Live TV Works - DVR Doesn't

Channels DVR Server
#1

I am a long-time user who recently switched from an iMac to a 16" MB Pro running Big Sur. When I am plugged into my dock (which includes power) everything works as it should. I can view, record, and watch recordings whether the lid to my machine is open or closed. When I disconnect from my dock and power though it seems that I can access live TV but can't record or access my recordings. I saw an earlier post that said to enter a terminal command to tell the machine to wake on network access (think that was how it was titled). Did that and got a successful response, Still no joy. I have missed several shows. I don't always remember to either leave the case open or plug it back in so a fix for this, if one exists, would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rick H.

#2

What happens when you try?

#3

Are you also trying to watch from the laptop that is the server, or a different device? If a different device you may be dealing with an issue with the server IP changing when you go from docked (Ethernet) to undocked (wifi).

#4

A little different than what I originally thought. I mainly use this on my Apple TV. If the Channels app is open, even in the background then I can access live tv and and I can see the recording and it acts as if it's going to play when I select it but it never starts. I just have to cancel and go back. If, on the other hand, if I kill the app and restart it then it can't find the server at all. Now all of this is only if I have the lid closed. As long as it's open everything works just like it should.

#5

Thanks, but I don't think that is the issue. It works fine disconnected from the dock as long as I don't close the lild. Only when I close it do things stop working right on my other devices.

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#6

Disable sleep when lid closed

#7

The DVR requires an always-on device. When you close the lid it goes to sleep, and is no longer on. There is a auto-wake helper you can install via the mac menu bar icon for the DVR, but it doesn't work reliably.

#8

And I don’t believe it will work for devices on battery like a laptop.

Laptops are generally not recommended for Channels DVR Server.

#9

Thanks, but a laptop is my only choice. Think of my situation as a 4 state machine. On power/ on battery and case open/ case closed. The only state it doesn’t work perfectly is on battery/ case closed. And conditionally that one works some. From what I’m hearing my best bet is to leave it plugged in or open if I’m on battery and be glad it works as well as it does.

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#10

Maybe just grab a raspberry pi

#11

Perhaps this will be of some help...

#12

Hmm... I posted that before I read it all the way through. The solution is to hook up an external display before closing the lid.

Thing is, even if you can keep it from going to sleep when you close the lid while running off battery, it's only going to last a couple of hours before the battery drains and it has to shutdown.

#13

Thanks for all of the suggestions. What I finally ended up doing was buying and older 2014 Mac mini (Macs are what I know) and when it comes in it will be a dedicated server for ChannelsDVR. It was a little more expensive than a Raspberry PI but I think will be easier to set up. This one was listed as "Factory Sealed" so I will be curious to see if that means its actually a new unused device.

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