Pixelated and distorted audio while watching recording in progress

Channels DVR Server
#1

I have an issue where while I am watching a program that is currently recording, I get to a portion of the recording and is extremely pixelated and audio is distorted, making it unwatchable. If I tune to the “Live” channel, it works perfectly. It tends to happen worse when I am watching the recording within 10 minutes of it being “Live”. Also, if I were to watch the recording after it has finished recording and processed for commercials, it also works fine. It’s almost like the DVR is still working to write the file to the computer.

My setup has always been that I have a DVR running on a MacBook Air with the recordings going directly to the internal SSD. However, my MacBook Air is only connected to the network via wireless AC. It is right next to the access point, but I wonder if this could be the issue. Any thoughts? Thanks!

#2

Hmm, is your DVR not on a Dell PC? That’s where I see you installed it…

If you’re on Windows you need to make sure to disable flow control via the system tray icon for the DVR.

If not, then yea Wi-Fi is likely the issue. It’s really hard to record reliably over wifi, and when you start watching at the same time it doubles the bandwidth requirements. Wi-Fi isn’t full-duplex so that can put extra strain on the network.

#3

Ok thanks. That is what I was suspecting, but thought the AC network could handle it. Don’t have an easy solution to run an ethernet, but may have to drill some holes. Thanks!

#4

Check out power line or moca adapters for funneling traffic through your power lines or coax to get some heavy traffic off your WiFi.