Watching TV on client (1 Viewer)

[Nefarian]

Hi,

I have MediaPortal running on a PC (Windows 10) in the lounge room and I want to watch live TV on my laptop (Windows 10). I have installed MediaPortal on my laptop as a client only. When I try to play a TV channel I get a message "unable to play stream5 (or stream6). I have changed the IP address on my TV server to be set automatically, and on the client I have used the IP address rather than the name. Any ideas how to get this working please?

 

[mm1352000]

Hello

Thanks for providing the log files.

I have changed the IP address on my TV server to be set automatically

That's not a good idea. You want the IP address on the server to be "static" (ie. fixed - not changing/automatic).

and on the client I have used the IP address rather than the name.

That's generally a good idea.

And now regarding the log files...

First, I see a large delay in the log file:
[2015-09-13 15:22:30,123] [Log ] [MPMain ] [INFO ] - succeededucceeded TvControl.VirtualCard
[2015-09-13 15:22:51,155] [Log ] [MPMain ] [INFO ] - tvhome:startplay

You can remove that delay by disabling IPv6 on the client and/or server. Sorry, I forget whether it needs to be done on both, or only one... and if only one, I also don't remember which one it needs to be. Safest is to disable it on both.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929852

The actual error in the log file appears to be:
[2015-09-13 15:22:51,404] [Log ] [MPMain ] [INFO ] - TSReaderPlayer: Open file: rtsp://Hoth:554/stream6.0
[2015-09-13 15:22:51,641] [Log ] [TvClient-TvHome: HeartBeat transmitter thread] [ERROR] - TvServer: Failed to execute remote TV server operation (IsAnyCardRecording) The operation has timed out after 3000.
[2015-09-13 15:22:52,702] [Log ] [TvClient-TvHome: HeartBeat transmitter thread] [INFO ] - RemoteControl - Connected
[2015-09-13 15:22:52,728] [Log ] [TvClient-TvHome: HeartBeat transmitter thread] [INFO ] - RemoteControl - Connected
[2015-09-13 15:22:52,745] [Log ] [TvClient-TvHome: HeartBeat transmitter thread] [INFO ] - RemoteControl - Connected
[2015-09-13 15:22:53,771] [Log ] [TvClient-TvHome: HeartBeat transmitter thread] [INFO ] - RemoteControl - Connected
[2015-09-13 15:22:54,793] [Log ] [TvClient-TvHome: HeartBeat transmitter thread] [INFO ] - RemoteControl - Connected
[2015-09-13 15:23:12,412] [Error ] [MPMain ] [ERROR] - TSReaderPlayer: Failed to open file:rtsp://Hoth:554/stream6.0 :0x80004005

As you can see, it appears like MediaPortal is still using the [host]name of the server ("hoth") to try to connect to it.

If you prefer to use the IP address rather than the hostname then you need to change the contents of c:\ProgramData\Team MediaPortal\MediaPortal TV Server\genle.config on the server and c:\ProgramData\Team MediaPortal\MediaPortal\genle.config on the client.
The ProgramData folder is normally hidden by Windows, so you may need to copy + paste the folder name into the address bar in Windows Explorer to get there.
The gentle.config files can be edited with any text editor (notepad, wordpad etc.).
Search for the line <DefaultProvider name="MySQL" connectionString="Server=Hoth;... change Hoth to the IP address of your server, save, and close.

On the other hand, the hostname "Hoth" should work too... as long as you are able to ping "Hoth" from the client.

Finally, I'd like to take a look at the log files from the server too please. Assuming you have MediaPortal installed on the server too, please use the watchdog with option 3 ("export...") to collect those logs.


Summary of recommendations and actions:

1. Recommendation: use a static IP address on the server for best reliability.
2. Strong recommendation: disable IPv6 on client and/or server to avoid random delays.
3. Update the gentle.config file on both client and server to use the server's IP address OR ensure the client can ping the server.
4. Post log files from the server.

Don't hesitate to ask if any of the above is not clear.

Regards,
mm

 

[Owlsroost]

From your logs (particularly TsReader.log), live TV *was* sometimes almost working, but it looks like it's a very slow/poor quality network connection - are you using WiFi on the laptop, and what is the connection speed ?

It was almost working at 15:02 (there was video and audio being received at the client):

Spoiler: Almost working at 15:02 - can talk to server :

[2015-09-13 15:02:44,679] [ 0] [28a4] - =================== New filter instance ===========================
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,679] [ 0] [28a4] - Logging format: [Date Time] [InstanceID] [ThreadID] Message....
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,679] [ 0] [28a4] - ===================================================================
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,679] [ 0] [28a4] - demux: Start file read thread
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,679] [ 0] [28a4] - CRTSPClient::CRTSPClient()
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,679] [ 0] [28a4] - CMemoryBuffer::ctor
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,679] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - ------------- v4.0.0.0 -------------
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,679] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CTsReaderFilter::ctor
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,679] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CRTSPClient::Initialize()
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,679] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CRTSPClient::createClient()
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,679] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - ----- UseFPSfromDTSPTS -----
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,679] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - --- Buffering delay = 0 ms
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,680] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - --- Audio delay = 0 ms
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,680] [ f8daf58] [ c8] - CDeMultiplexer::ThreadProc start(), threadID:0xc8
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,680] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Slow motion video allowed during zapping
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,680] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Wait for seeking to eof - false - constructor
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,680] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CTsReaderFilter:tart duration thread
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,680] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CTsReaderFilter::timeGetTime():0x91090c7, m_tGTStartTime:0xc91090c6, GET_TIME_NOW:0x40000001
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,680] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - SetRelaxedMode
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,680] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Normal discontinuities filtering
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,680] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CALLBACK SET
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,680] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - SetRequestAudioChangeCallback SET
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,680] [ f8daf58] [1b1c] - CTsReaderFilter::ThreadProc start(), threadID:0x1b1c
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,698] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CTsReaderFilter::Load()
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,698] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - open rtsp:rtsp://Hoth:554/stream6.0
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,698] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CRTSPClient::OpenStream()
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,698] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CRTSPClient::getSDPDescriptionFromURL()
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,760] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - rangestart:0.000000 rangeend:0.325000
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,761] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Created receiver for video MP2T 52656 52657
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,761] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - rtsp:increaseReceiveBufferTo to 2000000 for s:3276
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,761] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CRTSPClient::setupStreams()
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,761] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CRTSPClient::clientSetupSubsession()
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,788] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Setup video MP2T 52656 52657
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,788] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CMemorySink::ctor
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,788] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Created output sink:
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,788] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - memorybuffer: Clear() 0
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,788] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - memorybuffer: Clear() done
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,788] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - memorybuffer: run:1 1
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,788] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - memorybuffer: running:1
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,788] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CRTSPClient:lay from 0.000000 / 0.000000
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,788] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CRTSPClient::startPlayingStreams()
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,788] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CRTSPClient::clientStartPlayingSession()
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,788] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CRTSPClient::clientStartPlayingSession() play from 0.000 / 0.325
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,801] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Started playing session
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,801] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CRTSPClient:tartBufferThread
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,801] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - CRTSPClient:tartBufferThread done
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,802] [ f8daf58] [20f0] - CRTSPClient:: thread started:8432
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,813] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - OnNewChannel: PAT change detected: -1->1
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,813] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - New channel found (PAT/PMT/SDT changed)
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,813] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - pcr pid: 30
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,813] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - pmt pid: 20
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,813] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - video pid: 30 type: MPEG2
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,813] [ f8daf58] [ c8] - CDeMultiplexer::ThreadProc - Flush
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,813] [ f8daf58] [ c8] - demux:flushing
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,813] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - audio pid: 40 language: eng type: MPEG1 - audio
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,813] [ f8daf58] [ c8] - demux:flush audio
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,813] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Setting initial audio index to : 0
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,813] [ f8daf58] [ c8] - demux:flush video
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,813] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - OnNewChannel: OnRequestAudioChange()
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,813] [ f8daf58] [ c8] - demux:flush subtitle
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,813] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - demux:Wait for Audio stream selection :1
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,847] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - SetAudioStream : 0
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,847] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Old Audio -1, New Audio 3
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,847] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - demux:Wait for Audio stream selection :0
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,855] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - OnNewChannel: New Audio 3
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,856] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... 6 ( prev 4 ), bufferOffset=7896, bufferLength=10528
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,910] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... 1 ( prev f ), bufferOffset=2068, bufferLength=2632
[2015-09-13 15:02:44,962] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... 7 ( prev 5 ), bufferOffset=2820, bufferLength=3948
[2015-09-13 15:02:45,014] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... c ( prev a ), bufferOffset=2068, bufferLength=3948
[2015-09-13 15:02:45,067] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... 2 ( prev 0 ), bufferOffset=1504, bufferLength=3948
[2015-09-13 15:02:45,173] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... 8 ( prev 6 ), bufferOffset=564, bufferLength=3948
[2015-09-13 15:02:45,278] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... 2 ( prev f ), bufferOffset=3196, bufferLength=3948
[2015-09-13 15:02:45,299] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... 9 ( prev 7 ), bufferOffset=1880, bufferLength=2632
[2015-09-13 15:02:45,330] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... 7 ( prev 5 ), bufferOffset=2256, bufferLength=2632
[2015-09-13 15:02:45,382] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... e ( prev c ), bufferOffset=3008, bufferLength=3948
[2015-09-13 15:02:45,435] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... d ( prev b ), bufferOffset=2632, bufferLength=3948
[2015-09-13 15:02:45,487] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... 5 ( prev 3 ), bufferOffset=1128, bufferLength=3948
[2015-09-13 15:02:45,550] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... 4 ( prev 2 ), bufferOffset=2068, bufferLength=2632
[2015-09-13 15:02:45,603] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... c ( prev a ), bufferOffset=1504, bufferLength=3948
[2015-09-13 15:02:45,634] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... d ( prev b ), bufferOffset=1692, bufferLength=2632
[2015-09-13 15:02:45,666] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... d ( prev b ), bufferOffset=3008, bufferLength=3948
[2015-09-13 15:02:45,697] [ f8daf58] [28a4] - Video Continuity error... b ( prev 9 ), bufferOffset=2068, bufferLength=2632

..then when you tried live TV at about 15:15 it had stopped working :

Spoiler: non-working at 15:15 - cannot talk to server

[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [ 0] [ a40] - =================== New filter instance ===========================
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [ 0] [ a40] - Logging format: [Date Time] [InstanceID] [ThreadID] Message....
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [ 0] [ a40] - ===================================================================
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [ 0] [ a40] - demux: Start file read thread
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [ 0] [ a40] - CRTSPClient::CRTSPClient()
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [ 0] [ a40] - CMemoryBuffer::ctor
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [10564438] [ a40] - ------------- v4.0.0.0 -------------
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [10564438] [ a40] - CTsReaderFilter::ctor
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [10564438] [ a40] - CRTSPClient::Initialize()
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [10564438] [ a40] - CRTSPClient::createClient()
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [10564438] [ a40] - ----- UseFPSfromDTSPTS -----
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [10564438] [1dd4] - CDeMultiplexer::ThreadProc start(), threadID:0x1dd4
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [10564438] [ a40] - --- Buffering delay = 0 ms
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [10564438] [ a40] - --- Audio delay = 0 ms
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [10564438] [ a40] - Slow motion video allowed during zapping
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [10564438] [ a40] - Wait for seeking to eof - false - constructor
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [10564438] [ a40] - CTsReaderFilter:tart duration thread
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [10564438] [ a40] - CTsReaderFilter::timeGetTime():0x91bd565, m_tGTStartTime:0xc91bd565, GET_TIME_NOW:0x40000000
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [10564438] [2204] - CTsReaderFilter::ThreadProc start(), threadID:0x2204
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [10564438] [ a40] - SetRelaxedMode
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,136] [10564438] [ a40] - Normal discontinuities filtering
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,137] [10564438] [ a40] - CALLBACK SET
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,137] [10564438] [ a40] - SetRequestAudioChangeCallback SET
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,144] [10564438] [ a40] - CTsReaderFilter::Load()
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,144] [10564438] [ a40] - open rtsp:rtsp://Hoth:554/stream6.0
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,144] [10564438] [ a40] - CRTSPClient::OpenStream()
[2015-09-13 15:15:03,144] [10564438] [ a40] - CRTSPClient::getSDPDescriptionFromURL()
[2015-09-13 15:15:24,155] [10564438] [ a40] - Failed to get a SDP description from URL rtsp://Hoth:554/stream6.0 connect() failed: Unknown error
[2015-09-13 15:15:24,155] [10564438] [ a40] - CRTSPClient::shutdown()

What did you change between 15:02 and 15:15 ?

 

[Nefarian]

Thanks for the reply. I actually meant to say in my original post I had set the server address to NOT set the IP address automatically, sorry about that.

I am using a Surface Pro 3, which connects to the router (BiPAC 7800N) using 802.11n. I am able to ping the server from the laptop. I did have a couple of seconds where I thought it was working but then I got the same message. I'm not sure what I changed in that time, nothing major I don't think. I've attached the server logs, maybe you can see it in there.

Thanks for your time.

 

[mm1352000]

Perfect, thanks.

From the server log file I suspect you may have a signal strength/quality problem with the frequency that carries the "WIN Western Vic" channel. When (and only when) you tune that channel, the TsWriter log file always seems to fill with continuity errors... which basically means the stream from the tuner is not "clean"... missing lots of chunks. I can also see that the signal strength/quality readings for that channel (~50%) are significantly lower than the readings for other channels (95 - 100%).

Can you confirm that TV works on the Surface Pro for channels other than "WIN Western Vic"?

[edit: Actually, from your scan information the same problem should affect all of the following channels:

• WIN Western Vic
  
• GO! Western Vic
• GEM Western Vic
• GOLD
• GOLD 2

]

 

[Nefarian]

No it's the same issue with every channel. WIN was actually the one that seemed to work for a second but when I try to view any channel I get the unable to play stream error.

 

[mm1352000]

Okay. Looking back at your older log files I see what Owlsroost is referring to, and I concur with what he said. The problem he spotted is probably the primary issue, and the one I spotted is a secondary on top of that. My advice is to avoid testing with the channels I mentioned in my previous post, and focus on network related details.

On that note, with regards to the static IP address thing...
I see TV Server using a different IP address in the latest log file:
[2015-09-13 15:45:24,514] [Log ] [TVService] [INFO ] - Controller: local ip address:192.168.1.19
[2015-09-13 15:45:24,561] [Log ] [TVService] [INFO ] - Controller: server running on Hoth

Earlier it was consistently using:
[2015-09-13 14:36:17,782] [Log ] [TVService] [INFO ] - Controller: local ip address:192.168.1.6
[2015-09-13 14:36:17,829] [Log ] [TVService] [INFO ] - Controller: server running on Hoth

Can you confirm that 192.168.1.19 is the correct static IP address for the server?

 

[Nefarian]

192.168.1.19 is the static IP of the server yes. Will TV streaming not work over WiFi?

 

[mm1352000]

Will TV streaming not work over WiFi?

It will, as long as your WiFi connection is relatively reliable and has enough bandwidth. An 802.11n connection should be okay.

In relation to Owlsroost's question...
I see this in the server's system event log:

"13/09/2015 3:12:06 PM";"Microsoft-Windows-Diagnostics-Networking";"(12)";"Information";"Details about network adapter diagnosis: Network adapter Ethernet driver information:

Description . . . . . . . . . . : Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller
Manufacturer . . . . . . . . . : Realtek
Provider . . . . . . . . . . . : Realtek
Version . . . . . . . . . . . : 7.92.115.2015
Inf File Name . . . . . . . . . : C:\WINDOWS\INF\oem0.inf
Inf File Date . . . . . . . . . : Wednesday, 11 February 2015 7:38:16 AM Section Name . . . . . . . . . : RTL8168G.ndi
Hardware ID . . . . . . . . . . : pci\ven_10ec&dev_8168&rev_0c
Instance Status Flags . . . . . : 0x180200a
Device Manager Status Code . . : 0
IfType . . . . . . . . . . . . : 6
Physical Media Type . . . . . . : 14
";"6100"
"13/09/2015 3:12:06 PM";"Microsoft-Windows-Diagnostics-Networking";"(4)";"Information";"The Network Diagnostics Framework has completed the diagnosis phase of operation. The following repair option was offered: Helper Class Name: AddressAcquisition Root Cause: DHCP is not enabled for "Ethernet" Root Cause Guid: {22876540-9123-2765-1989-A27A4E819008} Repair option: Automatically update your network settings
Windows can detect the correct network settings for you. RepairGuid: {F3322322-9786-2311-8519-989786743542} Seconds required for repair: 300 Security context required for repair: 37 Interface: Ethernet ({7264B839-A3A8-462E-9335-3EC01C41FFCE})";"4000"

That could be the change he's referring to.

 

[Owlsroost]

Will TV streaming not work over WiFi?

It can, but it's not always reliable - you just have to try it and see...as mm says 802.11n is probably OK provided you have a decent actual connection speed.

For testing, I suggest connecting the laptop to your network router/switch with a cable (and disable the WiFi on the laptop). Get TV working using that connection first (it should work fine, provided IP addresses/hostnames are correct and the Windows firewall isn't blocking things), then try using WiFi for TV.