Remote streaming does not pass DVB subtitles

[iambenmitchell]

I first noticed this when subtitles weren't working, which is a 2nd bug. However, the first bug I am reporting here is that in the iOS channels app settings under Playback -> Streaming quality, everything is set to original and direct.

Despite this, the channels DVR server is transcoding the stream when not connected locally. Ie on 5G or another wifi network. I only noticed this because subtitles weren't working and upon checking my DVR server, it Is stating that it is transcoding.

The second bug in this report is that subtitles don't work when being transcoded. The source is a HDHR DVB-T2

[racameron]

Actually, Channels is remuxing, not transcoding. Remote viewing requires an HLS stream, while locally Channels serves TS. So, you're still getting the same audio and video data, but it looks like there's a problem when remuxing with DVBSUB.

[iambenmitchell]

Wouldn't it be a TS stream when set to direct? I thought direct functioned the same as if it was local

[racameron]

@iambenmitchell

Wouldn't it be a TS stream when set to direct?

No, as I understand it all remote streams are HLS.

[racameron]

I found this old thread about DVB subtitles and HLS. Perhaps Eric can check on the current status of this:

Channels DVR iOS App and VPN fails

Having these example files has been very helpful. I was able to make some changes that have allowed us to pass the DVB subtitles along to our client apps over HLS. This is not compliant with the HLS spec, so it won't be sent to browsers, but this is a big step forward for the client apps. I did notice there was a different strange issue with the Muumilaakso episode that caused the transcoder to hang forever and not make any progress. We haven't been able to identify what the issue is there, but…

[maddox]

Remote streaming is always HLS.

You can learn more here:

Streaming

[iambenmitchell]

Is there a solution? Not being able to view subtitles when not at home is really annoying. My grandfather is currently in hospital and would love to watch TV from his iPad. He is deaf and needs subtitles though.

I've already tested and channels works fine in the hospital, but with no subtitles

[eric]

What content is currently not working? I don't see any remote playback in your recent diagnostics.

[iambenmitchell]

Here is a screen recording https://youtu.be/99XLrde_bhs?si=VzqZH7Tx37lzaWlr

[eric]

Please submit diagnostics from the app after you do this.

[iambenmitchell]

DVR Diag: 610d1590-2146-405b-a43e-4c2b6be90297

iOS app diagnostics also sent, but wasn't given a code so I assume you'll see it show up anyway

[eric]

If you record the channel and play that back remotely, do you get subtitles that way?

[iambenmitchell]

Yes

[eric]

Please upload a 1-2 minute recording with the subtitles to:

https://www.dropbox.com/request/XBZmu4iplK3OmoWa3f1K

[iambenmitchell]

Have uploaded it now, when set to stream at home, there are no subtitles, when set to direct, there are subtitles

[eric]

It looks like you uploaded a screen capture or something. I need you to record a minute or two of video off of the air and then upload the raw recording from your DVR.

[iambenmitchell]

Ohh okay,

Recordings do have subtitles and they work when watched away from home. It Is only when watching something live do they not work when streaming.

Regardless, I'll upload a recording

[eric]

@fancybot

v2023.08.24.0128

• FIXED: Watching Live TV remotely or via Streaming would not always pass along closed caption data

Please update to the latest pre-release and let us know if this resolves the issue for you.

[iambenmitchell]

Seems to be fixed now thanks!

[jameseast]

Hi, just wanted to add that I was seeing the same issue but hadn't got around to creating a report, and the new pre-release version also fixes it for me. Many thanks!