Starview The Box PVR not connecting to my PC

Hello Friends...

I need some help from the usual experts on here. I searched to see if I could find any posts similar to my problem but couldn't find any.

I have a Starview The Box PVR. I have had it for a year and haven't ever had to connect it to my PC until now. However I need to connect it now to move some files off as well as update the latest firmware.

I tried changing the HDD mode to PC and plugging it into my PC. The PC recognises new hardware as a USB Mass Storage Device, but when XP tries to install standard USB Mass Storage drivers it fails. It therefore doesn't recognise the drive at all.

I also tried it with my newer Vista Laptop, and it didnt even recognise it at all, basically nothing happened.

Does anyone know if there are any special drivers out there that I need in order for it to be recognised by XP or Vista as a USB Storage Device that I can move files off/on?

Also - does anyone know if, once it is connected to the PC - whether it is possible to rename files from the PC whilst they are still on the drive? I have a number of programs that were on a weekly timer and don't have the right names on them that I'd like to rename. Trying to do it through the PVR screens is soooo onerous and painful..

Thanks in advance for your help.
gizz

 

LMAO....

Have a look here there are hundreds of threads in connection with you problem:
http://forums.afterdawn.com/search/...Box+PVR+&ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&sa=#1644

 

[/quote]Have a look here there are hundreds of threads in connection with you problem:
http://forums.afterdawn.com/search/...Box+PVR+&ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&sa=#1644[/quote]

Thanks DesB - BUT - I have already spent the best part of today looking through ALL those posts and they are still not relevant to my specific problem. I am well aware of the HOW to update my firmware....but its the USB connection problem that I am having that there are no answers for in those posts...if you can show me a specific thread relating to that in your list I will take it back...BUT I think your response was a little trigger happy....no offence!!!
I have done the same search as you as well as multiple other ones and have spent hours on this......already!

 

I wouldnt call it Trigger happy LOL... its just that we are being inundated with people coming on asking questions that have been asked and answered hundreds of times and who cant be either bothered or dont know what a search facility is for!!
I am not up to date with the S/V 4 at all however I see you mention the dreaded VISTA there seems to be loads of isssues in relation to this system.

Have a look at this for advice on Drivers:

To see which port your USB adapter is connected to, connect your USB adapter and follow the following instructions:

1. Go to the Start Menu
2. Right click on "My Computer"
3. Select "Properties"
4. Click on the "Hardware" tab
5. Click on "Device Manager"
6. Click the + sign next to "Ports (COM & LPT)"
7. One of the listed ports should indicate which port your USB adapter is connected to (e.g. COM1, COM2, COM3, etc.)
8. Go back to your map software program that you use to transfer data and make sure it is looking at the correct port.
9. You should be able to transfer data once the correct port is selected

If you need drivers go here

http://www.gilsson.com/usb_drivers_download.htm

Follow my advice to step 7. Locate your USB Adapter (port *)

Right click on that port and select properties. Then select port settings, then select advanced. At the bottom of that tab will be a drop down box with the port selected (port * in your case). Use the drop down to select another port (eg 1, 2 or 3). If the port you want to use is already allocated to something else, you can use the same procedure to reassign that port after you have finished.
Save the selections in the usual way. The USB converter will be permanently assigned to the port you selected.

Sorry I cant be more help, but let us know how you get on!!

 

Thanks DesB

I dont think you have quite understood my issue though....I am not using a USB adaptor, I want to connect my PVR as a USB Mass Storage Device, using the USB connection - not through the serial connector as you suggested.
Also Starview The Box PVR is not the same as Starview 4.

I appreciate you trying though, and will hold out for someone more familiar with The Box PVR....(like jbvid if he's about???)

I will let you know how I get on.
Thanks again!!

 

To Many late nights.. LOL

If you click on Eamos Library below my sig,and then on the left hand side scroll down till you see the Starview PVR, click on this and then you will see documentation, there's 6 files perhaps this will help, failing that then wait for someone who is more knowledgeable on your box!!
Hope you get sorted!!

 

LOL...DesB..Trust me...been there, done that, not there....

Truly, believe me when I say..I have exhausted all options before posting on the board, because I know how much trouble you and the other regulars go to to provide the info when requested...I really didn't want to waste anyone's time.
I have been at this since 11am today (now 19:30....ish. I think I now have goggle eyes.....might stop for some dinner and go watch a nice movie on my box...lol

Cheers again!

 

Hi
Just seen your post, and i'm 99% sure you can't do it.
I don't have my PVR now so can't do a test.
When the Starview PVR formats an internally fitted drive using the menu system (the only way) it puts a folder and a few files on there and only these can be used and accessed by using the HDD/PC menu in the PVR to copy ie safe/transfer either a Firmware file or a channel list file to a pre-made a folder.
From memory the firmware folder is called 'Firmware' and you can copy to this, but the drive cannot be used as a normal USB storage device (like a USB Plug in pen) even if you could install usb drivers.
jbvid

 

Would it be possible to have a look here jbvideo mate, obliged if you could >>>>>>>>>>>


http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/738962

 

Hi
Yes, I have returned to his PM
jbvid

 

Cheers your a gent, much obliged and take care.

 

jbvid[/quote]Hi
Just seen your post, and i'm 99% sure you can't do it.
I don't have my PVR now so can't do a test.
When the Starview PVR formats an internally fitted drive using the menu system (the only way) it puts a folder and a few files on there and only these can be used and accessed by using the HDD/PC menu in the PVR to copy ie safe/transfer either a Firmware file or a channel list file to a pre-made a folder.
From memory the firmware folder is called 'Firmware' and you can copy to this, but the drive cannot be used as a normal USB storage device (like a USB Plug in pen) even if you could install usb drivers.
jbvid[/quote]

Hi jbvid - thanks for your reply.
So are you saying that its not possible to use the USB cable method (rather than the serial method) to update the firmware as well?
What is supposed to happen when i link the PVR and the PC through the USB method to allow me to copy the new firmware file on? I followed all the instructions in the posts / manual but I keep getting this error about the USB Mass Storage device not being installed properly so I don't even see the PVR as a drive from my PC at all.
I thought i should at least be able to copy over the firmware and then update from the PVR?
Thanks for your help.
gizz

 

Hi
Just seen your post, and i'm 99% sure you can't do it.
I don't have my PVR now so can't do a test.
When the Starview PVR formats an internally fitted drive using the menu system (the only way) it puts a folder and a few files on there and only these can be used and accessed by using the HDD/PC menu in the PVR to copy ie safe/transfer either a Firmware file or a channel list file to a pre-made a folder.
From memory the firmware folder is called 'Firmware' and you can copy to this, but the drive cannot be used as a normal USB storage device (like a USB Plug in pen) even if you could install usb drivers.
jbvid[/quote]

Hi jbvid - thanks for your reply.
So are you saying that its not possible to use the USB cable method (rather than the serial method) to update the firmware as well?
What is supposed to happen when i link the PVR and the PC through the USB method to allow me to copy the new firmware file on? I followed all the instructions in the posts / manual but I keep getting this error about the USB Mass Storage device not being installed properly so I don't even see the PVR as a drive from my PC at all.
I thought i should at least be able to copy over the firmware and then update from the PVR?
Thanks for your help.
gizz[/quote]
Hi
Yes it is possible.
You should be able to copy an updated firmware from your PC into the 'Firmware' folder on the PVR but only when you have the PVR's Drive icon showing on the PC. ie has to be connected via the PVR's menu system. Then install the firmware from the PVR's menu system.(the new F/W will only show up if copied to the 'Firmware' folder. This will work because I did it several times on mine. Only suggestion is to re-format the drive again or re-format another drive (It must be formatted in the PVR, not on a PC)
What kind of H/Drive is it, I presume and hope its an IDE 3.5" ribbon cable type.
Can't understand why its calling it a Mass storage device, can't remember if mine called it that or not.
jbvid

 

When I first had the PVR I had trouble connecting to my pc too. I cured it by reversing the IDE cable that connects the HDD to the pcb as it is shown wrong in the instruction book that is supplied with the box. Very odd as all other functions would work as far as recording and time shifting was concerned. As soon as I swapped ends it would connect to the pc with no problems.
Give it a go, you never know

Hope this helps

 

Hi
Interesting that, worth a try for gizz10, the normal for procedure for ribbon cable connecting (on a PC) is that the red line on the ribbon goes closest to the 4 pin power plug on the drive. There could be a possibility that on yours the other end (motherboard end) of ribbon cable was originally connected wrong.
jbvid

 

The problem with mine and quite a few others at the time of the PVR release was that the diagram was wrong in the manual.
I don't know whether it was ever corrected but it is a problem that pops up from time to time on other forums.
hope it works for him anyway.

Cheers

 

Hi
Yes, I know only too well about the manual, lots put the cable feed into the aerial socket at the back because the manual says so.

@gizz10
Come on gizz, have you sussed it yet??
jbvid

 

Hi Guys
Sorry - been in hospital having a minor operation so apologies for he delayed reply.
The hard drive was installed when i bought the box as I am useless at that kinda stuff. I only have use of one arm for the next week so wont be able to open the box and have a look till then. Will have a look at the direction of the cabling as soon as I can.
Thanks guys - as always you are the best!!!!
I appreciate your help.
gizz

PS - I am a woman.....

 

Ok
Quite all right take your time and get recovered first, healths more important than a cable box anytime.
Us men always assume ita man on the other end of Forum messages, so its nice to know the opposite sex is also keen to learn and have a go, why not. Get back to us when you're up to it and we'll continue.
jbvid

 

Hi Fellas

Well I know its been quite a while but I had my arm in a sling for 5 weeks so wasnt able to open up my box. Just had a chance to do it today and whaddaya know.....micscave you were spot on.

I opened up the box, swapped round the IDE cable, closed it all up and then connected it to my Vista laptop. It recognised it straight away as a local drive and I was able to create a Firmware folder (as there wasn't one) and copy the latest firmware into it, and do the upgrade.

It also lists all the files on the PVR and for a few minutes I thought I would be able to rename them - and I tried a few but when I reconnected up the box the names had reverted back to what they were before. (Such a shame)

Now if only I could rename them in an easier way than through the PVR interface. What I find is that it only allows me to rename one at time, if I do a second one immediately ater the first, the box reboots itself...so its tooo tooo slow.

I also used to have problems where some programs would record but when I tried to replay them I got a blank screen. I got round this by rebooting my box before a program was due to record - clean the system so to speak. I'm hoping this was linked to the cable issue too and won't be a problem now it is the right way round. Any ideas on that?

Anyways - the main job is done, firmware upgraded, and I am very very grateful to you guys for all your help. You really are true gents...
Thanks again guys.
gizz