[mythtv-users] Backend Crapping Out - Solved (I think)

[the Jer]

Well I was just about to throw my MythTV machine out the window and at
least some enjoying watching it hit the pavement and shattering into a
million pieces when I made a decision.

I decided that I would try the Knoppix based MythTV install to see if
maybe there was something in the ATrpms that my stupid system didn't
like.  I mean, it wouldn't be the first time something I built didn't
work or blew up or made me so angry I wanted to light said thing on fire
and watch it burn.  Anyways, I trolled around on the mysettopbox forums
and was reading more about the wonderful VIA chipsets.  I read, for a
second time, all the things I have already tried.  Then I read something
I can't believe I didn't think of: (this is a loose quote) "The only
thing you can do is update the BIOS and hope for the best."  Holy crap,
I can't believe I didn't even think of that.

So, when I got home from work I updated the ASUS A7V133 board to the
latest BIOS revision 1009.  Well as of right now, 7:49pm EST, my machine
has been playing TV since 4:00pm EST non stop.  And, it even recorded
Charmed at 6:00pm while I was watching it!

So here's a checklist for troubleshooting the DMA problem associated
with VIA chipsets:

1. UPDATE THE BIOS!!!!!
2. Turn off APIC in the kernel and in the BIOS
3. Get your IRQ's in order, turn off everything you don't need in the
BIOS. Check IRQ's with dmesg and check the PCI addresses against the
ones you'll see in 'lspci -v'
4. Move the hard drive(s) you are using to an IDE controller that is not
on-board.

If that doesn't work take the board out of the machine and douse it in
gasoline.  Then, after you've lit the whole mess and you sitting there
watching it, start surfing eBay or froogle for a new board.

I'll keep you all informed if anything funky crops up.


the-Jer
-------
I had no shoes and I pitied myself.
Then I met a man who had no feet,
so I took his shoes. -- Dave Barry