[mythtv-users] Enabling multirec borks usability a bit.

[Ian Armstrong]

On Tuesday 20 April 2010, Michael T. Dean wrote:
> On 04/20/2010 05:55 AM, mugginz wrote:
> > On Tue, 20 Apr 2010 07:24:28 pm Tortise wrote:
> >> From: "Raymond Wagner
> >>
> >>> Solution C - Add each tuner with one virtual tuner.  Then go back and
> >>
> >> add in additional virtual tuners, ensuring the three physical tuners are
> >> the first three that will be selected.
> >>
> >> I presume this method also works as it comes from highly regarded
> >> sources?
> >>
> >> I've not tested it myself yet as there has not (so far) been the need
> >> for me however it is likely to arise,
> >>
> >> Would it be worth suggesting someone write a script or routine that
> >> automates doing that manual process which is quite newb unfriendly?
> >>
> >> (visitors, especially the elderly with very non agile mind sets remind
> >> me as another reason for livetv)
> >
> > Unfortunately this does solve the issue as described and still requires
> > the use of the NEXTCARD key.
> 
> Only when you have insufficient hardware for what you're trying to
> do--when you have all of your physical cards tied up with recordings or
> other Live TV sessions and you try to start a new Live TV session.  Get
> another capture card, and it solves all your problems--the price for
> being too lazy to hit NEXTCARD, I suppose.

But if I have only four multiplexes available why should I need to get more 
than four tuners? Those four tuners already give 100% coverage. With 
sufficient virtual tuners it's possible to watch live tv without affecting any 
recordings.

Although NEXTCARD does work, there's no guarantee the card you'll switch to is 
on the correct multiplex for the station you're trying watch. Depending on the 
number of tuners configured, you may have to try several times to reach the 
correct card. Although a minor inconvenience, trying to explain this to an 
elderly relative may not be so easy.

Another factor is signal strength. You can only split the incoming signal so 
many times before problems occur & depending on your location it may not be 
possible to split the signal enough times. Signal boosters will only get you 
so far.

-- 
Ian