[mythtv-users] PC-TV 290e issue

[Mike Perkins]

I have recently had problems with reception, as noted by some of my recent posts here.

My reception method consists of two Hauppauge Nova-T USB tuners plus a PC-TV 290e which covers the 
HD transports we can get here.

At the weekend, I noticed that I only had two tuners registering and played around at the back of 
the server, moving the stub cable to other USB sockets to try and isolate the fault. No Joy. I have 
just pulled the 209e and tried it in another box: The result is:

[  606.287833] usb usb1-port3: Cannot enable. Maybe the USB cable is bad?
[  607.255811] usb usb1-port3: Cannot enable. Maybe the USB cable is bad?
[  607.255891] usb usb1-port3: attempt power cycle
[  608.539779] usb usb1-port3: Cannot enable. Maybe the USB cable is bad?
[  609.507740] usb usb1-port3: Cannot enable. Maybe the USB cable is bad?
[  609.507822] usb usb1-port3: unable to enumerate USB device

When I pulled it I noticed that the device was sticky. The glazed front part seems fine but the 
plastic at the back and sides is deteriorating, to the point that I can make a dent if I use a 
fingernail.

A plastic item used for these purposes shouldn't deteriorate that fast! I would recommend that all 
those who have these - and possibly the 292e as well - have a check to see if the device is still 
physically sound. Out of sight, out of mind, etc.

So I'm looking to replace this thing and, eventually, the Nova-Ts as well since we'll be going to T2 
in due course. The two options I have looked so far at are an HDHR, probably a quad (£150 here) or a 
TBS6205 (about the same) since I do have a spare PCIe slot for it.

There may be other options, anybody like to share experiences? I'm in the UK.

-- 

Mike Perkins