Aww geez, I guess I made the assumption that the Beta auto-updates (I'm assuming that's not correct). I'll go figure out how to update that and do another test.
Ok so using the latest beta (10.19.44), the black screen issue is also there.
Thanks @Fofer for pointing out that my Beta was well out of date.
Hi @tmm1, could you have a read through the rest of this thread. With some further testing it appears that this is a Channels DVR issue. I have installed a previous version and it works fine.
EDIT: Just tested with 4.6.4, the problem exists, so it looks like it was introduced with 4.6.4. It was ok in 4.6.3.
@tmm1 more information to help you pinpoint the issue. If I watch a Pluto channel it works ok (4.6.5), but on my hdhomerun channels it will go black.
@tmm1 can I get confirmation that this is indeed a Channels DVR issue? For now I've sideloaded 4.6.3 and have had to turn off auto updates.
Would be great to know that it's on the bug list and will be resolved at some point.
It was probably caused by this change:
This is something that's mandated by Google to stay in the play store.
I'm glad you found a workaround.
It's not really a long term workaround though, I'd still like to get updates.
Are you guys able to log issues with whomever makes the Android SDK?
@maddox @tmm1, sorry for tagging you directly, I would like to know if there will be some movement on this? I've had to turn off auto updates on my 3 TV's, which is definitely a hassle.
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Turning off updates is our recommendation at this time.
Is this something you're able to do? I'd like to know if you're planning to work on this issue.
Thanks
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The SDK was just a guess. If you want to try the version before and after that change that would confirm.
I'm happy to try that.
Can you tell me the versions before and after?
They're listed in the beta notes thread
You would have to find the beta apk for that version and sideload to test. I believe the apk urls are documented somewhere on the forum.
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Unfortunately this is another problem I've come to investigate before deciding whether to renew my Channels sub.
I'm in the UK and have this issue with live TV on channels as well - screen blanking out, sometimes as OP and just staying blank, other times flashing back to the picture. Probably to do with 25p/50i content.
Sad to say, but my solution is just to go back to Plex DVR, which I abandoned to come to Channels a year ago, which plays live TV and recordings much better (but not as good as 24p content) on my Sony Google TV's.
The more I look on this forum for issues I have the more I feel it's time to say goodbye to Channels as £60+ GBP is a lot of cash to hand over to something that just half works.
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I've always found the devs very responsive and most issues are fixed quickly, but I too am a little disheartened at the lack of support for the android client, especially when I'm paying a monthly subscription.
I'm hoping it's something that will be resolved, I don't really want to go back to Plex, but if I can never upgrade the client, that'll suck too.
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Just replying to you too, for me, going into settings > playback > steaming quality > original delivery quality > stream solved this issue for me (2017 Sony Android TV, AndroidTV 9 API/28), let me know if it helps!
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Hi, thanks for the tip. I've tried streaming before but I found the experience wasn't as nice, from memory it was slower to seek and paused/buffered more often.
Having said that, it might be worth the extra hassles if it means I can continue to upgrade.
In my experience, it takes about 2-3 seconds longer to tune to a channel. Upon starting playback, there is sometimes upto 2 stutters, but there is not any stutters once 30 seconds into playback. All of my clients are wired ethernet though, so your mileage may vary.
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I've just tested this and I still get the black screen 