Beginner's Problems

[ardee]

Here are some of the problems I have had getting DVBViewer to work with my SkyStar 2 PCI card. I'd be grateful for some advice.

 

The free version worked OK, though for an ignorant beginner it is difficult to understand the relationship between the Setup4PC software and DVBViewer. The installation seems very messy, but this is the fault of Technisat rather than DVBViewer.

 

I downloaded the 3.1 version, and found that it did not work. Then I read that it has to go in a new directory. When I reloaded everything, the free version still worked but the 3.1 was very unstable and most of the menus were not relevant to TV viewing/recording, so I downloaded v2.2.

 

This is much better, but the channel list window is too tall for my desktop, and it is very difficult to get to the clear all/import/export buttons. The window will not resize properly.

 

The channel scan finds duplicate transponders which do not exist. Is this because the 5MHz step is too small? Is there an easy way to edit the channel list?

 

I cannot get the timeshift toolbar to appear, which was simple to do with the free edition. What am I doing wrong?

 

If I use the DVBViewer filter, it works OK until I close the program. When I re-open it there is no picture. The Marfi filter works fine.

 

Is there a generally agreed optimum choice for the various filters? I'm using the Marfi and XVR surface at the moment.

 

Thanks.

 

PS I'm using Windows XP and Media Player10 is installed..

[Griga]

but the 3.1 was very unstable and most of the menus were not relevant to TV viewing/recording, so I downloaded v2.2.

 

If you want an up-to-date version that focusses on TV & recording you should try DVBViewer GE.

[Hartwig]

If I use the DVBViewer filter, it works OK until I close the program. When I re-open it there is no picture.

Do you use driver version 4.3.0?? It is a problem between older DVBViewer versions (<2.3 beta) and the new driver v4.3.0

but the 3.1 was very unstable

Have you tried other audio and video decoders??

The channel scan finds duplicate transponders which do not exist.

There is a special program available inside the members area (Transedit)

but the channel list window is too tall for my desktop

What's your screen resolution??

 

 

 

Have a look at the manual: http://www.DVBViewer.com/oliver

 

There is also a 3rd Version available. DVBViewer GE.

[ardee]

The GE version looks ideal, except the auto aspect ratio does not work.

 

Can I use the Marfi filter with it? So many versions and options are very confusing for someone who knows nothing about DVB!

 

My screen resolution is only 800x700 at the moment.

 

You have answered all my other questions - thanks!

[Hartwig]

Can I use the Marfi filter with it?

No. The GE and 3.1 Pro uses the DVBViewer filter. It is much better than Marfis Filter.

e.g. you can switch to another channel during recording (only on the same transponder) and much more

you'll find more possibilities in the "DVBViewer GE instuctions" (available in the members area)

[ardee]

I've just found that the aspect ratio is correct if I change the video renderer. I suppose one day I will understand why!

 

I think the GE is what anyone upgrading from the free edition will be looking for, so it would be helpful if they were guided to it. When you are presented with a list of download files which you know nothing about it is difficult to make a choice, and most people will just go for the latest one.

 

Thanks to everyone for your help.

[Griga]

Can you please tell me with which video renderer the auto aspect ratio doesn't work (overlay?) and with which it does?

 

Which video decoder do you use? A specific one, or is it still set to "Auto" in Options/DirectShow"?

[Griga]

The GE and 3.1 Pro uses the DVBViewer filter. It is much better than Marfis Filter.

 

P.S.: I would *not* say so. SkyAVC is a good and very elaborate source filter, since Marfi is a pretty experienced programmer, especially concerning the SkyStar2 stuff.

 

The DVBViewer Filter is simply more suitable for what we wanted to do in DVBViewer Pro/GE. It has been tailored for the DVBViewer. But that doesn't say anything about the quality in general.

 

Marfi has been very helpful in the past. E.g. without his knowledge and experience the multi-recording features of DVBViewer Pro/ GE would never have worked correctly, since he provided the information that was necessary to solve the bandwidth problem.

 

So it is not fair to write things about his filter, which would be insulting for him when he visits this forum.

[Hartwig]

So it is not fair to write things about his filter, which would be insulting for him when he visits this forum.

OK, sorry