MPEG-2 recordings using a software encoder require more CPU usage in Beyond TV 3.5 and later

Sep 02 2010

Support Center » Knowledgebase » MPEG-2 recordings using a software encoder require more CPU usage in Beyond TV 3.5 and later

	MPEG-2 recordings using a software encoder require more CPU usage in Beyond TV 3.5 and later - SnapStream Knowledgebase

Solution

DESCRIPTION:

Once a user of a "software-encode" tuner setup (see our list of supported tuners to identify which type is used) upgrades to version 3.5 or later, he or she will notice an increase in CPU usage when recording to the MPEG-2 format. In some cases this may max out the CPU, causing what users describe as "stuttering," "jittering," "jerky," or "choppy" playback.

ARTICLE:

Version 3.5 began using a new encoder by default, which provides much better quality recordings but consumes more CPU. A CPU "maxed out" at, or close to, 100% utilization will produce recordings with this problem.* If the increased load exceeds the limits of your hardware, there are two solutions to correct this problem:

1) Lower the "quality" at which the recordings are being made, via VIEWSCAPE --> SETTINGS --> RECORDING SETTINGS --> Recording Quality. The new encoder is of higher quality and will produce better-looking recordings at a lower "quality" setting than the previous.

2) Switch back to the "old" MPEG-2 encoder via WEB ADMIN (http://127.0.0.1) --> SETTINGS --> RECORDING PREFERENCES --> MPEG-2 Encoder. Set this value to "SnapStream Basic" and hit "Save Changes."

* To check CPU usage on your computer, right-click the task bar, select "Task Manager," and go to the "Performance" tab.

Article Details

Article ID:

1270

Created On:

Dec 28 2005

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