[mythtv-users] Flakey HD-PVR

[Michael T. Dean]

On 04/11/2012 11:10 PM, Richard Ferrara wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I have recently purchased a HD-PVR and managed to get it working. The only problem is it's not working 100% of the time.
>
> The main issue is that when I switch to the HD-PVR input (connected to a satellite STB via RCA front and composite), sometimes it will work (blue light turns on the device and streams), most of the time it will not. I have a workaround whereby a bash script runs the following command every three seconds "v4l2-ctl --device=/dev/video0 --set-input=2 --set-audio-input=1". This will get it working around 90% of the time. I do notice that when it does actually work, the blue record light turns on once, turns off, turns on again and begins streaming.
>
> I have also set the kernel module options to reflect the correct inputs.
>
> I have selected the correct inputs in mythtv-setup and without the script it has around a 10% chance of running.
>
> The firmware on the device is updated to the latest 3rd party firmware from the manufacturers website.
>
> I upgraded to the latest firmware on the device and upgraded the kernel to 3.3 which resolves the saturation issues, but not my problem.
>
> Downgraded the firmware back to the latest supported and my kernel back to mythbuntu 11.10 base.
>
> I have tested this with S-Video connectivity and still the same problems, I am about to test with component connections as well.
>
> Does anyone have this device running without issue???

FWIW (coming from a user who doesn't use the HD-PVR), you may need to 
(significantly) increase your signal/tuning timeouts for the card in 
mythtv-setup's Capture Cards section (like 10000ms or more?).

Also, note that Gavin Hurlbut made a device for his to cycle power on 
the HD-PVR to overcome "lock ups" he was seeing:  
http://www.hdpvrkillerdevice.com/ .  He's on this list (as are several 
other people who are using the device), so can probably give you more 
info on it.

Mike