What happens when recordings overlap or are scheduled back-to-back?
Sometimes several recordings may be scheduled at the same time, or recordings may be due to start and finish close together. The S4•R will try to record as much as possible, but what happens depends on whether you use automatic or manual padding, and how your satellite dish is connected.
For more information about these settings, see: What’s the difference between automatic and manual padding?.
Automatic padding
By default, the S4•R uses broadcaster signals to determine when programmes actually start and end. This helps recordings start and stop at the right time when broadcaster signalling is correct.
For back-to-back recordings on the same channel, the S4•R will move from one recording to the next, so you shouldn’t miss anything between programmes.
For recordings on different channels, the number of recordings the S4•R can make at the same time depends on how it is connected to your satellite dish:
- With two wideband satellite feeds, or a single SCR feed, the S4•R can record up to four programmes at the same time.
- With two universal satellite feeds, the S4•R can record up to two programmes at the same time.
If the S4•R is already recording the maximum number of programmes and another recording needs to start, it may need to stop an earlier recording at its scheduled end time and start the new recording at its scheduled start time. This means you could miss some content if the first programme runs late or the next programme starts early.
Manual padding
When you set manual padding, the S4•R manages back-to-back and overlapping recordings to maximise coverage while working within the limits of your satellite dish setup.
Back-to-back recordings on the same channel
To capture the main programme content, the S4•R adjusts padding between back-to-back recordings on the same channel:
- The first recording in a sequence gets start padding only.
- Any middle recordings get no padding.
- The last recording gets end padding only.
If programmes don’t start or end exactly on time, you may find the beginning or end of a programme included in the adjacent recording.
Recordings on different channels
For recordings on different channels, the S4•R applies padding where it can. However, this depends on how many recordings are already in progress and how your satellite dish is connected.
If the S4•R is already recording the maximum number of programmes and new recordings need to start, it may need to omit end padding from earlier recordings and start padding from new recordings. This ensures the scheduled programme content is prioritised.