channel_numbers
3. Ensure your zap delay gives enough time to enter the channel number: http://wiki.team-mediaportal.com/1_...al_Configuration/13_GUI/6_On-Screen_Display_*

That's it.

While watching TV in full screen, if i enter a channel number say '244', nothing appears on screen or sometimes only the fist number, '2' and then after some time, the remaining numbers "44", neither of which are valid channels for my provider (DirecTV) and the channels does not change.

You have probably failed at points 1 and/or 2 above.

I've checked all my channels in TV server and the channel numbers are correct.

Are you sure you're checking the correct location as indicated above?
To be clear, the analog tuning detail channel number pictured here is not relevant for your remote (though it is what gets sent to the STB):
http://wiki.team-mediaportal.com/@api/deki/files/2582/=Tuning_detail_1_Analog-TV.png

I'm using MP 1.6 and have an HDPVR 2 as capture device.

Fine... though neither of those points make any particular difference.

My channel blaster is my custom plugin, but i know that's not the problem as selecting channels from the guide or mini-epg work AND the same behavior is exhibited when using the DIRECTV-SHEF plugin to change channels.

Yep, the blaster plugin is totally irrelevant. I note again that the analog tuning detail channel number which is likely used by your plugin is not the channel number that you need to enter in MP.

While attempting to determine a cause and solution, i discovered an frustrating quirk of MediaPortal: While in full screen TV the numeral '0' is the default keyboard shortcut for previous channel! This is a very poor choice for obvious reasons.

The reason is not obvious to me, so maybe you could help by stating the obvious.
I note that it is not a problem to use zeroes as part of the channel number... though you obviously need to set the zap timeout appropriately so that MP gets all of the digits that you enter.

Ironically, when I enter a four (4) digit channel number with a leading '0', say '0356', the channel switches to the previous channel, then displays the '356' on screen and finally switches to that correct channel.

I suggest you post log files so we can actually see what MP received and how it was interpretted.
http://wiki.team-mediaportal.com/1_MEDIAPORTAL_1/16_Support/3_Forums/2_Log_Files

I'll see about changing the keyboard shortcut for previous channel to something that makes more sense.

As above - I don't see the problem with zero, and the fact that zero is used doesn't prevent you from entering channel numbers like "400".

In the meantime, any suggestions on the faulty channel change by direct entry?

This function works for me and many other people. In other words, the fact that it is not working for you is more likely to imply that you have incorrect configuration rather than that the function is faulty.

Lots of suggestions provided as above.

mm

 

[The_Keymaker]

First of all thanks you for your reply. I'll try to clarify the issues.

1. I read the entire thread and confirmed my system conformed to all suggested solutions.

2. My channel numbers are set and correct (See attachment).

3. My "select channel by index" is un-ticked.

4. My ZAP delay is set at 5 seconds and even i can enter three numerals in 5 seconds

5. I realize that plugins and equipment MAY not be relevant, but I've learned that it's better to give possibly irrelevant info rather than delaying a solution by having others ask you for it. In that spirit, I have attached my logs to this post.

6. Zero IS a poor choice for last viewed channel. Please re-read my comment. Yes, '400' would work, but '0400' would not ( I specifically said 'leading zero').
'0400' is translated by MP as 'jump to the last channel then tune to channel 400'. In my opinion, numerals should never be used as shortcuts. This is crucial for systems like mine that expects 4 digit channels because channels range from 2 - 1000+ (e.g., 0032, 0356, 1022). Ironically, entering channels with leading zeros, DOES eventually get me to the correct channel, but only after jumping to the last viewed channel because of the '0' shortcut. By the way, I've found NO WAY to disable '0' as the shortcut for last viewed channel. It may be hard coded ( the letter 'Z' also defaults to last viewed channel; a more reasonable shortcut).

One more piece of info. The channel change works correctly for me ONLY after start up on the first time i enter numerals to go to a channel. All subsequent entries are ineffective.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[mm1352000]

Hello again

1..5

Okay, thanks.

6. Zero IS a poor choice for last viewed channel. Please re-read my comment. Yes, '400' would work, but '0400' would not ( I specifically said 'leading zero').

You're right - leading zeroes won't work... but then I don't understand why you'd want to use leading zero(es).
If you need to send 4 digits to your STB then that needs to be handled by the server side blaster plugin. The implementation of translating what you enter with your remote to the channel you want to view is separate from the implementation of sending commands to an external set-top-box. TV Server [which is responsible for completing the channel change] doesn't receive the button presses that you enter with your remote. It simply gets told, "change to channel XYZ".

'0400' is translated by MP as 'jump to the last channel then tune to channel 400'. In my opinion, numerals should never be used as shortcuts. This is crucial for systems like mine that expects 4 digit channels because channels range from 2 - 1000+ (e.g., 0032, 0356, 1022). Ironically, entering channels with leading zeros, DOES eventually get me to the correct channel, but only after jumping to the last viewed channel because of the '0' shortcut.

As above. With MP you're not meant to enter leading zeroes. This is by design. To change to channel 32, just enter "32" rather than "0032".
Is there a reason why you think it would be better/beneficial to have the ability to enter leading zeroes?

By the way, I've found NO WAY to disable '0' as the shortcut for last viewed channel. It may be hard coded ( the letter 'Z' also defaults to last viewed channel; a more reasonable shortcut).

Yes, you won't find any way to disable it.

One more piece of info. The channel change works correctly for me ONLY after start up on the first time i enter numerals to go to a channel. All subsequent entries are ineffective.

Okay, so that is a completely different kettle of fish.
I'll check out your log files and get back to you...

mm

 

[mm1352000]

One more piece of info. The channel change works correctly for me ONLY after start up on the first time i enter numerals to go to a channel. All subsequent entries are ineffective.

Investigated this as promised...
I don't see this happening consistently, though I do see cases where you enter a channel number and MP doesn't change channel. That will indeed happen when MP can't match the number that you entered with any of your channels' channel numbers. Note that TV Server will only search within the current/active channel group. It looks like you have one channel group containing the following channels:
[collapse]
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,581] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - channels.Count 67
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,587] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 17 WPCH
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,594] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 30 WPBA
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,618] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 32 WUGA
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,624] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 36 WATL
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,629] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 202 CNN
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,638] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 206 ESPN
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,646] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 207 ESPNEWS
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,652] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 208 ESPNU
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,659] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 209 ESPN2
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,671] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 212 NFLNET
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,678] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 221 CBSSN
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,683] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 229 HGTV
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,689] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 230 DIY
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,697] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 231 FOOD
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,719] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 232 COOK
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,729] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 236 E
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,745] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 237 Bravo
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,754] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 241 SPIKETV
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,761] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 242 USA
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,788] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 244 SYFY
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,798] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 245 TNT
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,805] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 246 TRUTV
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,812] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 247 TBS
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,821] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 248 FX
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,843] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 249 COMEDY
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,859] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 251 OXYGEN
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,874] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 252 LIFE
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,895] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 254 AMC
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,901] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 256 TCM
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,908] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 264 BBCA
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,920] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 265 AETV
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,928] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 266 BIO
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,941] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 269 HISTORY
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,949] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 276 NGC
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,968] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 277 TRAV
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,984] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 278 DSC
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,992] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 280 TLC
[2014-03-15 02:33:53,998] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 281 VELOCITY
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,008] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 282 APL
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,022] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 284 Science
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,028] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 285 ID
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,034] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 287 MILI
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,040] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 292 DXD
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,046] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 290 DISN
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,074] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 295 SPROUT
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,091] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 296 TOON
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,097] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 298 BOOM
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,102] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 299 NIK
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,108] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 304 TVLAND
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,122] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 305 IONDTV
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,133] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 307 WGNHD
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,140] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 329 BET
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,146] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 331 MTV
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,158] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 334 AUD
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,168] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 335 VH1
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,177] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 339 FUSE
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,184] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 346 NASA
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,190] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 353 BLOOM
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,196] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 355 CNBC
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,209] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 356 MSNBC
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,216] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 362 WN
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,224] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 390 WCBS
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,229] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan 610 BIGTEN
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,236] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan CVBS#1 on 5
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,242] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan S-Video#1 on 5
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,249] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan YRYBY#1 on 5
[2014-03-15 02:33:54,274] [Log ] [MPMain ] [DEBUG] - chan HDMI#1 on 5[/collapse]

So, those are the channels you'll be able to zap to by entering a channel number.