ironchef

I've been using Newsbreak 2.0 a lot lately, trying to listen to podcasts at the gym. I have foud a few problems and I would be interested to know if anyone has workarounds.

I have a channel which is set to keep 10 podcasts. Right now there are 6 unread stories, each with an associated podcast. Newsbreak has downloaded a few of the files, but it isn't getting the others even if I tap the channel refresh button.

If I get a file manually, the next time I sync, Newsbreak may decide to delete it even though it's unread and there are less than 10 podcasts in unread stories for that channel. I can't figure out why it decides to do that. I'd propose that any podcast you manually download not be deleted automatically unless the story is marked as Read.

Perhaps the most irritating problem I have had with podcasts is getting an incomplete file. If Newsbreak cannot retrieve the whole file--maybe I walked out of WiFi range while syncing--it should mark the download as broken. It sucks to be listening to something and it just cuts off in the middle.

I have also noticed that opening a story can crash Newsbreak. This is easily repeatable, there's one particular story on one of my feeds that will do it every time. I can dig up repro steps if the publisher is still around the forum.

While I'm at it I may as well post a plea for Newsbreak to download full stories. The only time my Axim has a net connection is at home or at work. The only way a RSS reader is useful to me is if it downloads content that I can take with me--like podcasts. I wish text worked the same way.

gasusan2005

I haven't had any problems with Newsbreak or podcast listening. Have you tried checking your settings for

the maximum number of podcasts to keep"
and "how much space to use"

Incomplete file sounds like an "out of range" possibility....

Someone from Ilium Software usually checks in the forums fairly regularly. I am sure they will have some thoughts....

Also, you could try contacting them via their contact page
http://www.iliumsoft.com/site/ilium/contact.htm

BUT...I'd be interested in hearing what you find out too ;)

Susa"n

Ilium Software

Hi!

That sounds annoying! I'll take a look and see what I can find. Here is what should (and typically does) happen.

1. If you have it set to download 10, it should download all 10 but if you disconnect or leave the range (naturally) it will fail to download them all.

2. It should only delete a podcast if a) you have it set to download fewer podcasts than that or b) the news source has dropped that item from its feed.

3. Failed downloads should not result in a half-listenable file. Normally you either get a file that will play or you don't. I'll still check into this but in theory, a file that cuts out half-way through seems more like a problem with the specific feed than with a cut-off download.

4. Regarding caching entire web pages, we hear you but please read this: http://blog.iliumsoft.com/?p=114 as it goes a LONG way to explaining our position on this issue.

Like I said though, we'll check it out and let you know!

Marc Tassin
Ilium Software
--------------------
marc@iliumsoft.com
+1 (734) 973-9388
---------------------
http://www.iliumsoft.com

And be sure check out our blog! http://blog.iliumsoft.com/

Ilium Software

Hi,

I looked at this a LOT and I'm having no problems BUT there is a setting telling NewsBreak how much memory to use for enclosures. When I reduce that it simply fails to download some enclosures (because there isn't enough memory.)

If you go to the Data Storage menu item you'll see a setting to tell it how much memory to max out at before it stops downloading podcasts. This keeps you from completely filling your device accidentally. I think there is a very good chance that is the problem.

Once you've changed this setting, go to the HEadline View for one of your Podcast channels and refresh the channel.


Marc Tassin
Ilium Software
--------------------
marc@iliumsoft.com
+1 (734) 973-9388
---------------------
http://www.iliumsoft.com

And be sure check out our new blog! http://blog.iliumsoft.com/

ToddJ

has anyone tried any of the podcasts on G4TV? i have been downloading them lately and they have been kinda jerky. The sound plays fine, but the video will pause then show something else and then pause again. I'm not sure if it is because of my video player (Coreplayer) the podcasts themselves from that website, or newsbreak. I tried downloading the podcast via itunes as well and that video isn't jerky. I also thought it might have something to do with the file format of the video in relation to Coreplayer. If someone can, please try downloading a podcast with newsbreak from G4TV.com/podcasts (especially the Daily Feed podcast) and tell me if it works for you. Thanks!!

ironchef

Thanks Marc, I will check that out.

ironchef

Well, something is definitely screwy. There is a lot of space left on the storage card, but NewsBreak always wants to delete most of the podcast files when it syncs. (It is set to keep 10.) This is in one particular channel anyway, I haven't tested others.

If I manually download the enclosure, it fetches the file and I can play it. If I tap the refresh button, it immediately deletes it.

Ilium Software

Hey IronChef....

...can you send an email to Kevin, one of our QA folks? He is looking into something right now that sounds like it might be the same deal and I bet he can offer some insight.

kevin@iliumsoft.com


Marc Tassin
Ilium Software
--------------------
marc@iliumsoft.com
+1 (734) 973-9388
---------------------
http://www.iliumsoft.com

And be sure check out our new blog! http://blog.iliumsoft.com/

ironchef

Will do, thanks.