[mythtv-users] USB TV Translator for DirecTV

[Raymond Wagner]

On 2/21/2010 12:17, Brian Wood wrote:
> It wouldn't make much sense to go USB-to-Serial-to-USB, why not use a USB port
> directly? Then all you need is software, not a $35 device with some firmware
> you can't control.
>    

If you notice, the other end of the cable is USB type-A, or host plug.  
Assuming the STB even follows USB protocol, rather than just using it 
because it's a cheap, widely available jack, USB does not support direct 
host-to-host connections.  At the very least, it just won't work.  At 
worst, it will short out and damage both devices.  You're still going to 
need some device in between to manage communication.