Automatically handling split films

[damion2]

A number of the minor channels (random examples: Paramount, ITV4, channel 5), divide feature films with a 5 minute alternative broadcast where you'd normally expect the adverts. This has bitten me many times, the worst case being if I don't notice until the film cuts out half way through when watching it.

I try to remember if it's one of these channels and double check the duration when requesting a record. If it's under 90 mins, I realise it's one of these situations. I address this by checking the end point of the second half, so I know how much significant padding needs to be added at the end of the earlier initial recording so the film is in one file.

However I don't always remember to check. I also believe this should be fixable via some automation so none of us have to do similar again.

I can't see any current threads discussing this but perhaps it's come up years ago. Does any one have any thoughts?

- Damion

[PhilB]

I was really intrigued by this and took it as a challenge! A system event at start of recording and a perl script to check the schedule and trigger part 2 of a film does it! Help texts, logging and testing took a bit longer.
I'm running v31 but it should work with 0.28 onward.
Would you (or anyone!) like to beta test the result?
https://pastebin.com/ZEdxjzdJ
Put the script into /usr/local/bin/checkfilm.pl
sudo chmod 755 /usr/local/bin/checkfilm.pl
checkfilm.pl --help
That should tell you how to proceed. Comments invited.
Apart from ITV2, ITV4 and the GREAT (ex Sony) channels, are there any others?
Phil