[mythtv-users] Ubuntu-mate on Raspberry pi and mythtv library problems

[Peter Bennett]

On 07/20/2016 03:46 PM, Bob Sully wrote:
> Edit:  Changed the "use internal volume controls" to checked, then
> changed the mixer device to "OpenMAX", then unchecked it again.  I now
> have sound, but it's rather iffy:  one of the recent "Game of Thrones"
> episodes had no sound during the minute or two of the previous show,
> but soon as the GoT episode started, sound came on.  Video playback on
> recordings (now that I've actually watched one long enough to tell) is
> now behaving like the other videos - quite choppy.
>
> So it looks like if I can get the video playback issue on Myth fixed,
> it'll be usable.  Any advice?
>
> Thanks - Bob
>

I have not had these problems, even with Pi 2, and I have not used any
overclocking. Here are some suggestions to try.

The GPU memory can be set at 192 with OpenMAX High Quality, or at 128
with OpenMAX normal. Those settings may help to make more memory
available to MythTV. Don't try Picture-in-picture with these settings.
Preferably do not try picture-in-picture at all.

You can try using ALSA for the audio to see if that helps. ALSA works
with analog as well as HDMI output, but you have to disable the Dolby
and DTS check boxes if using ALSA.

If pulse audio is running in your system you can disable it, as it is
not needed. Also disable blue tooth and wifi if you are not using them.

You can also save on memory usage by disabling GUI logon, do not use
startx, and launch the frontend using this, from command line or a script:
xinit mythfrontend

Subtitles seem to be very heavy on the system, so avoid enabling them if
possible.

Also you can start mythfrontend with options
mythfrontend -v playback
This will give some playback informational messages and statistics in
the log.

If you get no audio with ALSA, try forcing the device using advanced
options in raspi-config, force HDMI or force analog. If you do this you
can use ALSA:default to output to the selected device.

Let me know if you have any questions on how to do any of these things.

Let me know how you make out.