T4 recorded files empty

[MichaelE]

Selected programs for recording (from Android app, PC TV guide or T4) show in My Week as selected and ready to be recorded. They start and stop recording at the correct time time (I have a 3 minute start margin and a 20 minute end margin) and have the solid red circle (destination folder) or text (timer list) showing that they are recording. When recording is complete, the entry in the timer list shows a duration of (23 + program length) minutes, but the entry in the destination folder (now with a solid green circle) shows a duration of 0:00, the size field is blank, and the file is empty.

I have tried changing the destination of recordings to an attached USB device, reformatting the HDD and finally, replacing the HDD, all with no success.

Everything seems to be in order except the recordings don't actually store anything.

I then checked each of the four tuners and the results were inconsistent in that each tuner letter at different times displayed in both red and green (when flipping through the channels).

I also noticed both signal strength and quality were consistently zero.

What would lead to all tuners failing at the same time, is there a common part that could be replaced?

TIA

[prl]

Is your recording device full? You can check in the media selection screen (MEDIA from live TV). The amount of free space is shown as Available at the bottom of the left-hand panel. And is the Disk size shown correct for the disk you use? If the size isn't correct, what path is shown at the top right of the screen (it should normally start /media/movie).

Have you checked the timer logs for any of the zero-length recordings? TIMER from live TV, scroll down to the recording, INFO (the i button). Does it show any errors?

[MichaelE]

Thanks Peter.

The HDD drive is empty - I saved the recordings to a seperate attached USB drive and reformatted the HDD. I ran a diskcheck as well. I also tried changing the recording destination to the USB drive.

No, the recording details show no errors, just the actions you'd expect:
Activating state 1
Found free space
Fileame calculated
Prepare OK
Activating state 2
Start recording
Activating state 3
Stop recording

[IanL-S]

Subject to anything that Peter may add, have you considered reinstallation of the firmware? It is possible that the firmware, or the settings have become corrupted. If you do not have the latest T4 firmware you can download it from my DropBox https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/tc1d4sz7um1njhs9k9ffn/AAz0Yx0CRX5-SVJvoPAx0Q4?rlkey=7abgvo9rfk01okuk1kk13v0xw&dl=0.

If you have any problems with the link, please let me know.

Ian

[prl]

I then checked each of the four tuners and the results were inconsistent in that each tuner letter at different times displayed in both red and green (when flipping through the channels).

IIRC, those indications show that the tuner has been allocated for use, not that it is functioning correctly. Red is for use for recording, green for live TV, and if a tuner is being used for both, it shows as green.

I also noticed both signal strength and quality were consistently zero.

That might show an antenna or antenna connection problem, rather than a tuner problem. It would explain why all 4 tuners show zero signal strength and quality.

What would lead to all tuners failing at the same time ...?

If it's not an antenna connection problem, failure of the voltage regulators that feed the tuners. That usually happens pairwise on the tuners, because a pair of regulators feed a pair of tuners.

... is there a common part that could be replaced?

This is a common fault on T4s caused IMO by poor thermal design on the heat sinks of the tuners. The poor thermal design causes overheating that can cause the regulators to fail and can also break down the thermal cement holding the heat sinks onto the regulators. The breakdown products are corrosive and can etch away printed circuit board tracks under and near the regulators. That can cause a number of problems in the T4.

If that's the cause, a professional repair shop may be the way to go. Nasa Electronics is still doing Beyonwiz repairs. You could ask them about the issues before you send the T4 in. https://www.nasaelectronics.com.au/