DVR-1100c pc playback issues

[fyretech]

When recording and just hitting the record button on the remote and letting it record for a couple of days, I then try to play the file on a pc. The results are mixed. The maximum recorded file size default by the dvr is 04:41:16.

I use media player classic (i test with other players also). Some DVR files play back well. Other files have error 'can't render file'. Others report ridiculous play times from 10 minutes to 100+ hours even though the file sizes are the same. This behavior is replicated with freemake, iwisoft...

Also, when I use freemake to edit the files it works well with the ones that report normal run time of 04:41:16. But obviously it freezes when trying to edit a file that thinks it's 50 hours long when it isn't.

Also, in freemake (I tried 5 files) all unedited 3ABN recordings say 'no audio' even though I can play them fine in MPC. iWisoft has audio, but it doesn't keep the filesize small like freemake ;[

I didn't notice anyone else having these issues.

I haven't tried playing back the original problem files on the DVR.

thanks

[fyretech]

The oroginal files have normal play time on the DVR of 04:41:16 (+- 1-2 sec), and even shorter files that are not the full length experience the same variation on the pc posted previously, but play fine on the dvr. This is disappointing.

[SatelliteAV]

Glad to know that the files play back fine using the DVR1100c. I have never experienced or heard of this problem on a PC using Media Player. It seems that your PC is not reading the files correctly. Taking a wild guess ..... Maybe a formatting issue with your hdd or incompatibility with your specific PC configuration?

Have you tried playing the files on another computer? This might help you identify if the PC playback problem is caused by a corrupted file, drive indexing or the computer.

.TS file size is limited to 4GB. The actual time length of a recording will vary depending on the broadcast's bandwidth. A single .TS file at maximum size may contain +/- 4 hours of 2MB TV programming, but could have 60 - 80 hours of a 64 - 128k radio service.

[fyretech]

The hdd is a 500gb WD passport, formatted by the dvr.

I tried playing the raw files on another pc, freshly installed MPC-HomeCinema.1.4.2499.0.x86.exe, same issue, the play time is reported from 10-100 hours for a 4 hour file with the problem files, the other ones that played fine were still fine.

Both PC's were XP os with DirectX 9.0c

[Gary Z]

fyretech,

The MPCSTAR player may work where MPC-HomeCinema failed? I don't know if it will but if you try it out let me know


MPCSTAR - Play all your Movies and Music!

The hdd is a 500gb WD passport, formatted by the dvr.

I tried playing the raw files on another pc, freshly installed MPC-HomeCinema.1.4.2499.0.x86.exe, same issue, the play time is reported from 10-100 hours for a 4 hour file with the problem files, the other ones that played fine were still fine.

Both PC's were XP os with DirectX 9.0c

[SatelliteAV]

I personally have not have good success on multiple brands of DVRs with the WD brand. Some models have severe indexing problems and a few develop problems as they fill up. i understand that the WD site has tools for many of their drives to modify the drivers for maximize compatibility. The best success for WD models has been with the units that support both USB and firewire.

[fyretech]

Same issue with MPCSTAR.

I will try to get some other non-WD media to record and see if it replicates.

What about 3ABN no audio in freemake, this is consistent. What is the difference in audio between ADTV and 3ABN that freemake wouldn't recognize it?

thanks

[Gary Z]

What about 3ABN no audio in freemake, this is consistent. What is the difference in audio between ADTV and 3ABN that freemake wouldn't recognize it?

thanks

I have no idea. I have not used 3ABN programming in Freemake only on ADTV. 3ABN does have AC3 audio in addition to the standard audio maybe that is the problem?

[fyretech]

I personally have not have good success on multiple brands of DVRs with the WD brand. Some models have severe indexing problems and a few develop problems as they fill up. i understand that the WD site has tools for many of their drives to modify the drivers for maximize compatibility. The best success for WD models has been with the units that support both USB and firewire.

Which brand/size do you use? (that doesn't have indexing problems)

[SatelliteAV]

The DVR Hard drive sticky thread above are the specific models that I or other owners have tested. I am impressed with the SimpleTech S500U. It is a great inexpensive drive that works on every DVR brand that I have tested.

Not suggesting that your issues are 100% for certain due to the WD, but there are plenty of google references to issues with this brand on many DVR systems. Only testing will tell provide clues if your PC playback is related to the drive or not.