Buffer error playing M3U8 files on PC

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Sat Sep 07, 2019 22:07

Hi,

I'm not sure if I have a network issue, a issue with my U4 or my PC ....

Anyway, I have saved several M3U8 files to stream live TV channels on my PC, using PotPlayer 64bit.

I can successfully watch the stream, however, after a period of time, generally, but not always, around 55-60 mins, the playback fails with a buffer error.

In the top left corner of the screen, PotPlayer displays:

Buffering: 0% complete

At this point I need to stop the playback and hit play again to restart.

However, after the 1st occurrence the buffer error becomes far more frequent. Restarting PotPlayer itself seems to help a little bit.

I get the same issue when I use VLC.

Whether or not the U4 is powered on and we are watching TV or a video and maybe recording or the U4 is in stand-by has no affect on the buffer error.

The U4 [FW: 17.5.20190207 (17.5-819-gdd3f1fa)] is connected to a 4 port GB switch, ASUS RT-AC86U router & PC is Windows 8.1 64Bit Pro.

All connections are wired using Cat6 cable and the U4 shows link speed of 1Gb/s. For this reason, I'm not sure that it's a network problem.

I've tried looking for options to increase the buffer size both in PotPlayer and on the U4 ... but haven't found any (probably looking in the wrong place).

I intend to upgrade to v19.3 FW shortly, but would doing so be a possible fix?

Any and all help to resolve this problem will greatly appreciated.

TIA
Barry...

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Sat Sep 07, 2019 22:30

My first thought is you've hit a Samba 2GB file size issue. If so, even a Windows file copy would bork it too.

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 00:03

You'll have to excuse my ignorance ... but what's Samba got to do with it? Is that what's PotPlayer, windows or the U4 using "under the covers" to steam the video?

I could understand that for when when the I been streaming for a 50 mins or so but I'm not entirely sure the 2gb limit would explain the buffer errors when it's only been 5 mins or so since the last buffer error.

Paul_oz53 · Post by **Paul_oz53** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 03:09

Samba is the network protocol and, over the years, we have had frequent issues with file copying and transfers at 2GB.

Changes in versions of Samba, security settings and Microsoft settings have all played a part. In 19.3 we experienced some issues that have been resolved by a number of changes in the Samba configuration files. These changes may also affect your issue.

I occasionally stream but haven't encountered this problem. But, it may be that you are the only user streaming for more than 30 mins. If so, you may have found a long standing bug or possibly one related to Samba file locking. If so, 19.3 may help if file locking is the culprit.

Can't guarantee it will work but 17.5 is no longer under development. If you're keen, you could try adding the following settings now in 19.3 to your smb_user.conf file after making a backup :

Code: Select all

oplocks = no
level2 oplocks = no
strict locking = no
posix locking = no

Better to just upgrade to 19.3 and see if it is resolved. If not, at least there is a chance it will be investigated, if not resolved. There's no chance on 17.5!

MrQuade · Post by **MrQuade** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 03:47

BazzaG wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 08, 2019 00:03
You'll have to excuse my ignorance ... but what's Samba got to do with it? Is that what's PotPlayer, windows or the U4 using "under the covers" to steam the video?

You are correct, there is no interaction with Samba with what you are doing.

Though I am not sure what the error would be.
Try checking the U4 logs, or log in and check its memory usage when you are approaching the 55-60 minute mark....see if the U4 is running out of resources perhaps.

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 09:59

MrQuade wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 08, 2019 03:47

BazzaG wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 08, 2019 00:03
You'll have to excuse my ignorance ... but what's Samba got to do with it? Is that what's PotPlayer, windows or the U4 using "under the covers" to steam the video?
You are correct, there is no interaction with Samba with what you are doing.

I'm back in my box in that regard then

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 10:39

I've been streaming live TV using MX Player (invoked from wizos) on a Nexus 7 tablet from a T2 on 17.5.20180417 for over 3 hours now - no apparent issue, video is still playing.

Debug log shows tuner has remained allocated to the broadcaster/transponder (no retunes), no additional service allocations for this streamed service neither.

Different model, firmware, display device/software to your setup of course.

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 11:33

I streamed live TV using PotPlayer on a Win10 PC from a U4 on 19.3.20190818 for 70 mins and then the image froze and I got the 'Buffering : 0% complete' display in the top-left - I thought "aha, here 'tis" and then when I went to telnet in to check on resources I realised the U4 had shutdown due to a Power Timer (but of course that's not a streaming issue).

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 14:45

I streamed 7mate via MX Player on a Nexus 7 from the U4 for 2 hours, without issues.
Simultaneously, 9Gem HD Perth was streamed via PotPlayer on a Win10 PC from the U4 without issues for those 2 hours (plus a few mins extra).

I stopped that earlier T2 streaming test after it had past the 5 hour mark.

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 19:56

Thanks for the replies.

While I don't stream a TV channel all that frequently, except when the cricket is on or there is a TV show that my wife doesn't want to watch.

Anyway, I find this buffer problem very frustrating.

Early this morning, I was watching the cricket and at the tea break I stopped the stream & shutdown PotPlayer. After the tea break I restarted the stream & at 1st it work just fine. Then over a 10 min period I experienced about 5 or 6 buffer errors. On each occasion, I hit the STOP button and then after a few secs the PLAY button.

When the Aussies declared their 2nd innings closed I thought it was time to get some shut-eye. At this time, the stream had been running error free for 1hr & 44mins!! This is probably the longest uninterrupted stream I've ever had.

Over this time the U4 was in standby mode, although it was recording a movie on SBS which finished at 02:25am. Shortly afterwards I copied it and another movie recording to my PC without any affect on the video stream.

As I said very frustrating since I cannot identify any particularly action or whatever that triggers the problem.

Now as to some other stuff ...

I'll upgrade to v19.3 ASAIC ... as soon as I find the time. Out of interest ... how long does a upgrade via USB take?

With regards to Unix/Linux ... I have virtually no experience at all.

Well the cricket is about to start, hopefully the Aussies will win. On the U4, we are watching & recording the ABC and recording 2 SBS channels.

We'll see what happens.

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 20:46

Do you have a tablet you can test live streaming on (i.e. a different platform to test)?

Do you have the same issue if you stream a recording (even chase-playing a current recording)?

A USB firmware flash and settings restore/reboot should take you about 5 mins or so (but don't forget to take a settings backup first).
Then you need to re-install any non-standard plugins and packages.

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 21:00

I don't have a tablet but I do have a mobile phone (Nokia 7+) running Android 1 (Pie). I haven't tried to stream to it. Not sure what I would need installed on the phone to do so (if anything).

I have streamed a recording to my PC once before but I can't remember what happened. If I get a chance, I'll try again during the lunch break in the cricket.

Thanks for the update time ... I thought it would take a lot longer than 5 mins. Yet I intend to take a backup immediately before doing the upgrade. No non-standard plugins ... just IceTV. This is something I haven't had a chance to really look at what's available either as provided by the FW or outside.

So far I've had 2 interruptions:

After 18:52. The restart failed with Buffering: 99% complete and froze. I had to restart PotPlayer to start streaming again.
After 23:53. (8:46pm) Restarted OK.

I suspect the problem might be on my PC but I have NO idea how to diagnose the problem.

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 21:22

Problem occurred just again ...

After 15:17 (9:02pm) Restarted OK.

I checked the SYSLOG on the ASUS RT-AC86U and noticed these msgs:

Sep 8 20:19:30 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:xx:yy
Sep 8 20:19:30 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:xx:yy BazzaG_PC_01
Sep 8 20:26:36 acsd: selected channel spec: 0x1005 (5)
Sep 8 20:26:36 acsd: Adjusted channel spec: 0x1005 (5)
Sep 8 20:26:36 acsd: selected channel spec: 0x1005 (5)
Sep 8 20:41:39 acsd: selected channel spec: 0x1005 (5)
Sep 8 20:41:39 acsd: Adjusted channel spec: 0x1005 (5)
Sep 8 20:41:39 acsd: selected channel spec: 0x1005 (5)
Sep 8 20:46:27 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:xx:yy
Sep 8 20:46:27 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:xx:yy BazzaG_PC_01
Sep 8 20:56:41 acsd: selected channel spec: 0x1005 (5)
Sep 8 20:56:41 acsd: Adjusted channel spec: 0x1005 (5)
Sep 8 20:56:41 acsd: selected channel spec: 0x1005 (5)
Sep 8 21:02:37 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:xx:yy
Sep 8 21:02:37 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:xx:yy BazzaG_PC_01

I have NO idea what the "acds: ...." msgs are. Might have to ask over on the Merlin forum.

I know the other msgs are to do with DNS but again I'm not sure what they are saying. However, the time of the msg matches the time of the buffering error.

The IP address is my PC. I assign a fixed or static IP address to all my internet connected devices.

Barry...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edit 1 ...

As I suspected the "acsd .... " msgs are to do with WiFi. So should have no affect on this issue. Looks like a bug in the ASUS FW for the last 2 or 3 releases.

It's lunch in the cricket & the last stream length was 1hr with no issues.

Will now stream a recording ...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edit 2 ...

I created a M3U8 file for a recording (a movie I recorded on the SBS World Movie channel) and tried to stream it but just had playback issues. It would play for a few secs, then skip a little, play & then skip. Eventually the image froze but the sound continued. Also, got a BUFFERING issue during 1 of my attempts to stream the recording. Gave up.

No DNS errors in the router SYSLOG though.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edit 3 ...

I said in a earlier post how frustrating this problem is and I'll conclude on the same note.

No problems at all during the arvo session ... 2hrs 45mins with no interruptions.

I did see this is the router SYSLOG:

Sep 8 23:33:33 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.31 00:16:b4:06:xx:yy
Sep 8 23:33:33 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.31 00:16:b4:06:xx:yy Beyonwiz_U4

but didn't cause a issue.

Anyway, thanks for listening or should I say ... reading.

Barry...

peteru · Post by **peteru** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 10:31

Are you streaming the original TV transport stream data or are you transcoding the stream?

If you are on a LAN, I suggest not using the transcoded version.

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 12:12

I'm choosing the non-transcoded stream and its entirely within my LAN with all devices via wired connections.

The path would be: PC <-> RT-AC86U <-> 4 Port GB switch <-> U4

On the switch only 2 ports are in use (U4 & TV) as the U4 replaced a Optus Fetch Mighty & a old Strong PVR.

MrQuade · Post by **MrQuade** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 12:34

Are you running and third party firewall software on your PC? (zonealarm/bitdefender etc?)

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 12:59

Yep, ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall and their AV.

MrQuade · Post by **MrQuade** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 13:01

BazzaG wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 09, 2019 12:59
Yep, ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall and their AV.

I'd try temporarily disabling the firewall component and see if you can stream past the hour then. It might be terminating the stream on you. I have heard of other firewall products doing similar things to LAN video streams.

Maybe see if there is anything listed in the Zonealarm logs (if any exist).

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 13:06

I had previously looked at the logs but I'll take another look. I would have expected ZAP to raise an alert if it tried to block anything.

I also managed to stream the cricket early this morning for 2hrs 45mins without any interruptions prior to going to bed at the tea break in the cricket.

MrQuade · Post by **MrQuade** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 13:25

BazzaG wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 09, 2019 13:06
I had previously looked at the logs but I'll take another look. I would have expected ZAP to raise an alert if it tried to block anything.

It's possibly not actually blocking anything, but rather could be performing some sort of background operation on the NIC that momentarily interrupts in-progress streams.

Just speculation though, and worth an experiment.

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 13:44

BazzaG wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 08, 2019 21:00
I don't have a tablet but I do have a mobile phone (Nokia 7+) running Android 1 (Pie). I haven't tried to stream to it. Not sure what I would need installed on the phone to do so (if anything).

{snipped}

I suspect the problem might be on my PC but I have NO idea how to diagnose the problem.

You can try installing the WizOS or Gigablue Player apps onto your phone and use those to stream live TV or recordings.

Additionally, installing a file manager that can access your lan will let you explore to the U4's 'Movie' share and you can then playback the recording with a chosen app (e.g. MX Player). Examples: Total Commander, X-plore, Solid Explorer.
Also some video player apps can explore the lan and play recordings directly (e.g. BSPlayer).

I don't know if the above can be installed on Android One though.

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 20:02

I was streaming the ABC HD channel for almost 4 hours until these msgs was issued:

Sep 9 19:26:25 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:xx:yy
Sep 9 19:26:25 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:xx:yy BazzaG_PC_01

I have no idea why or what these msgs mean, other than they have something to do with DHCP/DNS.

MrQuade · Post by **MrQuade** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 20:41

BazzaG wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 09, 2019 20:02
I was streaming the ABC HD channel for almost 4 hours until these msgs was issued:

Sep 9 19:26:25 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:xx:yy
Sep 9 19:26:25 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:xx:yy BazzaG_PC_01

I have no idea why or what these msgs mean, other than they have something to do with DHCP/DNS.

Did that coincide with a loss of the stream?

That's just a DHCP lease renewal and something that will normal happen on a regular basis. It shouldn't cause the stream to stop.

What device is BazzaG_PC_01?

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 22:02

MrQuade wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 09, 2019 20:41
Did that coincide with a loss of the stream?

Yes.

Since I've began looking more deeply into this issue and trying to find a cause, every 'Buffering: 0% complete' error has corresponded with the DHCP msgs in my router SYSLOG.

As far as I can tell it's the cause of the problem ... which is NOT to say that it is the cause. I also agree with you that it shouldn't be cause. The other issue is that ALL my network connected devices has a fixed or static IP address assigned ... so why do a renew? I guess that's the way DHCP works.

There doesn't appear to be anything incorrect in these settings:

Enable the DHCP Server: Yes
Hide DHCP/RA queries: No
RT-AC86U's Domain Name:
IP Pool Starting Address: 192.168.1.2
IP Pool Ending Address: 192.168.1.254
Lease time: 86400
Default Gateway:

One comment though is that the 'Lease time' of 86400 appears *NOT* to be honoured as I see these DHCP msgs for ALL my devices at various intervals, usually several times a day. Sometimes hours apart, sometimes a lot less.

Unfortunately, my network knowledge be it, hardware or software is not very strong.

MrQuade wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 09, 2019 20:41
What device is BazzaG_PC_01?

That's the name of my desktop PC that I'm streaming the TV channel to.

peteru · Post by **peteru** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 22:05

That sounds very much like an intermittent cable or Ethernet port somewhere. The interface is going up and down randomly and whenever it comes back, the DHCP renew kicks in.

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 22:24

peteru wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 09, 2019 22:05
That sounds very much like an intermittent cable or Ethernet port somewhere.

Sounds plausible but for *EVERY* device including 2 wireless devices (our mobile phones) as well.

I don't see any other msg in my SYSLOG that would or could indicate a port(s) bouncing.

All the internet cables were brand new CAT6 cables when I rewired my home network about 6 years ago.

I do have a "Sam Knows" monitor router in the path. It's not supposed to cause any changes to my network and I'm 99.9% certain I installed the U4 *BEFORE* I installed the Sam Knows router. I've been experiencing the buffer error from the very 1st time I tried to stream a TV channel from the U4 a few months back.

In the end I got "sick & tied" of the problem, I open this thread in hope that I/we can identify the cause & fix it.

MrQuade · Post by **MrQuade** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 22:38

BazzaG wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 09, 2019 22:24

Sounds plausible but for *EVERY* device including 2 wireless devices (our mobile phones) as well.

Oh, that log snippet was taken from your dhcp server, not the U4? I was wondering why it referenced your PC, that makes sense.

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 22:39

A small update ...

I normally have a printer switched off and turn it on only when I need to print something. I did so earlier tonight and in the RT-AC86U SYSLOG I see:

Sep 9 20:26:20 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.5 f4:81:39:bd:dc:be
Sep 9 20:26:20 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.5 f4:81:39:bd:dc:be Canon_MX926
Sep 9 20:38:02 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPRELEASE(br0) 192.168.1.5 f4:81:39:bd:dc:be

Given that it was last turned on a few days ago, fair enough but what's interesting was the third msg above.

The 3rd msg is *NOT* issued when I get a buffer error or when I get these msgs for my other devices at various times during the day.

Given that it *appears* that the cause might be my router, I probably should ask a few questions over on Merlin's SNBForums.

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 22:41

MrQuade wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 09, 2019 22:38
Oh, that log snippet was taken from your dhcp server

Yep. I have no idea how to look for any similar msg on the U4.

Could you please give me a quick guide ?

TIA...

peteru · Post by **peteru** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 23:04

I'm running an ancient Merlin 376.44_beta3 (nothing newer available for my RT-N16), which has been stable. I turned off the router DHCP server since I've got a more complex dnsmasq setup on a Gentoo box that provides a lot more infrastructure.

The dnsmasq DHCP messages are as one would expect. You turned your printer on at 20:26:20, the printer obtained an IP address and released it again at 20:38:02 when you were done with the printer.

It does not sounds like your router is the problem. I'd suspect the connection to the PC first. Try different switch port with new patch cables on both the router and PC side. Or at least reseat the cables or swap them with other devices to see if the problem follows the port or the cable.

peteru · Post by **peteru** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 23:08

BazzaG wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 09, 2019 22:41
I have no idea how to look for any similar msg on the U4.

You won't find them there. The U4 does not run a DHCP server.

There should be exactly one DHCP server on your network. If you have more than one DHCP server, expect things to be very, very broken in totally unpredictably intermittent ways. (BTW: Turning on Windows Internet connection sharing enables a DHCP server on the PC)

MrQuade · Post by **MrQuade** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 23:18

BazzaG wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 09, 2019 22:41
Yep. I have no idea how to look for any similar msg on the U4.

Could you please give me a quick guide ?

As PeterU says, you won't see DCHP server messages, but you can look at other system generated information that may help understand the issue.

You'd need to set up a network password on the U4 so you can log into it using telnet or ssh. MENU->Setup->Network->Password

You can then log in and look at the system generated log files in /var/log

You can view them with a command like
cat /var/log/messages
cat /var/log/dmesg

You can also then ftp into the U4 from your PC and download those log files for viewing elsewhere.

But as PeterU says, it sounds like the problem isn't on the U4.

For the record I also run Merlin firmware (v 384.13) on a RT-AC86U, and I do see DHCP leases being renewed about twice as frequently as my lease time suggests. But that is normal for the device to re-request at about the halfway expired point.

Since you are running this router, and you trust the devices on your own LAN, then I would also say that you can turn off that zonealarm firewall on your PC entirely too....it's not going to be very useful for you, and may end up causing problems.

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 12:17

I can absolutely confirm that the "Buffering: 0% complete" msg and the dnsmasq-dhcp[763] msg are at the very least linked.

Started streaming @ 10:04:xx
Stream Length: 00:03:xx (as shown in PotPlayer)
Sep 10 10:07:06 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4
Sep 10 10:07:06 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4 BazzaG_PC_01

Restarted 10:08:xx
Stream Length: 00:10:09 (as shown in PotPlayer)
Sep 10 10:19:15 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4
Sep 10 10:19:15 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4 BazzaG_PC_01

Restarted 10:22:xx
Stream Length: 00:05:29 (as shown in PotPlayer)
Sep 10 10:27:24 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4
Sep 10 10:27:24 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4 BazzaG_PC_01

I also noticed today that the DHCP lease time restarts its countdown from 24hrs.

Something aren't right as I got this for the U4:

Sep 10 11:33:33 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.31 00:16:b4:06:c5:a0
Sep 10 11:33:33 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.31 00:16:b4:06:c5:a0 Beyonwiz_U4

While I don't remember the exact time remaining on DHCP lease, I do know that it was >12 hrs ... it was more like 16 hours remaining.

MrQuade wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 09, 2019 23:18
For the record I also run Merlin firmware (v 384.13) on a RT-AC86U, and I do see DHCP leases being renewed about twice as frequently as my lease time suggests. But that is normal for the device to re-request at about the halfway expired point.

You have the same router at the same FW level as I do, yet it would appear that you aren't experiencing the same issue. Strange.

Time to leave this thread for now and try to get some answer over on the Merlin forum.

Thanks to all
Barry...

MrQuade · Post by **MrQuade** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 12:40

BazzaG wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 12:17
Time to leave this thread for now and try to get some answer over on the Merlin forum.

BazzaG wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 09, 2019 22:24
I do have a "Sam Knows" monitor router in the path. It's not supposed to cause any changes to my network and I'm 99.9% certain I installed the U4 *BEFORE* I installed the Sam Knows router. I've been experiencing the buffer error from the very 1st time I tried to stream a TV channel from the U4 a few months back.

I wouldn't discount this as a potential source of problems either.
I don;t know much about this device, but if it is sitting in between your devices, then it has the potential to interfere, especially if it is intercepting packets and not just sniffing the network.

If you can bypass this temporarily, it would be worthwhile at least ruling it out of the equation.

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 12:55

MrQuade wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 12:40
If you can bypass this temporarily,

I intend to do just that but it most likely have to wait until later today (Monday & Tuesday are daycare days for our grand children).

If that doesn't fix the problem then tomorrow (or Thursday) I intend to do a factory reset on the router, re-format JFFS partition, etc. etc.

and if that doesn't work .... then I really have *NO* idea.

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 13:09

BazzaG wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 12:17
I can absolutely confirm that the "Buffering: 0% complete" msg and the dnsmasq-dhcp[763] msg are at the very least linked.

You've previously posted in section "Edit 3 ..." that the cricket streaming of 2h:45m had the DHCP renewals but this didn't cause you an issue.

Are the issues only with live TV streaming? I didn't draw any strong conclusion on streaming recordings from your section "Edit 2 ..." in an earlier post.
If so, perhaps an interrupted broadcast signal? Or perhaps only if using the USB tuner? The standard Beyonwiz USB tuner is known to have minor glitching issues with its ITE chipset.

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 13:54

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 13:09
that the cricket streaming of 2h:45m had the DHCP renewals but this didn't cause you an issue.

Oops major typo there ... I meant to say that I had DHCP renewal for the U4 during that time but it didn't cause a streaming error.

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 13:09
Are the issues only with live TV streaming?

Yes. If it wasn't for the streaming errors, I probably wouldn't have even looked at the router SYSLOG, nor at ZAP logs or anything else. No other device experiences any obvious error when there DHCP renewal msgs are issued.

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 13:09
streaming recordings from your section

Streaming a recording FAILS with fare more significant errors. Essentially they are UNwatchable via streaming. Personally I don't really care, even if I should be able to do so without any problems. If I want to watch a recording on my PC, I rather copy the recording to my PC 1st.

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 13:09
perhaps an interrupted broadcast signal?

Maybe possible but I very, very rarely get any signal breakup at any other time on any channel.

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 13:09
Or perhaps only if using the USB tuner? The standard Beyonwiz USB tuner is known to have minor glitching issues with its ITE chipset.

I can't answer this question. I'm streaming ABC channel right now & the U4 is standby mode. If I go to OpenWebif & select "Box Info" under Tuners section it has:

Tuner A Si21682 (DVB-T2)
Tuner B Si21682 (DVB-T2)
Tuner C Si21682 (DVB-T2)
Tuner D DVB-T TV Stick (DVB-T)

There is NO indication as to which tuner is being used.

I just tuned the U4 on & now it has:

Tuner A Si21682 (DVB-T2)
DVB-T / ABC HD

The others are as above.

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 14:26

BazzaG wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 13:54

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 13:09
that the cricket streaming of 2h:45m had the DHCP renewals but this didn't cause you an issue.

Oops major typo there ... I meant to say that I had DHCP renewal for the U4 during that time but it didn't cause a streaming error.

I'm a bit confused - no streaming error?

BazzaG wrote:
Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 13:09
streaming recordings from your section

Streaming a recording FAILS with fare more significant errors. Essentially they are UNwatchable via streaming. Personally I don't really care, even if I should be able to do so without any problems. If I want to watch a recording on my PC, I rather copy the recording to my PC 1st.

But is that because you're creating an M3U8 file for the recording (as posted in "Edit 2 ..." section).
You don't need to do that -

Open a command window and enter start \\beyonwizu4 and press enter.
Or enter \\beyonwizu4 into a run prompt (WIN+R) and click OK.
Or enter \\beyonwizu4 into the address bar in Windows File Explorer.

All methods should open an explorer view of the U4's 'Movie' Samba share. Then select a recording file (the {name}.ts file) and open it with PotPlayer.

BazzaG wrote:
Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 13:09
Or perhaps only if using the USB tuner? The standard Beyonwiz USB tuner is known to have minor glitching issues with its ITE chipset.

I can't answer this question. I'm streaming ABC channel right now & the U4 is standby mode. If I go to OpenWebif & select "Box Info" under Tuners section it has:

Tuner A Si21682 (DVB-T2)
Tuner B Si21682 (DVB-T2)
Tuner C Si21682 (DVB-T2)
Tuner D DVB-T TV Stick (DVB-T)

There is NO indication as to which tuner is being used.

I just tuned the U4 on & now it has:

Tuner A Si21682 (DVB-T2)
DVB-T / ABC HD

The others are as above.

Yes, OWIF doesn't indicate the tuner used for streaming. Zap live TV to the same service as you did and confirm via the infobar (or OWIF 'Box Info').
If you have debug logging enabled, then the log will indicate the tuner in use, without the need to zap.

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 15:24

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 14:26
I'm a bit confused - no streaming error?

During the 2h 45m I was streaming the cricket I noticed these msgs were issued for the U4 in the router SYSLOG:

Sep dd hh:mm:ss dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.31 00:16:b4:06:c5:a0
Sep dd hh:mm:ss dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.31 00:16:b4:06:c5:a0 Beyonwiz_U4

Even though the U4 went through a DHCP renewal it did NOT cause any issue to the live TV stream.

The Live TV stream is ONLY interrupted when the router initiates a DHCP renewal for my desktop PC on which I'm watching the live TV stream, such as these earlier today (while I was test streaming & both caused the stream to fail):

Sep 10 12:31:24 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4
Sep 10 12:31:24 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4 BazzaG_PC_01

Sep 10 12:37:05 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4
Sep 10 12:37:05 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4 BazzaG_PC_01

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 14:26
But is that because you're creating an M3U8 file for the recording (as posted in "Edit 2 ..." section).
You don't need to do that -

Yes I know, but I was trying to replicate the same or similar situation streaming a recording rather than Live TV.

I can watch a recording via Windows Explorer & selecting the .ts file just fine.

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 14:26
Zap live TV to the same service as you did and confirm via the infobar (or OWIF 'Box Info').

Sorry I'm not entirely sure what you are trying to say here. No doubt my ignorance of all things Beyonwiz is getting in the way. I'm know that "Zap" means to change channels.

Having said that 'Box Info' Tuner section that I Cut&Paste I was watching the ABC on the TV and streaming the ABC to my PC.

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 14:26
If you have debug logging enabled, then the log will indicate the tuner in use, without the need to zap.

I presume the default is OFF. From an earlier post I believe I have to access these logs via Telnet or SSH. I don't have either utility installed.

I would have thought that the ability to read the logs would have been exposed in the GUI, ie. there would be a option in the GUI to read/view/download the log file(s), rather than using Telnet or SSH to do so.

As I said in a much earlier post that don't have any experience using UNIX/Linux OS's. Even if I installed Telnet or SSH I'm not entirely sure that I would know what commands to issue to read the logs.

MrQuade · Post by **MrQuade** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 16:39

BazzaG wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 15:24
Even though the U4 went through a DHCP renewal it did NOT cause any issue to the live TV stream.

The Live TV stream is ONLY interrupted when the router initiates a DHCP renewal for my desktop PC on which I'm watching the live TV stream, such as these earlier today (while I was test streaming & both caused the stream to fail):

Sep 10 12:31:24 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4
Sep 10 12:31:24 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4 BazzaG_PC_01

Sep 10 12:37:05 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4
Sep 10 12:37:05 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4 BazzaG_PC_01

So it is pointing more and more at a problem at the PC end.

Since the PC is asking for a leas renewal far more often than the lease period, then we'd have to go back to PeterU's suggestion that there may be a hardware issue in the PC's cable, or even the PC's NIC.

Have you had a look through your PC's event log to see if there are any corresponding errors there?

Open Event Viewer, go to "Windows Logs" and then "System". There will be a ton of entries in there, but look for ones with yellow or red "Level" icons.

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 16:51

BazzaG wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 15:24

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 14:26
I'm a bit confused - no streaming error?

During the 2h 45m I was streaming the cricket I noticed these msgs were issued for the U4 in the router SYSLOG:

Sep dd hh:mm:ss dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.31 00:16:b4:06:c5:a0
Sep dd hh:mm:ss dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.31 00:16:b4:06:c5:a0 Beyonwiz_U4

Even though the U4 went through a DHCP renewal it did NOT cause any issue to the live TV stream.

The Live TV stream is ONLY interrupted when the router initiates a DHCP renewal for my desktop PC on which I'm watching the live TV stream, such as these earlier today (while I was test streaming & both caused the stream to fail):

Sep 10 12:31:24 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4
Sep 10 12:31:24 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4 BazzaG_PC_01

Sep 10 12:37:05 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPREQUEST(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4
Sep 10 12:37:05 dnsmasq-dhcp[763]: DHCPACK(br0) 192.168.1.10 74:d0:2b:80:1a:e4 BazzaG_PC_01

Okay, penny's dropped - PC lease renewal causes issues, U4 renewal does not.
Perhaps disable the software firewall for a while as previously suggested by MrQuade.

BazzaG wrote:
Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 14:26
But is that because you're creating an M3U8 file for the recording (as posted in "Edit 2 ..." section).
You don't need to do that -

Yes I know, but I was trying to replicate the same or similar situation streaming a recording rather than Live TV.

I can watch a recording via Windows Explorer & selecting the .ts file just fine.

But that's streaming too.
So (direct) Samba streaming of a recording is fine on your PC.
But you had (have) issues with the http file streaming as initiated from OWIF (the http://beyonwizu4:8001/file?file=/media ... {recording file name}.ts)?
I don't anything about the differences to help there.

BazzaG wrote:
Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 14:26
Zap live TV to the same service as you did and confirm via the infobar (or OWIF 'Box Info').

Sorry I'm not entirely sure what you are trying to say here. No doubt my ignorance of all things Beyonwiz is getting in the way. I'm know that "Zap" means to change channels.

Having said that 'Box Info' Tuner section that I Cut&Paste I was watching the ABC on the TV and streaming the ABC to my PC.

Not initially, you had the U4 in standby hence the copy/paste of 'Box Info' indicated no tuner in use.

BazzaG wrote:
Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 14:26
If you have debug logging enabled, then the log will indicate the tuner in use, without the need to zap.

I presume the default is OFF. From an earlier post I believe I have to access these logs via Telnet or SSH. I don't have either utility installed.

I would have thought that the ability to read the logs would have been exposed in the GUI, ie. there would be a option in the GUI to read/view/download the log file(s), rather than using Telnet or SSH to do so.

As I said in a much earlier post that don't have any experience using UNIX/Linux OS's. Even if I installed Telnet or SSH I'm not entirely sure that I would know what commands to issue to read the logs.

Yes, debug logging is off as a default.
One can view the logs (any of them, e.g. messages, dmesg, debug, samba) by using File Commander and navigating to the file and pressing TEXT to bring up the editor/viewer.
File Commander can also be used to copy said log files to USB, internal drive (for fetching over the network), network share.

prl · Post by **prl** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 17:14

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 16:51
One can view the logs (any of them, e.g. messages, dmesg, debug, samba) by using File Commander and navigating to the file and pressing TEXT to bring up the editor/viewer.

... provided the file is less than 1MB in size. The viewer is also pretty clunky for files of any size, and lacks any search capability.

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 16:51
File Commander can also be used to copy said log files to USB, internal drive (for fetching over the network), network share.

I almost always copy log files I want to examine to my Mac, unless I can find what I'm looking for using the commandline less file paginator on the Beyonwiz. I use a different method that's more convenient for me, but at least the File Commander copy operation doesn't apply arbitrary size limits.

Grumpy_Geoff · Post by **Grumpy_Geoff** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 17:31

prl wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 17:14

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 16:51
One can view the logs (any of them, e.g. messages, dmesg, debug, samba) by using File Commander and navigating to the file and pressing TEXT to bring up the editor/viewer.

... provided the file is less than 1MB in size. The viewer is also pretty clunky for files of any size, and lacks any search capability.

I keep forgetting about that limitation.

prl wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 17:14

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 16:51
File Commander can also be used to copy said log files to USB, internal drive (for fetching over the network), network share.

I almost always copy log files I want to examine to my Mac, unless I can find what I'm looking for using the commandline less file paginator on the Beyonwiz. I use a different method that's more convenient for me, but at least the File Commander copy operation doesn't apply arbitrary size limits.

I almost always view the debug log on my Windows PC using TextPad from a Samba share of the log directory. TMTOWTDI

prl · Post by **prl** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 17:43

Grumpy_Geoff wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 17:31
TMTOWTDI

Indeed, the options are rich and varied.

I use scp for the transfer (too many test machines to be bothered setting up shares), and the sam text editor to view them. Sam is an editor originally written for the Bell Labs Blit/Teletype DMD5620 programmable display terminals. I use a port to X Windows for graphics. I got addicted to it in the 80s and haven't shaken off the addiction. I may be able to claim some sort of prize for exotic choices

peteru · Post by **peteru** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 22:40

So much time wasted on what appears to be a simple PC problem.

The interface on your PC is going down and up. Fix your PC and all will be well. You can look in the logs on the PC as suggested, or you can start with simple physical troubleshooting.

BazzaG · Post by **BazzaG** » Fri Sep 20, 2019 17:33

peteru wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 22:40
appears to be a simple PC problem.

Before I even opened this thread I had tried/done all sorts of "stuff" thinking that the problem resided on my PC rather than on the U4 or elsewhere. That included disabling the firewall &/or AV, searching through Event Viewer numerous times, as well as FW & AV logs, checking Device Manager, etc, etc. I suspected it might have been my the network or NIC drivers on my so I had used Windows Device Manager to roll-back. But nothing I did fixed the problem.

So I came here, seeking help and thinking that it might actually be the U4 at fault ... maybe sending crappy data packets or whatever that caused ... The interface on your PC is going down and up.

peteru wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 10, 2019 22:40
So much time

The 3 words from your post that I absolutely and totally agree with.

Anyway, to quote William Shakespeare ... "all's well that ends well".

Problem resolved ... and the cause was neither my PC nor the U4 but rather the WhiteBox ... as to the how's, what's & why's ... I have no idea and neither do SamKnows technical support.

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