Two channels freezing upon start, without any audio

Channels Apple TV
,
#1

I'm back from a trip and noticed that two of my local channels are no longer tuning in. I've not had an issue with these two channels previously. These are ATSC 3.0 channels but none have DRM, at least not yet.

105.1 works fine. But 111.1 and 113.1 freeze, on the first frame. I checked Stats too and see this:

SCR-20250124-lccj
SCR-20250124-lccj1920Ă—1142 131 KB

I have Tuner Sharing disabled on the clients.

These same two channels continue to tune in fine using the HDHomeRun app. I rebooted the HDFX-4K box, but it didn't help.

I submitted diagnostics just now. Is there anything else I can try?

#2

Looks like an issue with the Audio.
Total Cache: 0.0s audio

#3

Yes, but the same channels tune in immediately, with sound, using the HDHomeRun app.

#4

Have you tried changing Settings > Playback > Advanced > Audio Driver and Video Driver

#5

Yes, I tried changing:
Audio Driver to Legacy (from Default)
Video Driver to Legacy (also from Default)
and also Surround Sound to Off.

None of these changes made a difference, so I changed them back.

#6

I remember seeing posts on here or the SD forum about some ATSC 3 stations using 8 channel (7.1) audio causing issues.

#7

Hmm, I can't find those posts.

Is there a way to determine if these two stations do now have 8 channel audio?
The HDHomeRun app doesn't have a "Stats" feature like the Channels client does.
That's an interesting explanation, but hopefully it doesn't preclude Channels from also being able tp play 2 channel stereo, or 5.1 surround, whatever works.

When playing them via the HDHomeRun app on tvOS, I just checked my Sonos app, and it's reporting the audio stream is 5.1 surround. I'm not sure if I can trust that, though.

The same channel (111.1) fails to load in Channels. I only see the first frame of video and then the wheel in the timeline spins and spins. I left it sitting there for a few minutes just to see what would happen, if an error message would ever display? Instead, after about 3 minutes, the video did start playing, to my surprise. But there's still no audio.

I changed the channel to 105.1 and that plays fine.

And then went back to the HDHomeRun app to check, and 111.1 plays fine there too. Man, the interface on that app sure is awful though.

I submitted more Diagnostics just now, in case it may help.

1 Like
#8

I mis-remembered :blush:
It was 10 channel audio ATSC 3.0 Channels Freeze - #2 by elvisimprsntr
which links to ATSC3 issues with audio/video
Another one HDR10 channel does not play

I would make short, 3 minute recordings of each problem channel.
Start watching Live, then start recording during program material (not commercials) and stop recording after three minutes.
Then open each recording in mediainfo to see what the audio tracks look like.

#9

@Edwin_Perez Mentioned 7.1 recently in beta firmware. Might be just for Mac though.

#10

Just tested 20250117beta1 on Connect 4K. Does not fix 10 channel no audio/video freeze problem.

The problem with my local Sinclair station is it is broadcasting in AC-4 5.1.4 10 channel audio, which 20250117beta1 does not address.

Model: HDHR5-4K
Device ID: 10816D14
Firmware: 20250117beta1

Screenshot 2025-01-25 at 9.40.06 AM
Screenshot 2025-01-25 at 9.40.06 AM1330Ă—844 139 KB

#11

And the HDHR app plays it with audio, correct?

#12

Correct. But not channels.

#13

Remember the HDHomeRun app if the device you are using does not support AC4 it will transcode it in the cloud to AC3.... so it will play regardless. Channels DVR does not do that.

#14

Guess we should wait to hear from @Fofer
We may be going down the wrong path for his issue

#15

I read the other threads (thanks!) and also tried this newest firmware beta, and I’m still having the same issue as “elvis” here. Same symptoms and end result. Sounds the same as all the others mentioning it for months in the other threads.

These channels aren’t playing via Channels, but they do play via HDHomeRun. I’m in Los Angeles, FWIW.

I’m not sure if it will help, but when I get home and have a chance I’ll make a recording.

#16

Some ATSC3 stations don't play correctly. It is a known issue. There is no fix possible at the moment.

#17

Dolby Atmos according to this post
https://www.avsforum.com/posts/63801694/
My guess would be 5.1.4 (10 channel)

And both KCOP and KTTV are Fox O&O stations.

#18

That is why I think that the HDHomeRun APP is transcoding the audio so it will play.

#19

I think so too, as mentioned earlier, my Sonos soundbar is reporting it as 5.1 surround.

#20

Dolby Atmos 9.1.6 ?
https://forum.silicondust.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=402758#p402758

Shows as HDR10 and Dolby Atmos 9.1.6