DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM:

The ReplayTV has poor quality streaming.  Usually this is a problem with the bandwidth of the  network.  That is the there is a bottle neck that is causing issues with the throughput of data. 

Wireless networks typically do not provide enough bandwidth to stream, even on STANDARD quality.  Also some wireless hardware [routers and bridges] do not support UPNP, which the ReplayTV requires; so if you are using this type of hardware, local video sharing will not work.

It also can be issues with the layout of the network, that is the way that it is setup.  Especially if it is more complex.  Sometimes reducing the number of hops, that is contact points, on a network can  make all the difference.

As a reference, you can always see that the local video sharing works by connecting both ReplayTV's directly to the same router.

SYMPTOM ON REPLAYTV:

The ReplayTV is able to video share; however, the playback quality is poor because it is stuttering, etc.

QUICK INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1 - Review Network Components and Layout
Step 2 - Reduce the activities of ReplayTVs involved in streaming
Step 3 - Reduce the quality of streaming video
Step 4 - Simplify the connection
Step 5 - Change network components to improve performance

RESOLUTION - DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1 - Review Network Components and Layout

We recommend the use of a wired 100 Mbps network for best results, we do NOT recommend wireless for local video streaming.

WIRELESS - Wireless is fast becoming the standard from home networks because there is no longer a need to have wires.  While it is convenient it doesn't have the throughput that a wired network does.  802.11b has a maximum throughput of 11Mbps. The average speed is closer to 4 - 6Mbps. Faster wireless technologies like 802.11a and 802.11g are available, but still are not recommended.

Because of the nature of wireless it can be affected by interference of specific building materials.  Have the customer reference the manufacturer's installation manual or website for more details on choosing the right location for wireless.  Also wireless tends to have issues with latency, that is a delay when responding, this can hinder performance significantly.

WIRELESS: SECURITY - While we highly recommend a secure wireless network, adding the encryption to the network can cause significant performance issues.

WIRED: 10 MBPS - Although it would typically be an improvement over wireless, we do not recommend this type of network because of throughput issues.  This is typically  a phone line  network or a much older 10 base T network.

WIRED: 100 MBPS - This is the only network that we completely recommend and should have no issues unless you are trying to serve to more than 4 ReplayTV's.  When purchasing this hardware, it will be referenced as 10/100 Mbps.

Step 2 - Reduce the activities of ReplayTVs involved in streaming

Streaming is a resource intensive task for the ReplayTV, add recording to that as well as playing back a recorded show and you can push the processor to the limit.  Turn OFF the unit that you are streaming from if it is ON; the ReplayTV will still be able to record or stream while turned OFF. Next, if necessary, stop the playback or the recording on the unit that is sending the stream [if applicable] to see if the streaming improves.

Step 3 - Reduce the quality of streaming video

If the program that you are streaming is high quality, attempt to stream a medium or standard quality recording.  This will reduce the data throughput by 1/3 or 2/3, which will improve the playback.

Step 4 - Simplify the connection

Connect both ReplayTV's directly to the router.  This will limit the hops to 2 devices and provided that the router is rated at 100 Mbps, the local video sharing performance will behave as expected.

Step 5 - Change network components to improve performance

Upgrade to a wired 100 Mbps network, as this is the only network that we recommend.  If you have a hub in the network, change to a switch instead.  A switch is able to direct network traffic, like a router.  When using a hub, the traffic will ALWAYS be directed through the router which can increase the number of hops or points that the ReplayTV's need to communicate through; this also can affect visibility of multiple units to each other.

If your ReplayTV cannot see the other unit, please refer to the following KB article.

Troubleshoot - Ethernet - Local Video Sharing

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