Blank recordings Mrk II

[csutak40]

I did see the other thread on the subjects and did read most of it, but TBH, it is a bit above my head
I have a T2 and a T4 and have different problems with both. In the interest of full disclosure, I have been getting bad pixelation on both, so called my antenna man, who sold me a new one (the old one was about 5 years old)
That mostly fixed the problem. (Chnl 31 still plays up sometimes) Then my old TV in the bedroom died, so decided to play musical chairs with my TVs, bought a new one for the loungeroom, moved that to the kitchen and the one from the kitchen to the bedroom.
Which is when the new problems started.
The brand new TV blacks out for a second or so every so often. I have no idea if this is a TV or a Wiz problem
The T2 in the bedroom now gets blank recordings and/or badly pixelated recordings
Here is a screenshot of tonight's effort (the other 60 minutes from earlier is completely unwatchable, badly pixelated

Weirdly, the problem always seems to be with 60 minutes (got another blank one a few weeks ago) or something from Channel 31

[peteru]

The problem will be with your antenna, your cabling or one of the devices connected to the Beyonwiz or to an antenna outlet. I'd start by disconnecting most of the things connected to the antenna outlets, except for one Beyonwiz. Test that configuration and if it works, then start adding devices until it breaks. If it does not work, try the other Beyonwiz using same method. One bad cable/connector can bring down the reception in the entire installation.

You will also want to pay attention to the signal meters on both. Anything under 90% is cause for concern. Figures under 75% will cause trouble.

[Grumpy_Geoff]

...The T2 in the bedroom now gets blank recordings and/or badly pixelated recordings
Here is a screenshot of tonight's effort (the other 60 minutes from earlier is completely unwatchable, badly pixelated
1_0_1_313_310_3202_EEEE0000_0_0_0.jpg
Weirdly, the problem always seems to be with 60 minutes (got another blank one a few weeks ago) or something from Channel 31

On the T2, are the "60 Minutes" recordings and those from C31 Melbourne occurring concurrently with others from different broadcast networks, such that they may be using your USB tuner (assuming you have it installed)?
That could explain the empty recording, in a scenario where the system has assigned a non-Terrrestrial TV mode to the USB tuner.
If your USB tuner is labeled "Beyonwiz MINI DVB®T TERRESTRIAL" (which shows up as "DVB-T TV Stick"), then it could also explain badly pixelated recordings (when correctly in DVB-T/T2 terrestrial mode).

[prl]

... If your USB tuner is labeled "Beyonwiz MINI DVB®T TERRESTRIAL" ...

Some early USB tuners supplied by Beyonwiz don't have "Beyonwiz" on their screenprint label, but they are otherwise the same, externally and internally).

[Grumpy_Geoff]

... If your USB tuner is labeled "Beyonwiz MINI DVB®T TERRESTRIAL" ...

Some early USB tuners supplied by Beyonwiz don't have "Beyonwiz" on their screenprint label, but they are otherwise the same, externally and internally).

Thanks. Like this then - https://is.alicdn.com/img/pb/834/890/41 ... 34_303.jpg

[csutak40]

On the T2, are the "60 Minutes" recordings and those from C31 Melbourne occurring concurrently with others from different broadcast networks, such that they may be using your USB tuner (assuming you have it installed)?
That could explain the empty recording, in a scenario where the system has assigned a non-Terrrestrial TV mode to the USB tuner.
If your USB tuner is labeled "Beyonwiz MINI DVB®T TERRESTRIAL" (which shows up as "DVB-T TV Stick"), then it could also explain badly pixelated recordings (when correctly in DVB-T/T2 terrestrial mode).

The two recordings aren't concurrent... Well, there could be a bit of a clash because of padding. I have now deleted the Chl 31 recording for Sunday (no biggie, repeats several times during the week) as a test. The trouble with testing any of it is that the problem/s are intermittent (on both)

Yes, that is the USB tuner I have

Is there a problem with that? I think I have used it a few times, without a problem. TBH, I don't record a lot on the T2, so I wouldn't use that very often

[Paul_oz53]

On the T2, are the "60 Minutes" recordings and those from C31 Melbourne occurring concurrently with others from different broadcast networks, such that they may be using your USB tuner (assuming you have it installed)?
That could explain the empty recording, in a scenario where the system has assigned a non-Terrrestrial TV mode to the USB tuner.
If your USB tuner is labeled "Beyonwiz MINI DVB®T TERRESTRIAL" (which shows up as "DVB-T TV Stick"), then it could also explain badly pixelated recordings (when correctly in DVB-T/T2 terrestrial mode).

The two recordings aren't concurrent... Well, there could be a bit of a clash because of padding. I have now deleted the Chl 31 recording for Sunday (no biggie, repeats several times during the week) as a test. The trouble with testing any of it is that the problem/s are intermittent (on both)

Yes, that is the USB tuner I have
2018-04-17 14.33.42.jpg
Is there a problem with that? I think I have used it a few times, without a problem. TBH, I don't record a lot on the T2, so I wouldn't use that very often

Hi Judy,

That model of USB tuner is much more dependent on a good signal than some other alternatives. I have upgraded mine to a better model. Also, there have been cases of the USB tuner not being correctly identified at startup and that can cause a failed recording.

But, from the sound of things, your problem is most likely to be a dodgy connection in the aerial setup somewhere. It might explain all your issues if there is a dodgy connection. This is as peteru suggested above.

Once the signal falls below a certain level or quality, digital reception "falls of the cliff". A blank recording/black screen would result. There have been a couple of other cases recently where the problem was in the cables or connectors or wall outlets so it is important to be sure these are all good. Once you're sure there is no problem there then we'll turn our attention to problems with the TV or Beyonwizs but these seem less likely right now.

Paul

PS What part of Melbourne are you in - in case its a reception issue?

[Grumpy_Geoff]

The two recordings aren't concurrent... Well, there could be a bit of a clash because of padding. I have now deleted the Chl 31 recording for Sunday (no biggie, repeats several times during the week) as a test. The trouble with testing any of it is that the problem/s are intermittent (on both)

Yes, that is the USB tuner I have
2018-04-17 14.33.42.jpg
Is there a problem with that? I think I have used it a few times, without a problem. TBH, I don't record a lot on the T2, so I wouldn't use that very often

You need to take padding into account to determine if you had concurrent recordings from three different networks occurring at that time. If the 60 Minutes recording started the last, then it's possible it used the USB tuner. We know the USB tuner can sometimes have a tuning mode assigned to it that won't allow it to tune to a broadcast frequency.

Some users from Melbourne and surrounds have reported pixelation issues when using that tuner. Test it out yourself -

• Set the preferred tuner to "Tuner C" (MENU>>Setup>>Tuners>>Tuner allocation) and then GREEN/Save.
• Exit back to live TV
• Change broadcasters to force a frequency change and now use of the USB tuner "C"
• Press OK to bring up the Info bar and confirm tuner C is in use ("C" lit green at right-hand end of the info bar)
• Percentages shown for signal strength (top figure) and quality (bottom figure) okay?
• Leave it like that, showing live TV for a while (at least for a few hours)
• Once you're happy the signal is still okay and with no pixelation, go back and reset the preferred tuner to "auto" (the default setting).

[csutak40]

PS What part of Melbourne are you in - in case its a reception issue?

I am in Chelsea.
Now you mention reception, not sure if it is at all relevant, but the last 6 months or so my DAB radio keeps cutting out as well. Was working perfectly before that (I bought the DAB radio, as AM had terrible static)
Just curious, what alternatives are there instead of the USB tuner?

[csutak40]

You need to take padding into account to determine if you had concurrent recordings from three different networks occurring at that time. If the 60 Minutes recording started the last, then it's possible it used the USB tuner. We know the USB tuner can sometimes have a tuning mode assigned to it that won't allow it to tune to a broadcast frequency.

First... It is 60 minutes that is the first recording.
I thought I'd make a screenshot of the Tuner menu before changing it as it may not have been set correctly. It is not on "auto" but on "A". Also, shouldn't there be a setting for "preferred tuner for recordings"?

Anyway, about to go and do the test, thank you for that

[Grumpy_Geoff]

You need to take padding into account to determine if you had concurrent recordings from three different networks occurring at that time. If the 60 Minutes recording started the last, then it's possible it used the USB tuner. We know the USB tuner can sometimes have a tuning mode assigned to it that won't allow it to tune to a broadcast frequency.

First... It is 60 minutes that is the first recording.

Check the list of completed timers - they're at the end of the timers list. Have a look and confirm what was recorded at the time. If the T2 was displaying live TV at the time, that can further complicate things.

I thought I'd make a screenshot of the Tuner menu before changing it as it may not have been set correctly. It is not on "auto" but on "A". Also, shouldn't there be a setting for "preferred tuner for recordings"?
1_0_1_314_310_3202_EEEE0000_0_0_0.jpg
Anyway, about to go and do the test, thank you for that

AFAIK, you don't need to change the setting 'Preferred tuner for recordings' as 'Preferred tuner' is usually enough. I also don't think it matters whether 'Preferred tuner' is set to "auto" or "Tuner A" when in the 'default' setting.

[Paul_oz53]

HI Judy,

According to the TX Australia coverage map, you should be in an excellent signal area for normal TV reception from Mt Dandenong. Similarly, the digital radio signal strength in Chelsea should be at least good to very good. There could be some local source of interference that is affecting your reception but it seems unlikely.

I'm in Sunbury and we suffer some shading from a local hill (Jackson's Hill) that means we get a variable signal on TV and digital radio, especially if clouds are about. Also, a neighbour's tree overhangs our aerial and can cause problems if we don't keep it cut back.

The tuner I bought is as per the following link:

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/USB-2-0-Dig ... 2749.l2649

It is definitely superior in handling a wider signal range than the default unit. The firm seems to be based in Malaysia so postage is a bit slow.

Paul

[csutak40]

Ok. Either I've got it wrong or the USB Tuner is furbar
Changed it to C and got nothing

The attachment screenshot.jpg is no longer available

I then wondered why C and not B? (probably something I should know, but I don't) So, changed it to B and that worked fine

screenshot.jpg (12.78 KiB) Viewed 3839 times

I know it looks as though I hadn't changed channels, but I have, just happened to get back to the same one again after fiddling

[csutak40]

I am having trouble with the attachments. Can't add both. So, here is the other one

1_0_1_313_310_3202_EEEE0000_0_0_0.jpg (14.6 KiB) Viewed 3838 times

[Grumpy_Geoff]

Ok. Either I've got it wrong or the USB Tuner is furbar
Changed it to C and got nothing
screenshot.jpg
I then wondered why C and not B? (probably something I should know, but I don't) So, changed it to B and that worked fine
1_0_1_313_310_3202_EEEE0000_0_0_0.jpg
I know it looks as though I hadn't changed channels, but I have, just happened to get back to the same one again after fiddling

What does MENU>>Information>>Devices have to say about the USB tuner? The exact string please, or screenshot

Changing services within a TV network won't retune. So, say, from Food Network to SBS Viceland it won't retune.

[Paul_oz53]

Ok. Either I've got it wrong or the USB Tuner is furbar
...

I assume you rebooted after reinserting the USB tuner - if not, give a reboot a try before writing it off.

[prl]

I am having trouble with the attachments. Can't add both.

I've had that problem recently, too, and I've seen one other user with a similar problem. I suspect that it's the forum, not you.

[prl]

... furbar ...

A luxurious place to serve drinks from?

There's normally no "r" there in fubar, though since it's acronym, I suppose the "r" could be for "Really"

[Grumpy_Geoff]

Ok. Either I've got it wrong or the USB Tuner is furbar
...

I assume you rebooted after reinserting the USB tuner - if not, give a reboot a try before writing it off.

Please don't reboot/restart the UI until you can tell us what Information>>Devices reported for the USB tuner.

[Grumpy_Geoff]

Ok. Either I've got it wrong or the USB Tuner is furbar
Changed it to C and got nothing
screenshot.jpg
I then wondered why C and not B? (probably something I should know, but I don't) So, changed it to B and that worked fine
1_0_1_313_310_3202_EEEE0000_0_0_0.jpg
I know it looks as though I hadn't changed channels, but I have, just happened to get back to the same one again after fiddling

There's no 'lit' tuner ID nor any signal strength/quality readings in that "Chopped Junior" infobar pic.

Edit - do you have the T4 set as the standby receiver for the T2?

[csutak40]

What does MENU>>Information>>Devices have to say about the USB tuner? The exact string please, or screenshot

Changing services within a TV network won't retune. So, say, from Food Network to SBS Viceland it won't retune.

I am sure I changed to other networks as well

[prl]

That's the correct state for the tuner to display in the Devices screen.

Sorry if it's a dumb question, but you do have the USB tuner's antenna lead connected from the end of the tuner to Tuner B Out on the back of the T2, don't you?

[csutak40]

There's no 'lit' tuner ID nor any signal strength/quality readings in that "Chopped Junior" infobar pic.

Edit - do you have the T4 set as the standby receiver for the T2?

Yeah, that was the result of setting it for the C tuner which is what led me to suspect that it is dead. Will go and give in another try in a minute

That is a good question, I have no idea. It was mostly set up by a friend of mine, the older I get the more trouble I have with technology. (I used to be REALLY good, all my friends used to get me to set up their gadgets for them. I am now brain dead)
I love my Wiz/s, but still don't understand most of it
Do you mean it is meant to automatically record things on the T4 if the T2 has no available tuner? I didn't know it could do that, that sounds like a great trick (I would probably prefer it the other way around as I set most recordings on the T4)

[csutak40]

... furbar ...

A luxurious place to serve drinks from?

There's normally no "r" there in fubar, though since it's acronym, I suppose the "r" could be for "Really"

Oops!

[csutak40]

That's the correct state for the tuner to display in the Devices screen.

Sorry if it's a dumb question, but you do have the USB tuner's antenna lead connected from the end of the tuner to Tuner B Out on the back of the T2, don't you?

You got me worried there, but it seems to be correct

[csutak40]

I assume you rebooted after reinserting the USB tuner - if not, give a reboot a try before writing it off.

I just rebooted it and changed it to C again - same result

[csutak40]

Please don't reboot/restart the UI until you can tell us what Information>>Devices reported for the USB tuner.

I seem to be reading posts back to front, but I did do it in the right order

[Grumpy_Geoff]

Perhaps I've misunderstood, but I thought the blank recording issue was on the T2. Looking at the media listing in the opening post, it shows a 4TB internal HDD, yet the T2 has a 120GB SSD!

[had to borrow Trevor, as I'm at my son's swimming lessons. A pain to type on a phone!]

[csutak40]

Perhaps I've misunderstood, but I thought the blank recording issue was on the T2. Looking at the media listing in the opening post, it shows a 4TB internal HDD, yet the T2 has a 120GB SSD!

[had to borrow Trevor, as I'm at my son's swimming lessons. A pain to type on a phone!]

No, you didn't. I moved it to the T4, before I noticed it was blank, planned to watch it there

[Paul_oz53]

I assume you rebooted after reinserting the USB tuner - if not, give a reboot a try before writing it off.

I just rebooted it and changed it to C again - same result

It really looks like the USB tuner is faulty then. You can have my old Wiz tuner if you need a replacement.

[Grumpy_Geoff]

No, you didn't. I moved it to the T4, before I noticed it was blank, planned to watch it there

You don't need to move recordings, you can watch your T2 recordings straight from your T4 (and vice versa).

[Grumpy_Geoff]

I assume you rebooted after reinserting the USB tuner - if not, give a reboot a try before writing it off.

I just rebooted it and changed it to C again - same result

It really looks like the USB tuner is faulty then. You can have my old Wiz tuner if you need a replacement.

Surely, not even to your last enemy
I've ditched mine from the U4 and have started a 24-hour test with a 'bluey' I received today.

[Paul_oz53]

Surely, not even to your last enemy
I've ditched mine from the U4 and have started a 24-hour test with a 'bluey' I received today.

What was I thinking!

My bluey is in the post and I'm not even trying to use it with the U4.

[csutak40]

Grrr
It now happened on the T4. Never happened before!

The attachment 1_0_1_313_310_3202_EEEE0000_0_0_0.jpg is no longer available

I just had a look at the timers and noticed something weird. All the shows that have recorded since the 10th, are still showing as "waiting" Also (just realised) some of the shows still recording as we speak, had actually finished ages ago, so no idea why it hasn't stopped the recording. but them recording caused some shows that should have recorded not to. Seems the T4 has gotten completely confused and I don't understand what's going on!

[csutak40]

Have to post the second attachment separately

[Grumpy_Geoff]

Grrr
It now happened on the T4. Never happened before!
1_0_1_313_310_3202_EEEE0000_0_0_0.jpg
I just had a look at the timers and noticed something weird. All the shows that have recorded since the 10th, are still showing as "waiting" Also (just realised) some of the shows still recording as we speak, had actually finished ages ago, so no idea why it hasn't stopped the recording. but them recording caused some shows that should have recorded not to. Seems the T4 has gotten completely confused and I don't understand what's going on!

1_0_1_313_310_3202_EEEE0000_0_0_1jpg.jpg

Your T4 hasn't got a current date/time - it's back in Unix/Linux EPOCH time (1-Jan-1970).

[csutak40]

I don't know if something has changed in the Wiz, but just checked, the T2 timer listing is the same

It used to move the recorded timers to the bottom of the list and show them as having been recorded, then delete them after so many days

[Grumpy_Geoff]

I don't know if something has changed in the Wiz, but just checked, the T2 timer listing is the same
1_0_1_530_503_1013_EEEE0000_0_0_0.jpg
It used to move the recorded timers to the bottom of the list and show them as having been recorded, then delete them after so many days

Yes, but their time to record has not yet arrived. Your T2 shows 16-Jan-1970.

[Grumpy_Geoff]

What is your setting for 'Sync time using' (MENU>>Setup>>System>>Time settings)? If "TV broadcast" I wonder if you may have been screwed over by a broadcaster.
The date was previously okay on both your T2 and T4 as per other screenshots in this topic.

[Paul_oz53]

What is your setting for 'Sync time using' (MENU>>Setup>>System>>Time settings)? If "TV broadcast" I wonder if you may have been screwed over by a broadcaster.
The date was previously okay on both your T2 and T4 as per other screenshots in this topic.

Just adding to what GG has noted, in the DP series forum there is a post suggesting the channel 7 EPG information has suddenly stopped working. If the T2 and T4 are getting their time from the channel 7 broadcast then changing to another network should restore the time setting.

[csutak40]

Your T4 hasn't got a current date/time - it's back in Unix/Linux EPOCH time (1-Jan-1970).

Oh! I didn't notice that! I just rebooted it and that fixed that, including the timer listing, It is now showing recordings (supposedly) recorded as "done"
Wonder what caused that to happen? I have been fiddling with the T2, but didn't even touch the T4!
The T2 also had the wrong time, had to reboot that too. That created an extra worry, once it rebooted, it was showing the correct time, but nothing would work from the remote. I had to turn it off at the back, to get it to work.

[csutak40]

What is your setting for 'Sync time using' (MENU>>Setup>>System>>Time settings)? If "TV broadcast" I wonder if you may have been screwed over by a broadcaster.
The date was previously okay on both your T2 and T4 as per other screenshots in this topic.

Of course, I rebooted before I've read this...

[prl]

I don't know if something has changed in the Wiz, but just checked, the T2 timer listing is the same
1_0_1_530_503_1013_EEEE0000_0_0_0.jpg
It used to move the recorded timers to the bottom of the list and show them as having been recorded, then delete them after so many days

Yes, but their time to record has not yet arrived. Your T2 shows 16-Jan-1970.

I don't understand that date, unless the T2 had been running for 16 days (in which case 16 days worth of recordings would never have been made).

If the time can't be set at start-up (no network connection and no usable signal), the time will initially be set to 00:00:00 1 Jan 1970.

Other than that, what's been posted seems to me to point to a reception problem (antenna or cabling) and/or a dead USB2 tuner.

Having to have your antenna replaced after only 5 years seems a bit odd to me, too, unless the antenna suffered mechanical damage of some sort.

Anyway, with a new antenna, that throws suspicion on the cabling or the USB tuner.

[peteru]

I don't understand that date, unless the T2 had been running for 16 days (in which case 16 days worth of recordings would never have been made).

Most likely a broadcaster with issues that have been caused by something they did 16 days ago.

Having to have your antenna replaced after only 5 years seems a bit odd to me, too, unless the antenna suffered mechanical damage of some sort.

Anyway, with a new antenna, that throws suspicion on the cabling or the USB tuner.

I would be suspicious of the antenna installer. If you are going to get someone to look at it again, get a different person to do the job and make sure they give you an end to end solution. Ask them to measure at each device, to ensure that the signal entering the device is good. Not just strength, but also bit error rate (BER). No point taking a reading at the mast and then having dodgy cabling. Similarly, no point taking a reading at the wall outlet and using a faulty flylead.

[Grumpy_Geoff]

I don't understand that date, unless the T2 had been running for 16 days (in which case 16 days worth of recordings would never have been made).

Most likely a broadcaster with issues that have been caused by something they did 16 days ago.

Hmm, that'd be 1-Apr - wasn't that when you folk ended AEDT?

[peteru]

I think you might have discovered the slightly warm gun. Possibly next to the bins at the back of C31.