Why are my recordings starting late or ending early?
There are several reasons why you might miss the beginning or end of a recorded programme.
Automatic padding
By default, the S4•R uses Automatic padding. This uses broadcaster signals to decide when programmes actually start and end, instead of relying only on the scheduled time in the TV Guide.
Automatic padding is usually the best setting, because it can adjust when programmes start early, run late or change because of live events. However, it depends on broadcasters sending the correct signals. If those signals are incorrect or missing, a recording may start late or end early.
If this happens regularly, you can try switching to Manual padding, which adds a fixed amount of extra time before and after each recording. Manual padding can help if broadcaster signalling is unreliable, but it is not a guarantee. If a programme starts very early or overruns by more than the extra time you’ve added, especially during live events such as sport, you may still miss part of it.
For more information, see: What’s the difference between automatic and manual padding?
Recording clashes
If several recordings are scheduled at the same time, or close together, the S4•R may need to prioritise the scheduled programme content over extra padding.
This can mean the start or end padding is reduced or omitted. In some cases, the S4•R may need to stop one recording at its scheduled end time so another recording can start.
For more information, see: What happens when recordings overlap or are scheduled back-to-back?
Back-to-back recordings on the same channel
When two programmes are recorded back-to-back on the same channel, the start or end of one programme may appear in the adjacent recording.
If you think part of a programme is missing, check the recording before or after it in your Recordings menu.
Still having problems?
If recordings are still starting late or ending early, please contact us and include the programme name, channel, date and time, and whether you’re using Automatic or Manual padding.