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Streaming Video vs Playing from Current Machine

1148 Views 31 Replies 13 Participants Last post by j.m., Mar 10, 2005

Microman66

Discussion Starter · Feb 25, 2005

I have been excited to complete my setup of Replaytv's. I have 3. Ran some ethernet today. Have used Directivo, and currently DishPVR. If people are streaming there shows, how do they get over the fact that they cant immediately and always, skip thru parts they dont want to watch. Is that a drawback in the system? I suppose I could put a show on, and let it go in pause for a whhile so that the stream gets ahead.

I have been so spoiled with TIVO, and PVR's. I never watch commercials. And two of my units are 5040, so that wont be a problem, buy if show gets boring, I guess you have to watch, if its not coming from the Replay that is sitting in the room with you.

Thanks...

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1 - 20 of 32 Posts

l8er

· #2 · Feb 25, 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Microman66
I suppose I could put a show on, and let it go in pause for a whhile so that the stream gets ahead.

Streaming with ReplayTVs is real time. If you pause the show, streaming stops. Streaming should generally work just like watching the show locally. You can fast forward, rewind and skip ahead or back just like on a locally viewed show. If you're having problems, it's likely a LAN problem.

quartrj

· #3 · Feb 25, 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Microman66
I have been excited to complete my setup of Replaytv's. I have 3. Ran some ethernet today. Have used Directivo, and currently DishPVR. If people are streaming there shows, how do they get over the fact that they cant immediately and always, skip thru parts they dont want to watch. Is that a drawback in the system? I suppose I could put a show on, and let it go in pause for a whhile so that the stream gets ahead.

I have been so spoiled with TIVO, and PVR's. I never watch commercials. And two of my units are 5040, so that wont be a problem, buy if show gets boring, I guess you have to watch, if its not coming from the Replay that is sitting in the room with you.

Thanks...

I seems as though from your post that you haven't actually yet watched a streamed show from your connected replaytv's.

The functionality you are saying is lacking is one that replaytv owner's have had for years.

I'm not sure why you would be having this problem. Perhaps if you tells us what happens when you try to skip foward on a streamed show we would be able to help you get it working.

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BaysideBas

· #4 · Feb 25, 2005

Sounds to me that you're expecting to stream "live" content from a remote machine. You can't do this, and, as quartrj said, you haven't actually tried to stream recorded content either. You need to clarify exactly what you're trying to accomplish, and how it isn't working for you.

Microman66

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 25, 2005

OK, currently I have a Replay 5540 and the PC. So the only place I can stream is between the two of those.

I just rebooted all machines, on the network, and had the Replaytv, go out and redo its IP address, since there was a conflict. That is fine now.

When I try to watch a show on the one Replay tv, from the PC, it does do a Quickskip, and that seems to work fine. But when I go to FF, the screen will FREEZE, and I cant tell how far it has gone, When I hit play again, it will unfreeze and it will be ahead at some point.

Works better than I thought it did yesterday. I don't expect to stream "live" content. But as my setup is working now, There is a difference in FF in Streaming, and Playback (This Replay)

MrFussy

· #6 · Feb 25, 2005

FF on a streamed show can be less smooth, even at std quality, but should work. I can almost "feel" the streaming, but I can still easily see what's going on. ACA, QS and IR should be almost indistinguishable on a remote machine compared to a local machine. However, I will admit that I VERY RARELY use FF (or FR), even on a local machine. QS & IR do a much better job most of the time, and if I want to go further forward or back I will use the "jump to/by" functionality.

I also notice the network delay when opening up the remote replay guide. Sometimes this can take several seconds.

You can stream live content, if you're willing to live with the reboot hack.

p.s. My replays are hardwired through a dedicated switch.

chain777

· #7 · Feb 25, 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Microman66
OK, currently I have a Replay 5540 and the PC. So the only place I can stream is between the two of those.

I just rebooted all machines, on the network, and had the Replaytv, go out and redo its IP address, since there was a conflict. That is fine now.

When I try to watch a show on the one Replay tv, from the PC, it does do a Quickskip, and that seems to work fine. But when I go to FF, the screen will FREEZE, and I cant tell how far it has gone, When I hit play again, it will unfreeze and it will be ahead at some point.

Works better than I thought it did yesterday. I don't expect to stream "live" content. But as my setup is working now, There is a difference in FF in Streaming, and Playback (This Replay)

I understand where you're coming from. As the former user of a Tivo, you're used to FF, since Tivo doesn't have the easy navigation the Replay does.

As most users here will say, FF is a rarely used function. It's just such a kludgey way to get around within a show. Besides 30 sec skip and instant replay, you have the option of show|nav to skip commercials. If you want to get to a particular place in a show, you have the option of using (x)minutes plus quickskip to go forward, or instant replay to go back. Or you could use (x)minutes plus the jump key to go right to that minute marker in the program.

Once you get used to navigating using these features, FF will become a bad memory. You just have to un-learn all those nasty Tivo habits.

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Scyber

· #8 · Feb 25, 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Microman66
When I try to watch a show on the one Replay tv, from the PC, it does do a Quickskip, and that seems to work fine. But when I go to FF, the screen will FREEZE, and I cant tell how far it has gone, When I hit play again, it will unfreeze and it will be ahead at some point.

That is not how it works ReplayTV->REplayTV streaming. You can fast forward like normal. I saw like, b/c fast-forwarding a stream showed tends to be much jerkier/jumpier than a normal show. But it doesn't just freeze the current picture on the machine.

Microman66

Discussion Starter · #9 · Feb 25, 2005

Was just watching my wifes recording (disclaimer) of "Law and Order" on the Computer. Using DVArchive 3.1. The video would have to freeze every couple of minutes so that the display could keep up with the stream. I could visibly see the watched portion of the show catch up with the end of what has streamed to the PC. Using a Mac G4/400 with Quicktime Pro to view. VLC, seems even worse when I tried it. This is a wired connection, also.

chain777

· #10 · Feb 25, 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Scyber
That is not how it works ReplayTV->REplayTV streaming. You can fast forward like normal. I saw like, b/c fast-forwarding a stream showed tends to be much jerkier/jumpier than a normal show. But it doesn't just freeze the current picture on the machine.

I never even tried FF while streaming, but just now gave it a try. I did notice a pause after initially hitting FF for a second or two, but then it would work normally. If I increased the speed , it paused for a second then worked normally at any speed. This was all from Replay to Replay.

Using DVArchive, FF is all but useless. Like Microman66 says, it pauses continuously. I'm sure this must have been addressed by Gerry, but I don't know what the technical reasons for this are.

Like I said Microman66, get used to the Replays navigation. It's far superior to anything else out there. What do you need to FF for anyway?

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l8er

· #11 · Feb 26, 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Microman66
I have been excited to complete my setup of Replaytv's. I have 3. Ran some ethernet today.

Quote:

Originally posted by Microman66
OK, currently I have a Replay 5540 and the PC. So the only place I can stream is between the two of those.

So which is correct, you have 3 or you have 1?

Microman66

Discussion Starter · #12 · Feb 26, 2005

will have to see how it works replay to replay. Called Replay to activate the 5040 and got the typical poor customer service. Woman said, that she would take my name and someone would call me back. I want to spend money, and someone would call me back.

Still a little confused as to why my Activated 5504 doesn't show up in MY ACCOUNT. Maybe because I called it in , to activate. But its been a month, and still no sign of it showing up. Was going to call and activate this one, and ask to have my units hooked to MY ACCOUNTS.

I don't have a good feeling about REPLAYtv. Should have been in on this years ago.

Also, will have to make sure that NOTHING else is going on, on the LAN, when I am determining if the stream is functioning properly.

Thanks, for everyone spending the time. Really appreciate the help.

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scottmd1us

· #13 · Feb 26, 2005

Why did you leave Tivo and DISHPVR's since they spoiled you so much?

What is your actual current set up (number of replay's, what kind of network etc...) that your having trouble with.

Have you checked out the FAQ about networking over at DVArchive? Sounds like your dropping Packets

But seriously, you seem so quick to blame replay and not your network or something that is more then likely the case given the fact that streaming to a computer with awesome quality is not only possible but done by most here...so again, why did you leave the nirvana, spoiling and pampering of TivoLand?

chain777

· #14 · Feb 26, 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Microman66

Microman66

Discussion Starter · #15 · Feb 26, 2005

My feelings were about ReplayTV customer service. That is what I dont feel "good". No Toll free Number for support. Discussions about Replay being solvent, etc, for a period of time that will benefit me.

I mentioned my experience with Tivo, Dtivo, Ultimate TV, and Dish PVR, just so that you know that I have some experience, and not a complete idiot, just 90%.

And as mentioned. I appreciate the help. Will spend the day reading, troubleshooting, activating, and as always, really appreciate the help, Thanks.

adone36

· #16 · Feb 26, 2005

Your activation does not appear in your "account" if it is a lifetime. You have to set up an owner account at replaytv.com and add your lifetime units to it.

Billing accounts and owner accounts are separate. You have a billing account if you pay monthly.

Most people activate on the web site. A few hours later the machine updates. There is no hassle.

As to Replay's "solvency", it has been operating in the black under DNNA for quite some time.

As for Tivo:

1) The CEO is stepping down.

2) The number 2 guy already left.

3) DirecTV is saying bye-bye (2/3 of Tivo subscribers are DTivo)

4) Smith Barney says "sell"

5) PriceTarget Research give it "F" (lowest possible)

Last yr period Tivo is 76% WORSE than the S&P 500

They are STILL shopping for a manufacturer for the HD Tivo shown in 2003.

You surely wouldn't want Replay to be doing "as well" as Tivo now, would you?

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FarmBubba

· #17 · Feb 26, 2005

Fast forwarding while streaming to a PC can be problematic. I found that downloading the show to the PC and then watching it locally works better. It's suprinsing to hear that a 400 mhz machine can keep up with the streaming. VLC barely works on my 800 mhz Imac while streaming.

Microman66

Discussion Starter · #18 · Feb 27, 2005

I was wondering if the 400 mhz and VLC, was a little weak to do the job. QTPro seems to work, but jerks a little.

Finally got thru to Replay and activated my first 5040. Already hooked up IVS d/l. Need to redo IP so that the IVS Replay doesnt change IP.

I think I had a "rush" yesterday, when I realized what CA was like. CA is really incredible. My wife is gone till Sunday afternoon. She will like this. I like it.

Put a 200 GIG ($60) in the 5040 after activation. Need to tape this old IR Blaster to keep it in place.

Will hook up the 2nd 5040 this week, to go with 5040, and 5540. May replace 5540 after I get rebate.

Need to find a deal on 400 gigger.

Replay, yes...!! Customer Service actually called me back, yesterday. When the computers were down. Open Sat 8-2. thanks.......

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gduprey

· #19 · Feb 27, 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by chain777
Using DVArchive, FF is all but useless. Like Microman66 says, it pauses continuously. I'm sure this must have been addressed by Gerry, but I don't know what the technical reasons for this are.

This isn't a DVA issue -- DVA just trucks the data form your ReplayTV to your player. As long as the player is making appropriate requests, DVA will feed it. Question may be exactly what the player is doing (I really don't know -- don't really follow/use VLC much anymore).

If a VLC developer does find something that would make FF/REW performance better, they can contact me and I'll work with them on what can be done. But my guess is it's the player.

chain777

· #20 · Feb 28, 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by gduprey
This isn't a DVA issue -- DVA just trucks the data form your ReplayTV to your player. As long as the player is making appropriate requests, DVA will feed it. Question may be exactly what the player is doing (I really don't know -- don't really follow/use VLC much anymore).

If a VLC developer does find something that would make FF/REW performance better, they can contact me and I'll work with them on what can be done. But my guess is it's the player.

I wasn't referring to using the PC to view, but viewing from the Replay and streaming from DVArchive. It's not an issue for me since I don't even use FF. I tried it out of curiosity and found it was all but unusable. I thought this was a known issue, but maybe I'm wrong?

1 - 20 of 32 Posts

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