Playback stuttering while recording

Channels DVR Server
#1

I’ve found that playing back recordings while my server is recording other shows makes the playback stutter. My question is: what’s the likely source of this bottleneck? Is it likely my external hard drive (USB 3.0) or my server (M1 Mac mini)? I’m trying to figure out whether upgrading to an M2 Mac mini is likely to solve this problem.

#2

If your server is connected via wifi, wire it. The odds are you have a network issue of some sort.

2 Likes
#3

Likely

Highly unlikely

Absolutely not.

1 Like
#4

Thanks, but it’s not a wifi issue. My HD HomeRun units are wired, my server is wired, and even the Apple TV itself is wired.

#5

Thank you. What about the hard drive do you think is causing the bottleneck? Is it likely the USB 3.0 interface, or the fact that it’s a HDD (instead of an external SSD)?

#6

What drive is it?

1 Like
#7

It’s a 6TB WD Elements external drive.

#8

1 gig ethernet for the server and HD Home Run boxes? If you have multiple switches are the connections 1 gig ethernet?

When the stuttering is happening, try testing speed to the server.

1 Like
#9

Nothing. But the only other option you gave was the computer itself, which is highly unlikely.

The most likely culprit is your network.

1 Like
#10

All 1gb hard wired connections. And the stuttering goes away as soon as I stop the recordings.

#11

Thank you. I think I’ll try an external SSD and see if that makes a difference. I’ll report back when I have some results.

1 Like
#12

USB hard drive should be fast enough unless it is ill or your are recording many things at once. I'd start by change the cable between your server and switch. It could also be your switch. They don't last forever.

Good luck,
Morris

1 Like
#13

I'm happy to report that the problem was my external hard drive. With the new SSD I can record multiple shows AND watch recordings simultaneously without any stuttering whatsoever. Plus my system has never been snappier.

I'm not saying that Channels DVR can't work well with a spinning drive. I just think the performance of my old spinning drive had degraded to the point it wasn't up to the task.

Thanks to everyone who wrote here, and special thanks to u/racameron for discouraging me from needlessly upgrading my Mac mini.

1 Like
#14

Thanks for reporting back!

1 Like
#15

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