Bill:
The countdown timer does work here in both VLC and Windows Media Player on
the files I've created, and I haven't yet managed to get hold of one of
the files that showed him the problem.
I did wonder if vbr .mp2 files might behave differently. I don't know
whether DAB .mp2 is vbr or not.
Sounds like you might need MediaInfo for info, which codecs and settings are
actually in use. Itīs free and easy to use - can even run "portable"
(without installation).
https://mediaarea.net/en/MediaInfo
A little useful tool...
Phil