[mythtv-users] preparing to add an HDPVR to my setup

[Jerome Yuzyk]

I've had a pretty successful couple months with 0.27.4 and an Arris DCX-3500M-P3 doing channel-change and recording over firewire. I've learned which channels just don't record (despite any firewire priming) and which do mostly (sometimes recordings just don't start) and when I need to reboot the DCX or mythbackend (oops-es or inability to establish P2P). Much more success than I had expected.

But a few channels that don't record, and those that fail to start recordings randomly, are making me wonder if it's worth trading some of the foibles of an HDPVR for stability and the channels I have to step around for scheduling.

Adding another gizmo to the mix multiplies complexity and the HDPVR-mythbackend combo has its own set of troubles so I'd like to anticipate the problems I'll have and mitigate them before changing what is a 80% reliable/complete setup. I have time to prepare to disrupt things so I can get 99% reliable/complete.

I see the HDPVR as a component-USB converter: if the DCX can be tuned to a channel (100% robust over firewire) and output a component signal the HDPVR can send it along USB to mythbackend, barring its two weaknesses: overheating and stable power. 

Overheating I can handle with placement on a wire rack near the floor out of the sun and even modifying the case for better heat dissipation. I've taken mine apart to have a look and see what I could do with my Dremel or a drill and there's a lot of room to help it out - I don't know why their tops weren't vented better in the first place. How hot do these things get when active? I've only ever left mine plugged in off to the side and the bottom gets noticeably warm, the top not much. 

Stable power I can help along by plugging into one of my UPSes for a regulated power source. How much actual help will that be though?

I'd dive in and try it all out but it's "mostly great" and I don't seem to have many windows of enough recording quiet at the right time of day to try it and pull back if need be so I'd rather put a little thinking and effort into maximizing my chances of being able to mostly forget about it after. As Christmas approaches there are quieter periods coming up so I'm looking to prepare in advance of those and would appreciate the views of you who have  lived with one already. 

-- 
A little of Jerome's MythTV World: http://mythtv.bss.ab.ca
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.mythtv.org/pipermail/mythtv-users/attachments/20151125/4075f8ac/attachment.html>