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Hi.

I've done a rescan on the Skippa to pick up Rush 96.

All that has gone ok, but now there is no image in the guide for channel 22, ABCComedy/Kids.

I've tried a reboot, and waited a few hours. No change.

Sorry Daniel, none of those "solutions" are really workable
As I mentioned earlier, sometimes shows change channels, even networks and there are shows that only show on HD  (there was an example the other day, can't remember what it was)

Daniel's suggestion of removing the multicast HD channels from your setup would address the first problem perfectly. It would still allow you to record from channels broadcast only in HD, like SBS World Movies and Viceland HD.

The only regularly-occurring breakdown of SD/HD simulcast of the broadcaster's main channels I know of is when Perth broadcaster's channels go all pear-shaped to accommodate the local broadcaster's commitment to showing the AFL in HD.

If you could spell out in more detail when you think broadcasters show different programming on SD from what they're showing on HD on their main channel, it may help find a workaround that will suit you.

Thanks, but people keep missing the same point.

I WANT the HD multilcast channels to be there for the very occasional show that would be visually worthwhile recording in HD. e.g. a sci-fi movie or animal doco.

Otherwise I'd prefer the SD version every time.

So as to get to the best solution, why would you want to set "Prefer SD" every time you set a recording?

My 2c worth (seeing as I started this aspect of the topic):

• SD means smaller files on several near-capacity HDDs.
• I only use HD for shows that are worth it, like nature/space docs, some sci-fi.
• Playback of SD files seem to be smoother/quicker when it comes to ad jumping on multiple devices.
• HD files seem more prone to issues (reboots) on my Skippa during recording.

No need to remove the HD channels. Just use the Channel option as advised by Daniel Hall.

That still means I have to make a change on nearly every recording I set, which was the original complaint.

Regarding having to choose SD as we prefer HD the simple solution to that is to go to your IceTV Guide Settings in your account and disable every HD channel then SD will get chosen as we can't "Prefer HD". Also, I see you use an iPhone and the latest update removes the HD-SD choices so setting the option in your Guide Settings will become the only way to get SD every time, but its the easy way anyway.

Thanks for that.

I realise I could remove the HD channels, but then I wouldn't be able to record the occasional thing I do want in HD.

I don't actually use the iPhone app - just added it recently when I switched to an iPhone. I do the bulk of my scheduling on a laptop each morning.

I asked for this a couple of years ago: Would it be possible to always offer the last option used? e.g. stored in a cookie

I nearly always prefer SD, except for the odd sci-fi or nature show where HD is worth it. So nearly every timer I set requires me changing the "Any channel" (or previous, "Prefer HD") option to the SD equivalent, meaning an extra mouse click every time.

My reasons for preferring SD recordings:

• Skippas don't process ad skipping on HD recordings.
• Despite what you say, I still believe the SD vs HD filesize can be significant for a "bulging" HDD.
• My Skippa seems to struggle (and reboot) more often when recording HD, especially with multiple recordings.
• I believe that ad skipping, FF, RW, etc is more sluggish on HD recordings, on both the Skippa and my Beyonwiz.

Thanks for all the responses.

Would be interested to know if anyone else in Sydney with a Skippa detects 75. Mine has never had a problem with new channels in the past.

I'll also have a play with the audio output settings on the Beyonwiz.

Thanks MD.

The strange part is the Beyonwiz had correct guide data until I've now cleared the EPG cache. Now it is blank. And I still have no audio on that channel.

I seem to recall talk years ago about MPEG2 vs other formats. Could 75 be a different format, not supported by the Topfield or Skippa?

I've never actually used the TV tuner before, always watching TV content via attached devices. I've just rescanned the TV and it has picked up 75 and has audio, so at least I have an option if I ever do want to watch it.

I have rescanned my Beyonwiz, which detected the new channel 75, complete with guide data. I'm getting picture, but no audio.

I rescanned my Skippa but it does not appear to have detected 75.

I rescanned my old Topfield 5000, and it doesn't pick up 75 either. Even thought it is SD, it still can access HD channels - but just audio, no video.

Also, in my IceTV account Guide Settings, 75 does not appear.

Any thoughts on any of these issues? I'm in Sydney.

I'll take you up on that.

Will message you privately to make arrangements.

Thanks Tiphanee

Something appears to have gone screwy with the duplicate HD channels with daylight saving.

On both my Skippa and Beyonwiz, the guides have the HD channel shows one hour earlier compared to their SD channel equivalent.

In addition, all my timers have doubled up for these duplicate channels, as the shows are not occurring at the same time. 

I started having problems after a few months, with random reboots and lock ups.

I tried so many different things to pin down the cause, and had so many theories - power fluctuations, bad spots on the disk, overheating, internet dropouts, buggy code.

Like you, I always had content to watch and couldn't find an easy way of backing it up to watch or restore later, so I never found time to reformat the disk, to rule that out.

In the end I was lucky enough to get a second Skippa and, after swapping the disks over, finally realized that the problem was there. I ended up biting the bullet and exporting, deleting or watching my backlog, then just used the disk from the second Skippa. I did reformat the dodgy one, so I have a second unit ready to go if the current one dies. If that ever happens and it still plays up then at least I'll know the disk is genuinely faulty.

I had lots of errors so I replaced the hard disk. It has been going strong ever since.

Same here

Thanks Tim.

I looked through the Settings section, but it didn't occur to me that there was a format button on the remaining-space screen.

Once I've caught up on all my recordings I'll give it a go.

Chris