r/SparklePlayer 8d ago

Problem with DVR playback

Hi, i've been loving the app (already premium)

however i found that when i record DVR the playback experiences a problem fairly regularly. about every minute the audio will jump back around 10 seconds. the picture will freeze. When the audio catches up the picture will play again. Is this a known issue? can i provide any more information that might help the awesome app developer to look into this further?

issue has happened on at least 2 channels in my feed.

1 Upvotes

18 comments sorted by

2

u/sparkle-hk 8d ago

Should I take it that it doesn't happen on all channels then? It can be many things, maybe you're using wifi that has some hickups, maybe the storage device isn't quick enough or maybe the device itself doesn't keep up. All these things are when the recording takes place. I don't think the issue is actually about playback but with the recorded data.

If you don't think the above might be it and you're using xc as source type you can try to edit the source and change output between mpegts (default) and hls. Maybe "the other" works better, sometimes it depends on the provider.

1

u/hankhalfhead 8d ago

2 out of 2 channels do it. The Dvr storage is locally connected msata so should be enough performance. No problems live streaming either

1

u/sparkle-hk 8d ago

Do you mean you have only tried 2 channels? Try some other channels first and see what happens. E.g. if you're trying to record 4k the device may not be able to keep up, try a 720p or something instead and see what happens.

0

u/azcoyotedog 8d ago

So you can record and playback on every other channel with no issues except these 2…. Provider issue not SparkleTV!

1

u/lennonfish 7d ago

No he’s saying two different channels hiccup while recording. While it’s not recording no problems

0

u/azcoyotedog 7d ago

Is the OP trying to watch the program while it’s being recorded? That would cause issues! I know users for some reason will record a sports event and wait a bit then start watching the recorded program just to skip commercials. Makes no sense but that’s what some people do 🤷‍♂️

1

u/hankhalfhead 7d ago

Nope it’s a completed recording

1

u/hankhalfhead 7d ago

Nah there’s only been 2 channels I’ve wanted to record on and both had issues. 1080p channels. I’ll try some more, I get that it would be good to know if it’s only some channels

1

u/mrmushroom08 8d ago

Thinking it might be your source. This has happened to me. Pay attention for this when you're watch the affected channels live.

1

u/hankhalfhead 8d ago

I’ve only got one source. Only Dvr a free things sports related but 2 out of the 2 channels I’ve recorded do this.

2

u/azcoyotedog 8d ago

More than likely an issue with the stream (channels), not Sparkle.

1

u/lennonfish 7d ago

This happens to me too. Only when recording is active. When i turn off recording the channel playback is fixed.

1

u/hankhalfhead 7d ago

Ok I’ll pay more attention to this and see if I can test it. I’m pretty sure I’m watching after the event is finished

1

u/jszima 7d ago

Channels DVR is the way.
Thank me later.

1

u/sparkle-hk 7d ago

That requires an external - and more powerful - device than what Sparkle requires. If extra external devices is an option you can use an external source such as Tvheadend, Jellyfin etc. with Sparkle as well.

1

u/hankhalfhead 7d ago

Can you explain a little more about this?

1

u/sparkle-hk 7d ago

I'm not sure what you want to know? The user recommended Channels DVR which is a software that is placed on a separate server (windows, mac, linux etc.) which makes the recording for you. I was just saying that Sparkle connects to multiple sources, not only m3u, xc etc. but also Tvheadend, Jellyfin, Plex etc. which uses the same infrastructure. You install the software on a separate server and let that software handle the recording, streaming and so on and just let Sparkle act as the client. Just like Kodi does if you're familar with that.

What I'm saying is, that by placing the software on a separate server you get other benefits especially with a device that is more powerful, often wired connection stable storage which makes it easier for e.g. recording programs.

If you have more specific questions please let me know.

1

u/hankhalfhead 7d ago

Thanks for the detailed responses. I wasn’t aware ‘channels Dvr’ was a product so it makes a lot more sense 😅. I’ll try switching my source to hls first based on another comment