"Sticking" during transfer

[smithmyz]

During some transfers it seems like DATXtract “sticks” or pauses and then is able to keep moving forward with the audio read. This doesn't affect the quality of the final file, but does impact the amount of time necessary to make a transfer.

This video shows the program sticking and then resuming the transfer. Although this is just a short clip, these hang-ups occur frequently throughout the entire process.

[pdicamillo]

Do you see this with all tapes or just with certain tapes? I'm wondering if the sticking may be due to the drive having difficulty reading the tape. Also, does it make any difference if you try reading the same tape after quitting DATXtract and launching it again?

[smithmyz]

It happens consistently with all the tapes I have transferred (20+ at this point), and I took your suggestion and tried to read the same tape after quitting and relaunching the program, but it doesn't seem to have made a difference.
Again, the hang-ups don't appear to have an impact on the quality of the output files, but it felt like something worth mentioning. Thank you!

[pdicamillo]

Another possibility is that the sticking is due to delays in writing the output file. What device is the output file on? Can you think of any reason why writing to it would be slow? It would be best for performance if the output volume is not the boot volume, and no other programs are accessing the output volume when DATXtract is using it. If you're using OS X 10.4 or later, you should also disable Spotlight for the output volume.

[smithmyz]

You were correct about it being an issue with writing. I had been writing the output files onto an external drive connected via USB, and the DATXtract transfer rate was faster than the rate at which the files could be written to the drive (because of the USB cable). I switched the connection to a Firewire and the problem disappeared. Thank you!