What’s the difference between automatic and manual padding?
The T4•R has two ways to help avoid missing the beginning or end of recordings: Automatic padding, which is the default option, and Manual padding.
Automatic padding
Automatic padding uses broadcaster signals to determine when programmes actually start and end.
The T4•R begins monitoring 30 minutes before the scheduled start time and starts recording when it detects the broadcaster’s start signal. It will also wait for the broadcaster’s end signal, and can continue recording for up to 2 hours after the scheduled end time if necessary.
This works well when broadcaster signals are accurate, as it can adjust automatically for programmes that start early or run late. However, if broadcasters don’t send the correct signals, you may miss the start or end of a programme.
Manual padding
With manual padding, you choose how much extra time to add before and after each recording, from 2 to 10 minutes.
This gives you consistent control and doesn’t rely on broadcaster signals. However, it may record extra content you don’t need, and can still miss parts of programmes that start very early or run very late, such as live events.
When recordings overlap or are scheduled back-to-back, some manual padding may be adjusted or omitted so the T4•R can prioritise the scheduled programme content.
For more information, see: What happens when recordings overlap or are scheduled back-to-back?.
How to change padding settings
- Go to Home → Settings → Recordings → Padding Options → Padding Type.
- Select Automatic or Manual.
If you choose Manual, you can set both start and end padding times from 2 to 10 minutes in the same menu.
Playback start
You can also choose where recordings start playing from.
Go to Home → Settings → Recordings → Padding Options → Playback Start, then choose:
- Recorded Start: starts playback from the very beginning of the recording.
- Signalled: starts playback from where the broadcaster indicated the programme starts. This is the default option.
When playing a recording with manual padding, the playback bar shows markers where the broadcaster signalled the programme’s start and end, making it easy to skip to the programme itself.