HELP displays old (I assume) information.

January 20, 2009

Hi

I am new to DVBV and have just installed v4.0

The help button brings up "DVBV user manual", but all of the information is for another version of the DVBV utility.

For a complete begginer to DVBV this is very confusing and not helpfull. :bye:

is there another source of help for V4.0.

I am experiencing much instability, frequent crashes, missing channels (dvb-s), 0% one minute and 100% the next (my old sky box worked reliably on this LNB/cable) it may be the card is not as sensitive as the digibox andmay not be so tolerant of some DECT interference that is present (I must fix that DECT problem before I make any more complaints )

regards Chris

January 20, 2009

That's right... there is no real up to date help file... especialy in english it's a hard situation (for german speaking people there is a lot of information already in the german wiki and some other places...)

The best source of help, you can get, is this forum... but sadly everything is very scattered here...

For your instability issues:

1. be sure not to use any plugins that are not from this forum

2. be sure to use "decent" decoders... a good freeware choice are the newest ffdshow decoders (only for MPEG2 and Audio), the AC3 Filter ( for Audio). Not available for free, but very reliable are the decoders from cyberlink (which ship with powerdvd) and arcsoft (included in their "total media").

Missing channels can be caused by old/incomplete transponder lists. You could try to find a newer one in this forum. You should also have a look at the tool "transedit".

January 21, 2009

Hi Moses

Thanks for the reply

I am using cyberlink V7 codecs, and no plugins yet.

The missing channels are in my channel / favorites list, but are "intermitant" for lack of a better description, they work some times but other times are blank/black with 0% showing in the lower info bar (most channels show 100% as do the missing ones when working)

I am suspecting a an LNB/cable/intererence problem.

I will move to another room with shorter cable and a different LNB (quad) port.

Thanks for the Advice.

Chris

Edited January 21, 2009 by CellZapper

January 21, 2009

That's right... there is no real up to date help file... especialy in english it's a hard situation (for german speaking people there is a lot of information already in the german wiki and some other places...)

The best source of help, you can get, is this forum... but sadly everything is very scattered here...

For your instability issues:

1. be sure not to use any plugins that are not from this forum

2. be sure to use "decent" decoders... a good freeware choice are the newest ffdshow decoders (only for MPEG2 and Audio), the AC3 Filter ( for Audio). Not available for free, but very reliable are the decoders from cyberlink (which ship with powerdvd) and arcsoft (included in their "total media").

Missing channels can be caused by old/incomplete transponder lists. You could try to find a newer one in this forum. You should also have a look at the tool "transedit".

Not sure why it would take someone more than a month to translate a few pages a day.... Seems to be put into the too hard basket, with no plans to correct it.

I can't speak German, but apparently millions can.

July 2, 2009

Hi everyone

This great product is being spoiled...........

I am Sorry But I have to get this off my chest. I am not stupid for most of the omisions I can make it up, but there is a limit.

FLAME ON

I am still beating my brains out trying to make things work, that are not in the manual,

BUT ARE IN THE PRODUCT !!! :angry:

AN EXAMPLE

I have tried following threads referring to HTPChome/mode, "What’s That" :blush: What Does that Do"......

There is a "mention" of HTPC in the new/current 4.1.0 release manual (updated 12-04-2005) but it is in a list of supported features and a link to an HTPC website.

I cannot get it to Work WHATEVER IT IS.

I have tried to find out from the forum.

Various threads (2006) in the forum refer to "settings" "options" "general" to set HTPC mode...NOTHING THERE ???

and

OSD "system" "the Settings" "Unlock HTPC-Mode" "return" results in no response or changing anything I can find ???

I assume because I have failed to set HTPC mode to ON.

Various threads in the forum refer to Entries in the system.xml file for HTPC, none in mine, none in the .bak.

I a have resorted to trying to read the German sections on the forum using http://uk.babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_txt that will read a forum and translate to English.

But there is very little help there that I could find, (maybe I am using the wrong search strings ??)

I have tried the same approach with the German language Wiki, but its not up to date either.

I think it is time that the main manual is brought up to date to match the product features and its menu's.

Not one menu displayed in the current manual is correct.

Most if not all the context (right click) menus are full of unexplained features.

Many Features are described on menu's were they no longer occur, or on menu's that don't exist.

The Transedit manual appears up to date as far as I can see matches V3.3.4 version, Thank you.

There are many contributors to the forum who are well versed in DVBViewer, an who from their responses appear also to understand the coding methods used.

BUT PLEASED DON'T BE FOOLED there are many us DVBViewer nubies out here who are not programmers and who only just have a grip on the the reality that is the world of HTPC.

PLEASE GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER AND FIX THE MANUAL it is important to ALL your new users (customers).

I hope this post makes the developers feel as bad AS I DO !, there may be a result.

I think they have left it so long the task looks to big a problem to solve.

An up to date manual in German can at least be read with an online interpreter.

30 years experience in computer hardware field repairs, from analogue and ancient transistorised mainframe computers to the latest mini mainframes, I have read 1000’s of manuals, this manual is the worst. My programming skills are limited to machine code and macro assembler, although I have recently learned a little HTML.

(redundant and retired for being a grumpy old fart) :bye: :bye:

FLAME OFF.

I post this with some reluctance, due to fact that the product is great, and the developers have very obviously put many long hours into producing it. Sorry Guys.

Chris

July 2, 2009

I am still beating my brains out trying to make things work, that are not in the manual,

BUT ARE IN THE PRODUCT !!!

OK if nobody helps writing the manual in the Wiki ther is only one solution fo this problem.

Removing every thing from the DVBViewer what is not in the manual and stopp addinf new feturs for the next 2-3 years.

I have tried following threads referring to HTPChome/mode, "What’s That" What Does that Do"......

http://en.DVBViewer.tv/wiki/Tweaks#HTPCMode

There is a "mention" of HTPC in the new/current 4.1.0 release manual (updated 12-04-2005) but it is in a list of supported features and a link to an HTPC website.

Where is version 4.1 mention on DVBViewer.com?

I have tried the same approach with the German language Wiki, but its not up to date either.

Most parts are up to date e.g the Options are up to date (4.2.0.10) except 2-3 pages.

http://de.DVBViewer.tv/wiki/Optionen_Übersicht

I think it is time that the main manual is brought up to date to match the product features and its menu's.

The manual is rewrite in the Wiki. If nobody helps this will take some years.

The only way to speed this up without help is removing features from the DVBViewer and stop adding new features for 1-2 years.

Or stopping the support in the Forum for 1-2 yeas completely.

I post this with some reluctance, due to fact that the product is great, and the developers have very obviously put many long hours into producing it.

As fare as I know adding a feature to the program is in many cases less work and more fun than adding it to the manual.

July 2, 2009

Thank You for your reply Tjod

OK if nobody helps writing the manual in the Wiki ther is only one solution fo this problem. Removing every thing from the DVBViewer what is not in the manual and stop addinf new feturs for the next 2-3 years.

I think that is an extremely negative response to my suggestions. (and to the communities needs)

In my wildest dreams it would not take ME 2 years to rewrite the manual that is included in the setup.exe, If I were the developer responsible, I would think it could be done in 2 weeks (in his native language). My suggestion is: update the manual as and when the features change.

http://en.DVBViewer.tv/wiki/Tweaks#HTPCMode

Thank you for that, I will try it out, I have just double checked, no HTPC entry in setup.xml on my fresh install (on my laptop so the manual is convenient to read).

But

(1)it still does not explain what functionality I might expect from any of the HTPC modes, (I have yet to explore the whole WIKI, I WILL)

(2)This ENGLISH WIKI is a well kept secret. Please PLEASE post something "PINNED" prominently on the English setions with links to it. (if there already is, I missed it, so its not prominent enough)

(3)I checked to see what I have missed/ignored and found that the reference link to the manual (ignored I thought I had a copy of the latest manual with the 4.1.1 distribution) in http://www.DVBViewer.info/forum/index.php?showtopic=2210 refers to a manual that claims to be updated 10-06-2006. I recommend in the short term to update the text on this link to read “NEWER MANUAL” and include it in the distribution. (I have yet to read this newer manual to see if it answers my questions on HTPC, I will when time permits)

(4) the above newer manual does have some updated menu’s (still not the latest I think), showing the HTPC setting on “options” “general” ( not present on the current 4.1.1 version menu)

Where is version 4.1 mention on DVBViewer.com?

Please don’t get “picky” I am trying to be constructive. The distribution on the members page is 4.1.1

Most parts are up to date e.g the Options are up to date (4.2.0.10) except 2-3 page http://de.DVBViewer.tv/wiki/Optionen_Übersicht

My apologies, I did not read all of the German wiki, when the information I was looking at did not help I gave up, I was tired.

The manual is rewrite in the Wiki. If nobody helps this will take some years.
The only way to speed this up without help is removing features from the DVBViewer and stop adding new features for 1-2 years.

Or stopping the support in the Forum for 1-2 yeas completely.

Please see my comment above, 2 years to update, I am not asking that the whole of the project documentation be rewritten, just the distributed manual. (I know I type slowly I, 1 finger, but not 2 years) ( I don’t want an illuminated manuscript.) (Sorry that might not translate, illuminated manuscript = hand painted with gold leaf decoration)

As fare as I know adding a feature to the program is in many cases less work and more fun than adding it to the manual.

You make my case for me, professional behaviour would be to take on the whole task. (I assume that Christian Hackbart and associates are a commercial professional enterprise).

Regards Chris

EDIT: I just noticed I have a problem with my "qotation" marks etc, try not to do it again.

Edited July 2, 2009 by CellZapper

July 2, 2009

Hi

I have had a quick look around the english wiki, it has a dual personality, some menu's appear as the 4.1.1 menu's , some are clearly entitled DVB service 2.0.0.0.0. what ever that means.

I assume the option menu has changed its name from service. I can't find a recording service item in the DVBiewer tab on the tool bar as shown in the 4.1.1 distrbution manual, is it dependant on the service being enabled in the options menu. NO it is not just tried that. Any way going off topic I am not interested in the recording service ATM.

Some menus (recording service)look as 4.1.1

Not any more info on HTPC, just the tweaks section, on system.xml content.

I am hopeful, this is a good starting point.

EDIT: I had a quick look at the 10-06-2006 version of the manual, The menu's shown are more up to date than the 4.1.1 distribution manual, but at older than 4.0.0 menu's (I never used 3.9.* so dont know when the changes occured).

The "options" "general" menu contains an HTCP slider....and a description:

"HTPC-Mode changes the behaviour of the DVBViewer. Window mode is the standard

setting for normal mouse control, HTPC mode starts in full-screen/OSD mode

and requires a remote control."

I have pressing work to do so have drop the hobby.......shame END EDIT

Regards Chris

Edited July 2, 2009 by CellZapper

July 2, 2009

Funny, this is probably the first time that a bunch of great working features are declared as bugs, since they are not listed inside the manual. Well what exactly do you usually get for 12 GBP? What do you think is left at the authors side after taxes etc? Do you think it is possible without any users help to keep such a project alive? I personally dont like people who want everything become carried to their bib. If you want help with providing information and updating the wiki, you are welcome. If you just want to nag us with prosaic displeasure posts try to post them somewhere else.

Peter

Edited July 2, 2009 by ElecardFAN

July 2, 2009

No the DVBV is not, and hopefully will never be, a commercial Project. It´s Community driven.

If it where, you would have to pay much more than 15€. And when you look at the amount of time invested in this project, not to talk about the administrativ work Christian and Bernd Hackbart have to handle, the costs of maintainig the server and lot´s more those 15€ are a joke.

Regarding the documantation/ Helpfiles: Yes that´s a Problem, but not only for foreign Languages ( non-German). Some parts are quite well documented others are not. But that´s understandable when you keep in mind how few people are in the "Core Developement Team", you can count them on the Fingers of one Hand....

And they are Coders no novelists.

And last but not lesat the origin of DVBV IS Germany.

Can you translate and maintain an English Documentation of such complexity into any other foreign language ? I think you can´t execept you hire a technical author and Interpreter.

The Translations being available for other Languages then German where done by Members of the Forum, Volunteers and by the Authors of DVBV when they had some spare time for this Tasks.

To make a long story short: Theire is simply not enough time and manpower to keep the whole accompanying documents up-to-date.

So be patient or even better learn German and help us with translating... ;)

Greetz

Pinbot

July 2, 2009

In my wildest dreams it would not take ME 2 years to rewrite the manual

It is only done in the spare time. I set work on the German Wiki in June 2007 an may be 60% of the features are described now.

And writing in English takes for me 3-10 times longer.

If I were the developer responsible, I would think it could be done in 2 weeks (in his native language).

The native language of all developer is German. In this time you my be get a manual like this:

http://www.DVBViewer.com/en/index.php?page=home

but there are only 20%-40% of the features described

And the only developer how earns his money with the DVBViewer Pro is Christian. And he has to answer hundreds of eMails every day. And he work also on special editions for hardware manufacture (e.g. DVBViewer TE/TE2, DVBShop.TV Player,FireDTV Viewer, TT Viewer etc.)

(1)it still does not explain what functionality I might expect from any of the HTPC modes

It disables only context menu mouse and Keyboard usage 4 = only OSD via remote control all other functions are disabled.

(2)This ENGLISH WIKI is a well kept secret. Please PLEASE post something "PINNED" prominently on the English setions with links to it.

Most things in the English Wiki are about the Recording Service an in the Recording Service section is a remark.

http://www.DVBViewer.info/forum/index.php?showforum=58

Please don’t get “picky” I am trying to be constructive.

If you really like to help participant in the Wiki

http://en.DVBViewer.tv/en/index.php?title=...urnto=Main_Page

Please see my comment above, 2 years to update, I am not asking that the whole of the project documentation be rewritten, just the distributed manual.

In such an manual special features like the HTPC-Mode would not be included. There are more then 200 Options in GUI which are more important.

I know I type slowly I, 1 finger, but not 2 years

I suppose you haven't written a manual at all. The typing speed is really not important.

I have had a quick look around the english wiki, it has a dual personality, some menu's appear as the 4.1.1 menu's , some are clearly entitled DVB service 2.0.0.0.0. what ever that means.

You should read the text beside the pictures Recording Service != DVBViewer

July 2, 2009

ElecardFAN

Peter

I am sorry I did not want this to get personal.

So I will not reply. I composed a pretty inflammatory response to yours. I have deleted it.

Pinbot

Thank you for the more restrained response.

No the DVBV is not, and hopefully will never be, a commercial Project. It´s Community driven.
If it where, you would have to pay much more than 15€. And when you look at the amount of time invested in this project, not to talk about the administrativ work Christian and Bernd Hackbart have to handle, the costs of maintainig the server and lot´s more those 15€ are a joke.

I did not appreciate that this is a community project, although I was aware that many people have contributed to the project. I always thought that the 15-euro was a joke also and could not understand how any profit could be made.

Regarding the documantation/ Helpfiles: Yes that´s a Problem, but not only for foreign Languages ( non-German). Some parts are quite well documented others are not. But that´s understandable when you keep in mind how few people are in the "Core Developement Team", you can count them on the Fingers of one Hand....
And they are Coders no novelists.

And last but not lesat the origin of DVBV IS Germany.

Can you translate and maintain an English Documentation of such complexity into any other foreign language ? I think you can´t execept you hire a technical author and Interpreter.

The Translations being available for other Languages then German where done by Members of the Forum, Volunteers and by the Authors of DVBV when they had some spare time for this Tasks.

To make a long story short: Theire is simply not enough time and manpower to keep the whole accompanying documents up-to-date.

I understand all you say, it has been said many times on the forum.

But something must be done as the manual is falling so far behind,

I have not been able to find the German version of the manual, I did try to fool the install process but failed and it still installed the English manual.

This fabulous product / project is being let down for its new users that are not HTPC experts already.

So be patient or even better learn German and help us with translating...

I have spent many months (1 or 2 weeks at a time) in Germany (Munich) in the 1980’s and tried to learn the language but Germans are so helpful after my first few faltering words they always (well almost always) spoke back in near perfect English. It becomes an uphill task for a language dunce like my self. I am now too old to learn much new stuff, the ability to retain information is slipping away fast.

I have found that the online translation services are excellent, these could be used as a tool to help with translating a manual, but I have noticed that some German is untranslatable (too many words joined together I think)

Tjod

All your points are understood

The following paragraphs apply also to you, maybe my choice of English words do not come across well in German translation, I AM TRYING to be helpful and not critical.

To all on the forum

I will stop this thread so that I do not offend anyone else.

I apologise to all the unsung contributors the product, I do not mean to make small of your efforts, thank you for your efforts.

Thank you, is not enough to say to main project team, their work has resulted in a fabulous product, enough said they don’t deserve any disrespect from me, I apologise for my bad attitude in posts #5 and #7.

In my defence I had reached a point of extreme frustration.

DVBViewer is a great tool, I just don’t know how to get the best out of it.

Regards Chris

Edited July 2, 2009 by CellZapper

July 2, 2009

OK, so you just got over two years of experience with the usage of the DVBViewer and you don't share it with other users? Shame on you. I think you are quite lazy.

July 2, 2009

OK, so you just got over two years of experience with the usage of the DVBViewer and you don't share it with other users? Shame on you. I think you are quite lazy.

Lars_MQ

you were one of the last people I would want to annoy.

please read the end of post #12, I do mean my apology for my bad attitude. especially to you and the team.

I have only had DVBViewer since january 2009, and unable to get it working reliably, it has been unused most of the time.

I do not deserve to be called lazy in that context. (I do not have 2 years experience).

Please close this unproductive thread. I do not wish to offend any more people than I have already.

Chris

July 2, 2009

Hey Chris,

no hard feelings :rotfl:

The Problem ( not only in this Forum) some people go over the top wth what they demand and won´t understand a " Not possible", followed by endless discussions full of " Ifs" and "buts".

It´s more than annoying when you have to go through this routine over and over again,

Second Problem: The language barrier. If you are communicating in a foreign language some linguistic subtleties get lost. So somtimes somthing "sounds" a little more harsh as it was meant to be, even more, when you use a "Text-only" Medium.

I have some ideas to solve the maintenance problem, but they are still very vague.

Greetz

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