initial support for Hauppuage HD-PVR (2 Viewers)

[WileECoyote]

WileE, using your TVServer files my channel changes are as fast as ever but it still takes about 10-12 seconds for the PMT to start - any ideas where I could start looking?

Yes, in the TV server settings (I think in the General Tab) there is a setting for time to wait for PMT. Set this to 1 or 2 seconds, that should do the trick...

I just got the latest from SVN and left my HD-PVR mods as-is. I have no idea if it is better or worse than unmodified SVN, but I'll compare the two when I get a chance.

Thanks again for working on this Garry! I have been developing a new plugin and I know how much time it can consume... In fact I have spent so much time over the past two weeks Im taking the little lady to Emerald Isle beach for 4 days to make up for it.... But anyway, we appreciate your efforts.

 

[ixian]

WileE, using your TVServer files my channel changes are as fast as ever but it still takes about 10-12 seconds for the PMT to start - any ideas where I could start looking?

Yes, in the TV server settings (I think in the General Tab) there is a setting for time to wait for PMT. Set this to 1 or 2 seconds, that should do the trick...

I just got the latest from SVN and left my HD-PVR mods as-is. I have no idea if it is better or worse than unmodified SVN, but I'll compare the two when I get a chance.

Thanks again for working on this Garry! I have been developing a new plugin and I know how much time it can consume... In fact I have spent so much time over the past two weeks Im taking the little lady to Emerald Isle beach for 4 days to make up for it.... But anyway, we appreciate your efforts.

Thanks WileE, I changed that; seemed to start a few seconds faster, but still 7-8. I'll keep playing with it, probably something on my end. At least it's working

Seconding your thanks to Garry. BTW WileE, thanks for that Netflix plugin; I should be able to do some serious testing with it tonight.

I've been using MP for quite a while but this is my first time dealing with the TV server and this PVR and I am frustrated. MP stops responding on me when I either change a channel or turn TV mode on. Is there specific way to set the PVR up with TV Server? I don't want timeshifting right at the moment. I just want the ability to view/record what goes into the PVR.

I am running the 20090326 build that garry posted yesterday.

My apologies ahead of time if this has been covered. My head started spinning after reading 30+ pages of this thread so I might have skipped something along the way.

I feel your pain I nearly gave up at one point but decided to sit back and wait for a couple known issues in the SVN's to be resolved.

Also, I don't understand what you mean about not wanting timeshifting. In MediaPortal, Timeshifting IS viewing live TV, I don't believe you can view a direct stream. Even if you are watching live and not pausing, etc you are still using the timeshifting buffer.

It would be helpful if we had some more information to go on:

1) What OS? XP or Vista/7? 64bit or x86? Nvidia, ATI, or Intel video?

1) Are you doing this singleseat, with the client on the PC you are running TV Server on, or multiseat, with a client PC elsewhere on your network? If the latter, how is the client PC connected (wired, wireless, etc) to your TV Server PC?

2) Did you install the Arcsoft TME software that came with the HD-PVR on your client/server? Can you see and hear video in the TME software itself? In the MediaPortal Television client settings do you have the Arcsoft audio and video codecs selected? Have you checked for updates to the software (there's an option in the start menu)?

3) What audio are you using? 2-channel AAC via the analog ports on the HD-PVR, or 2/5.1 channel AC3 from the optical port? And whatever one you are using, have you tried using the other (set up in Arcsoft TME)?

4) Can you manually kick off timeshifting/recording in the TV Server config? One thing I liked to do was start Arcsoft TME, view the live stream on the HD-PVR in it (if that doesn't work you have other problems), then open the TV Server config and manually start timeshifting on a different channel. That way, I could at least see if the server was really changing channels and the timeshift buffer was being written to. I'd also manually start and stop recording then check that file in Arcsoft TME/MPC-HT/etc to make sure I could see and hear the recording. That way, I at least knew that the TV Server itself was working and it was either a problem with the client or a problem between the client and the server.

5) Finally, have you tried the 12-22-08 svn, TVServer and MP Client, via upgrading over a clean install of MP 1.0? Those versions always worked well for me. I understand if you don't want to use them regularly - I didn't - but it's a good baseline to start with since pretty much everyone here who's tried that build was able to get them to work.

 

[misterd]

I did some adjustments to the last public SVN build. This detects the HDPVR by searching the crossbar. This should speed up the graph building a bit.
This is in the attached file: TvLibrary-Safe.zip

I also made a version with some experimental stuff. This should be much faster on channel change. This version can be found in the attached file: TvLibrary-Experimental.zip

Please test and report your result including logs.

MisterD

 

[WileECoyote]

I did some adjustments to the last public SVN build. This detects the HDPVR by searching the crossbar. This should speed up the graph building a bit.
This is in the attached file: TvLibrary-Safe.zip

I also made a version with some experimental stuff. This should be much faster on channel change. This version can be found in the attached file: TvLibrary-Experimental.zip

Please test and report your result including logs.

MisterD

Woohoo! Thanks MisterD!

 

[Squega]

I feel your pain I nearly gave up at one point but decided to sit back and wait for a couple known issues in the SVN's to be resolved.

Also, I don't understand what you mean about not wanting timeshifting. In MediaPortal, Timeshifting IS viewing live TV, I don't believe you can view a direct stream. Even if you are watching live and not pausing, etc you are still using the timeshifting buffer.

It would be helpful if we had some more information to go on:

1) What OS? XP or Vista/7? 64bit or x86? Nvidia, ATI, or Intel video?

1) Are you doing this singleseat, with the client on the PC you are running TV Server on, or multiseat, with a client PC elsewhere on your network? If the latter, how is the client PC connected (wired, wireless, etc) to your TV Server PC?

2) Did you install the Arcsoft TME software that came with the HD-PVR on your client/server? Can you see and hear video in the TME software itself? In the MediaPortal Television client settings do you have the Arcsoft audio and video codecs selected? Have you checked for updates to the software (there's an option in the start menu)?

3) What audio are you using? 2-channel AAC via the analog ports on the HD-PVR, or 2/5.1 channel AC3 from the optical port? And whatever one you are using, have you tried using the other (set up in Arcsoft TME)?

4) Can you manually kick off timeshifting/recording in the TV Server config? One thing I liked to do was start Arcsoft TME, view the live stream on the HD-PVR in it (if that doesn't work you have other problems), then open the TV Server config and manually start timeshifting on a different channel. That way, I could at least see if the server was really changing channels and the timeshift buffer was being written to. I'd also manually start and stop recording then check that file in Arcsoft TME/MPC-HT/etc to make sure I could see and hear the recording. That way, I at least knew that the TV Server itself was working and it was either a problem with the client or a problem between the client and the server.

5) Finally, have you tried the 12-22-08 svn, TVServer and MP Client, via upgrading over a clean install of MP 1.0? Those versions always worked well for me. I understand if you don't want to use them regularly - I didn't - but it's a good baseline to start with since pretty much everyone here who's tried that build was able to get them to work.

Sorry for the lack of information. I made that post at around 3 in the morning so I was a bit tired and wasn't thinking about that part.

I am running XP SP3 with a singleseat installation of MP/TV Server. I am running the audio via the 2-channel AAC analog ports.

I think I did make a bit of a mistake on installing the software that came with the PVR because I didn't install what came from the CD. I went online and downloaded the latest version of the PVR driver and it seemed to come with Arcsoft codecs. I think i'll install the TME software to check if the device is working.

I didn't know that viewing what comes from the PVR is timeshifting. I'm a bit new to the TV Server so it's a learning experience for me.

Thank you for the help. I'll give your suggestions a try and then i'll post my results in this thread.

 

[WileECoyote]

I did some adjustments to the last public SVN build. This detects the HDPVR by searching the crossbar. This should speed up the graph building a bit.
This is in the attached file: TvLibrary-Safe.zip

I also made a version with some experimental stuff. This should be much faster on channel change. This version can be found in the attached file: TvLibrary-Experimental.zip

Please test and report your result including logs.

MisterD

MisterD,
I tried both DLL's but when I try to start the service it stops after a few seconds and gives me a "The TVService on Local Computer started and then stopped" message.

I have attached the logs, but Im afraid there is not much in them...

Thanks,
Wile E.

 

[misterd]

Sorry. I build them with the wrong revision. I have updated the binaries in my last post.

MisterD

 

[ixian]

I feel your pain I nearly gave up at one point but decided to sit back and wait for a couple known issues in the SVN's to be resolved.

Also, I don't understand what you mean about not wanting timeshifting. In MediaPortal, Timeshifting IS viewing live TV, I don't believe you can view a direct stream. Even if you are watching live and not pausing, etc you are still using the timeshifting buffer.

It would be helpful if we had some more information to go on:

1) What OS? XP or Vista/7? 64bit or x86? Nvidia, ATI, or Intel video?

1) Are you doing this singleseat, with the client on the PC you are running TV Server on, or multiseat, with a client PC elsewhere on your network? If the latter, how is the client PC connected (wired, wireless, etc) to your TV Server PC?

2) Did you install the Arcsoft TME software that came with the HD-PVR on your client/server? Can you see and hear video in the TME software itself? In the MediaPortal Television client settings do you have the Arcsoft audio and video codecs selected? Have you checked for updates to the software (there's an option in the start menu)?

3) What audio are you using? 2-channel AAC via the analog ports on the HD-PVR, or 2/5.1 channel AC3 from the optical port? And whatever one you are using, have you tried using the other (set up in Arcsoft TME)?

4) Can you manually kick off timeshifting/recording in the TV Server config? One thing I liked to do was start Arcsoft TME, view the live stream on the HD-PVR in it (if that doesn't work you have other problems), then open the TV Server config and manually start timeshifting on a different channel. That way, I could at least see if the server was really changing channels and the timeshift buffer was being written to. I'd also manually start and stop recording then check that file in Arcsoft TME/MPC-HT/etc to make sure I could see and hear the recording. That way, I at least knew that the TV Server itself was working and it was either a problem with the client or a problem between the client and the server.

5) Finally, have you tried the 12-22-08 svn, TVServer and MP Client, via upgrading over a clean install of MP 1.0? Those versions always worked well for me. I understand if you don't want to use them regularly - I didn't - but it's a good baseline to start with since pretty much everyone here who's tried that build was able to get them to work.

Sorry for the lack of information. I made that post at around 3 in the morning so I was a bit tired and wasn't thinking about that part.

I am running XP SP3 with a singleseat installation of MP/TV Server. I am running the audio via the 2-channel AAC analog ports.

I think I did make a bit of a mistake on installing the software that came with the PVR because I didn't install what came from the CD. I went online and downloaded the latest version of the PVR driver and it seemed to come with Arcsoft codecs. I think i'll install the TME software to check if the device is working.

I didn't know that viewing what comes from the PVR is timeshifting. I'm a bit new to the TV Server so it's a learning experience for me.

Thank you for the help. I'll give your suggestions a try and then i'll post my results in this thread.

No problem. Yes, you are absolutely going to want to install TME which came with the HD-PVR - you can still use the newest driver from Hauppauge, of course (in fact, you should) but make sure to install TME and then run the update checker (it will put a link in your start menu to it) to get the latest version of it.

(Side note - Arcsoft is the king of confusing software - the OEM version of TME they ship with the HD-PVR is the only one that works with it, if you "upgrade" to their full version - and they will even hit you up with a pop up asking you to after you install - you are in for a world of hurt.)

Once you do that you'll see the Arcsoft decoders available as an option in the TV client setup portion of Media portal. Select it for MPEG-2, H.264, and audio (I use the Arcsoft Audio HD codec for 5.1, for 2 channel use the normal Arcsoft Audio, you'll see both as an option).

After that's done, the very first thing you want to to is launch Arcsoft TME, choose "record video", and you'll get a application that will show you whatever you're streaming from your STB. On the left side you'll see options to select what audio ports to use, your bitrate, etc, and buttons to configure the HD-PVR. Believe it or not, this application is where you control stuff like what audio codec to use (AC3 or AAC), your bitrate, etc for the HD-PVR whether you are using TME or not - very non-intuitive, I know.

So first, make sure you get working, smooth audio and video playback there. If you don't, nothing in MediaPortal is going to be able to help you.

Once that's working, you're ready to tackle TVServer. I recommend doing a clean install - that means doing a full cleanup uninstall of Mediaportal (it's one of the options), then installing 1.0, then I recommend installing the 12-22 svn posted in the first post of this thread. Get that working first before you move on to later svn's like the one Garry just posted.

Open TVServer config, make sure it sees the HD-PVR as a valid analog capture device (if it says "unknown" you have problems, most likely driver-related). Then get and map your TV channels however you normally do that - I use schedules direct and it's MP plugin personally, since you are in the US I recommend it as well. You'll need to set up a Schedules Direct account first - there's a 7 day trial, $20 a year after that, and believe me when I say it's the best $20 you will spend on this endeavor because the other methods of getting channel/EPG data are a royal PITA.

Once you set up a schedules direct account and tell it what provider you have (it will walk you through it) you can install the SchedulesDirect plugin for TVE3, which lucky for you is one WileE and myself now maintain for the latest SVN's. It will grab your channels - in TVE3 config, map those to your card, then go to EPG settings and make sure you select your mapped channels for updates. Then restart the TVService and you are on to the next step.

Finally, there's channel blasting. First, install the Hauppauge IR blaster software (it's on the HD-PVR cd with TME) or get the updated version from Hauppauges site; then configure that to work with your STB. There is an option to test channels, etc in that and as with TME you want to make sure that works *first* before moving on. The plugin for TVE3 maps to the Hauppauge app - if that app isn't working, the plugin won't either. Next, install the Hauppauge blaster plugin located in the TVServer plugin forum, which again is maintained by yours truly.

IMPORTANT: In the case of both the SchedulesDirect and the Hauppauge blaster plugin you'll want to grab the originals (1.1a for SD, December 2008 build for Hauppauge) to work with the 12-22 svns. This is because both of those were built with MP 1.0 in mind. For later svn's, like the one Garry just posted, you're going to need to install the updated versions I posted in both threads, because those work with the latest svn's based on MP 1.01.

Confused yet? Don't be, you only have to do this stuff once, right?

So now you should have:

1) The HD-PVR, confirmed working in TME, showing up in the TVE3 server config, with channels mapped to it
2) The Hauppauge blaster software installed and working for your STB, plus the Hauppauge TVE3 plugin

Now you are ready to test. As I said in an earlier post, I recommend opening TME, watching the video stream in there, then opening the TVE3 config and via the Manual Control option try to manually start timeshifting/recording. If you don't see your channel change in TME, or recording/etc doesn't work, then you have a problem at the server level you need to figure out first. Fortunately, with the 12-22 svn most people have gotten this far and beyond.

Now you know the TVE3 server is at least doing what it's supposed to be doing (before the client gets involved anyway). Now load up your MP client, also based off the 12-22svn, using the default Blue3 skin, and go to TV. You should be able to view live tv, see the populated EPG, change channels (probably slowly), and in general have a working solution.

Once you have that going you can try the latest SVN/files that Garry and MisterD have recently posted.

Troubleshooting: If you get frozen audio/video or the client just locks up, check your codecs first, try rebooting, etc. Then, try switching the HD-PVR from AAC to AC3 for two channel audio in TME - I fixed a problem I was having by doing this (which means I have a codec issue, but that's another story).

Also, as I note in the Hauppauge blaster plugin thread, the blaster in the HD-PVR really isn't that good and the TVE3 plugin I use isn't either. I found by switching to a different blaster (USB-UIRT in my case, though I hear the cheaper Microsoft MCE remote blaster works well too) and installing the IRServer suite plugin located here I got much, much faster channel changes. Also, if you have a DirectTV STB, WileE may be able to point you to the serial channel changing solution he uses - I have Dish Network myself so I use external blasters.

It can be a frustrating experience if it doesn't work right off the bat but keep in mind everyone, including the core MP team, does this for free on their own spare time. Garry, MisterD, and others have been super helpful even getting this working in the first place out of nothing but their own good will. Also, as frustrating as it was for me personally I did get it to work and now that it works I'll never want to use a "regular" DVR again. Having HD capture TV set up inside MediaPortal is just too cool.

Sorry for the long post but I hope it helps.

 

[WileECoyote]

Sorry. I build them with the wrong revision. I have updated the binaries in my last post.

MisterD

This time the service started, but when I try to Manually start timeshifting it gives me an Unknown Error Occured.

Logs attached...

 

[Squega]

Thanks for the guide there ixian. I'll definitely follow that when I can. In fact, I saved it somewhere so I won't forget.

At the moment I don't have satellite, but I will be getting it in the future. I was hoping that in the meantime to have the PVR act as a passthrough for my AV switch which has a VCR, game consoles, etc. on it.

The Arcsoft TME program works just fine. I just don't know what to do with the TV Server to make MP act as a passthrough.

Thank you for the help. The Arcsoft software really is confusing sometimes.