[mythtv-users] Alternatives to original HDPVR?

[Mark Wedel]

On 07/17/2017 03:44 PM, DryHeat122 . wrote:
> Great tip!  I ordered one.
>
> Does anyone know if there is any way to tell for sure whether the existing unit
> is dead, vs. some other problem, like with the port?  Mythtv says "failed to
> open."  I've replaced the power supply already because these things eat power
> supplies.

  What I did for mine is that I just have it powered from the computer it is 
attached to - sacrifice a hard drive cable (old 4 pin molex style - usually a 
few extra splitter types come with the motherboard) and connect that up to the 
HDPVR (either by the compatible DC connector the HDPVR, or cut the cable from 
one of the dead power supplies).  Remove one of the PCI slot covers and run the 
cable out the back of that.

  I've had that setup for years, and the power supply is yet to fail.

  It is also one less plug for the dedicated power supply.  And I figure that 
the computer power supply is probably more efficient than those smaller ones 
anyways.

  Normal diagnosis here would be to replace the USB cable, plug into a different 
port on the computer (preferably 'way' different, so a different USB chip is 
driving it).