I've been using MCE Buddy to reduce file sizes and remove commercials, and set it to put the converted file back in the same folder as the original recording. But when I try to play these shows in Channels it can't seem to play the files. They play fine in VLC. File format issue, or ??? Ideas? Thanks.
What is the error and where are you seeing it
Channels expects the files it records to remain the same. If you are going to post-process the original recording, you would be better served by moving them to a secondary location setup as a local import, and removing them from Channels DVR location. (This way both the duration and the commercial markers of the original will not be erroneously overlaid into your modified version.)
Tmm1 thanks for asking. On remote viewing error message "playback failed". On my PC (server) playback window opens, tries to play, then stops itself without initiating any playback. Tested play with files not touched by MCE and playback is fine.
Are the files named the same as the original, or are they given different extensions? What exactly are you having MCE Buddy do to the files?
Thanks I'll check file names and formats.
If using MCEBUDDY you should us the HDHomeRun profiles the final file will have an mpg extension.
Which profile? There are three under HDHomerun: unprocessed (this one I assume), h264 and h265.
Unprocessed means just that no Video Transcoding ... great for just cutting commercials ... the others transcode there are comments explaining them.
So just to be clear, the Unprocessed is the one that will make the converted file e mpg, and therefore "Channels compatible". Yes?
All the HdHomeRun Profiles will make it mpg.
MPG is just a container ... it can Contain MPEG2 ... H264 or H265.
In order to just replace the Video file in Channels DVR it must be the same name and end in mpg.