[mythtv-users] Problems with HDTV -- Frontend or backend?

[William Munson]

Ryan Steffes wrote:
> I just got my A180 up and running, and am experimenting with it.  I'm
> recording OTA channels now, because setting up the QAM channels proved
> to be beyond me.  I THINK I'm getting good recordings, but I can't be
> positive because I can't seem to get them to play back properly.  I'm
> trying to figure out if the problem is on the recording or playing
> end.
>
> I'm playing through an NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti 4200 to a standard
> resolution TV.  I'm guessing that, despite not being an HDTV, all the
> normal trouble with heavy bandwidth still apply, correct?  When I tune
> to the recordings off the A180, the run super slow motion with no
> sound at all.  If I watch the slow motion long enough, I get a burst
> of normal sound or a snap/pop.  I also get funny boxy glitches on the
> screen every once in a while.
>
> I'm currently transcoding a HD programing to see if I can watch it
> afterwards, but I thought I'd sent out a request for information
> before I crash for the night.  Basically, I'm trying to figure out if
> these problems seem to indicate a problem with the recordings
> themselves, or a problem with the playback.  Also, I'd kinda like some
> confirmation that those lines about XvMC mean I do have it configured
> right (the screen isn't black and white like searches in the mailing
> list have suggested might happen).
>
> Thanks for any help,
>
>   
Video capture of hd material especially only one channel capture is not 
likely to strain your system storage subsystem. Most likely you are 
running out of processor displaying the video. Run top in another window 
and see what your cpu usage while recording and playing back your video. 
I suspect you are maxed out during playback.

On my system (FC6) I had to manually change the xvmc libs link to point 
to the correct xvmc file to enable xvmc. You should be able to find this 
info in the myth docs on the wiki. When working correctly you should see 
a 30-40% reduction in xorg usage during HD playback.

Also, most people  have to add an option to their xorg.conf to enable 
the "UseEvents" functionality which will also make a big difference to 
your cpu usage. Again, look in the wiki.

Bill