Customisable Timeshift folder? (1 Viewer)

[and-81]

MP could just copy the timeshift buffer to the start of the recording once the recording had finished (join the files), this would mean you wouldn't have the hard disk thrashing at the start of a recording. Or it could start a low priority thread that copied the data over while the recording was taking place.

I think copying the timeshift buffer should be no more hard disk intensive than having two recordings going at the same time. So it should be possible.

I don't think this is possible with the current tv engine, but from what I've read about the new one it wouldn't be hard to bring in. Of course there would be complications, but I think it's worth a try.

I presently don't use time-shifting because my HTPC is on 24/7 and I don't like the idea of the hard disk being in constant use. However, if I could timeshift to RAM I would definately use it. Or even to a dedicated small capacity hard disk that I could cheaply replace if it died. I've got heaps of old 6, 8, 12 and even 30gb hard disks laying around. Perfect for a time shifting buffer.

 

[thechad]

Are you able to create a ram drive using other tools and then change the MP card1 folder to be a junction point to your ram drive.

No idea if this would work but worth a try and no code changes required, don't know how this would effect recording though.

MS Junction Points
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=205524

 

[NickName]

Are you able to create a ram drive using other tools and then change the MP card1 folder to be a junction point to your ram drive.

No idea if this would work but worth a try and no code changes required, don't know how this would effect recording though.

MS Junction Points
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=205524

Wow!!!
Thanks for the info on 'junction points'! I knew linux\unix had symbolic links but never knew you could do the same under Windows.
Sadly the MS page you mentioned is for Windows 2000 only BUT I have found a freeware tool that does the same thing on XP!
http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/Junction.html
I just tried it and it worked sweet for mounting folders on other folders.
Note: The folder must be empty before mounting and unmounting it, deleted the empty folder. That's not really an issue as recreating an already empty folder is easy.

I'll make a VBscript to use this utility and to create a RAM drive on the fly at the bootup. So it looks like I can try this without changing Mediaportal (hopefully).
Wish me luck guys. I'll write it tomorrow-ish night and test it so it should be ready by the weekend if anyone is interested, though I'm guessing by the votes, some are. :lol:
I'll post back here with bad or hopefully good news in a few days.

Nick Name

 

[NickName]

Just a quick update...
I have tried the Junction Points successfully however they only work with NTFS drives.
So I need to find an NTFS RAM drive....
I have tried a couple but they had small maximum sizes i.e 32 meg which is useless as a RAM drive. FYI. I estimate that for a 30 minute RAM drive I'd need about a 1.3 gig RAM drive.
I'd settle for a 10 or 15 minute Timeshift buffer which would be about a 500 meg RAM drive.
You see, I don't actually use Timeshifting but it has some nice features like fullscreening TV in the background with menus overlaid.
Anyway, I'll persevere and if I find a freeware NTFS RAM drive and it works with "Junction Points" I'll post back here.
Naturally if anyone knows of a big NTFS RAM drive I can try, please let me know. :lol:

Regards,

Nick Name