My mind is going... I can feel it... (setup troubles0

[gimble]

I had a MediaMVP, shelved it after a system reload, and then recently discovered a neat article on PVR via GBPVR and MediaMVP. So, ordered a Hauppauge card ( 500MCE ), got it working on the desktop with GBPVR, and life was good.

Then, I dug out the MediaMVP, and attempted to get it up and running again. Below is the email I sent to Hauppauge tech support, but note that I was getting the same results with both the Hauppauge software and with GBPVR for the most part ( got GBPVR to run on the MediaMVP once or twice, but had immediate timeout problems when I started the live TV session ).

I was careful not to have both GBPVR and Hauppauge software trying to service requests from the MediaMVP, so I got to the point of even uninstalling one software package before installing the other. Frustration will make you do crazy things to make sure you aren't missing something or other.

Email to Hauppauge Tech Support:
======= BEGIN EMAIL ========
I've owned the MediaMPV for about a year, and the first nine months had no problems. Downloaded the beta software at that time ( first ones that supported DivX, although I wasn't using DivX ), used a crossover cable to my Dell Dimension 2400 ( Broadcom built-in ethernet port ), and I was good to go for viewing video ( don't use anything else ).

I even used it a few times with a crossover cable to a laptop, and still had no problems. Great little piece of equipment.

About two months ago, I had to re-load the Dell 2400 from scratch. Since I was rather busy at the time, I just put the MediaMPV on the shelf and didn't try to use it or anything. However, this last week finally gave me the time to dig it out and try to hook it up.

I downloaded the current release software ( tried beta too, after problems ), hooked everything up on my network, and no go. All indications seem to indicate a network problem of some time:

* Usually gets stuck trying to contact the MediaMPV server.
* Sometimes gets stuck while Downloading Application
* Sometimes even loads application, GUI starts up, can select videos, but videos hang a little bit into playback ( they played just fine on the MediaMPV three months ago, so I doubt it's the encoding on all of them ).

As a result, I started trying to place blame elsewhere. Replaced cables, changed hubs, used ( and didn't use ) wireless, all of which have the same result. As a last resort, I loaded the laptop with the MediaMPV software and replaced the server ( in case it was something to do with the software reload of the Dell Dimension 2400 ).

I even went to a four-port hub ( not switch ) and tried not using DHCP but using the static IP as listed ( I don't have a reliable crossover cable any more, so this was the closest approximation ). This seemed to work a little better ( usually got the application loaded ), but videos still stuttered and hung on playback.

As you can tell, I've had absolutely no luck at this point, and have tried to replace everything at one point or another *EXCEPT* the MediaMVP itself. I'd even replace it, but that's a cost I'd rather not incur if there's a way to determine if the MediaMPV itself is functioning properly.

Can you give me any suggestions on what to try next?
======= END EMAIL =========

I'm hoping some of the experts here might even have a suggestion on what I can try next. If the only answer is "buy another MediaMVP" I can do that, but I'd rather find a more economical solution if possible.

[ryanmc]

firewall ?

[gimble]

Using Windows XP, SP2, with firewall disabled. At one point, checked the DHCP server ( Cisco 678 DSL modem ), and validated that it was assigning an IP address to the MediaMVP, and that MediaMVP responded to pings.

The GBPVR log entries (IIRC) do report that they see a TFTP request ( to load the files ), log that GBPVR did respond, and then .... nothing ... in the log until the next TFTP broadcast from the MediaMVP.

After reading various other posts in this forum, I'm now wondering if perhaps the MediaMVP isn't understanding its DHCP address properly. I'll have to investigate a direct connect solution again and see if that resolves the problem.

I'm frustrated enough at this point ( 20+ hours trying to debug the silly thing that almost works ), that I'm tempted to buy an IR remote, and just move the PC down and hook it to the TV. It's a lot more expensive solution since I'd have to buy a new PC ( + remote ), but I'm reaching minor desperation levels w/o any plausible idea of what to do next.

[Doz5]

Suggestions:
Don't add additional problem causing to your system like new remote and computer. I would try take things out of the equation before adding new stuff. Firewall, Virus scan, processes that should not be active...

If you think your network is the problem, and you have a small TV you can hook up in the office, with a known working crossover cable, hookup the MVP to your computer and Tv so you minimized your network by taking the hubs, routers, switched out of your setup.

The other thing you can do, if you are in the US, go to Radio Shack and get another MVP, try it out and if it gives you the same problem you can return it no questions ask and also you know that the MVP isnot your problem.

I actually only ran the GBPVR software without the Hauppauge one. I do have that installed for encoding stuff and check the WinTV to compare.

The MVP setup should be quick and easy. It was for me and never had problems with it.

I am running Win XP Pro SP2 with Zone alarm pro and AVG Virus scan. For routers I have the D-Link wireless G but the MVP is hard wired to the router.

If you ever find the problem, please post it so we all can learn from it.

Thank you

[Doz5]

By the way, I just remember, there was an issue with old MVPs that if the MVP box get hot (Temp) it would act strange or not work at all. I know there was a part number change if the box got fixed.

[gimble]

Suggestions:
The other thing you can do, if you are in the US, go to Radio Shack and get another MVP, try it out and if it gives you the same problem you can return it no questions ask and also you know that the MVP isnot your problem.

<snip>

If you ever find the problem, please post it so we all can learn from it.

Thank you

Sometimes the obvious solution is the best one. I followed your advice ( even got the MVP for US $80 since the local Radio Shack was clearancing them ), and the new unit worked nearly flawlessly out of the box.

I've got some minor issues to post, but for the most part I'm thrilled with the setup. Thanks again for the suggestion.

[ryanmc]

It was the hardware itself then ? and if so what are you doing with the broken mvp

[gimble]

Yes, it was the unit. Even switched back and forth a time or two between the new and old MediaMVP ( same cable connectors, same connection, same everything ), and the new MediaMVP worked properly, whle the old one would rarely ( if ever ) find a server.

I don't have any plans for the broken unit. I opened the case to look at the circuit board, in case something obvious jumped out ( e.g. a jumper cable that had pulled loose, obviously burned circuits or something else ). Since I'm a software guy, I couldn't see anything obvious and just closed the case back up.

For the terminally curious, the new unit I purchased is revision D3A (IIRC)... I believe D3 was the one with the heat problem. My original (now non-functional) unit was D1.

(Hmmm.... now wonder if the newer MediaMVP software doesn't work with the old hardware revision... may have to experiment if I ever get bored ).

In any case, my network apparently has enough going on it that I'm having dropout issues occasionally with the MediaMVP, so I'm relocating the computer to the living room, buying a remote, and returning the new MediaMVP unit to Radio Shack, since I couldn't get it to work acceptably.