TrueVision PVR: Bit confused over HDD / enclosure specifications?

[SooKee]

Just got my TrueVisions installed with a PVR capable box. I plan to buy what I need to make it PVR ready and plan to but the drive and enclosure from Invade IT for around 2,500 baht instead of paying True 4,780 for the same thing.

One thing I'm a bit confused over though, reading back through other posts plus other info I can dig up, is where USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 comes into it? AFAIK the data transfer between the STB and HDD takes place over E-Sata via the E-Sata cable that connects the two devices. The only purpose of the USB connection to the STB from the drive enclosure seems to be to power it.

The articles I have read suggest I can use an Orico 2598US or 2598US3 depending on whether the HDD is USB 3 or USB 2. Looking at the Orico site it says that both enclosures are compatible with True TV PVR. But where does USB 2 / 3 come into it? None of the drives I'm looking at (WD Sapphire Blue 1TB mainly) mention anything about being USB 2 or 3 anywhere in their specs. So I can't figure how 'depending on what drive you have' (for choosing the USB 2 or 3 enclosure) comes into it????

Maybe I'm missing something here but I don't get the involvement of USB 2/3 in this. Unless it's a fitting on the HDD and the way it connects to the HDD enclosure because power seems to be the only thing the USB is used for.

[RichCor]

It appears that the USB 2.0/3.0 Interface is there to provide an 'alternative, higher speed' access. Both drive enclosures only accept SATA -based devices.

As you'll be connecting this to a TrueVisions PVR, playback of PVR recorded container files can only occur using the originating PVR device ... so the USB interface will go unused.

[Mrjlh]

I put this together some time ago. You will find there are three connections you need to make on the back to the True Visions box. Two USB and One e-Sata. I forget but I think Orico provides both cables. It's been awhile. The three connections was due to the fact the design originated before USB3 came out and there just no way around it. I tried. Go with the UBS3 format if you can. There's a Youtube video from Orico that shows how easy it is to do. Hope that clears it up. USB3 gives you faster transfer speeds during recording and play back.

PVR REQUIREMENTS.pdf

[SooKee]

Thanks both. I was going to go with the WD Sapphire 500GB HDD. I'll see if I can find that video.

[Mrjlh]

Here you go:

The second USB connector is only to provide addition 5vlt power to the ext HDD.

[SooKee]

Thanks very much. Are you aware if these enclosures tend to be stocked by the various hardware traders found in malls (e.g under Big C in Phuket) or are they such a niche product that ordering from InvadeIT is better? Not due to go to town for a week or so but I'd go today if I was sure I wouldn't come back empty handed.

[SooKee]

I found this vid as well but they only seem to make one USB connection to the PVR:

Guess it'll all be clear once I have the parts in my hand.

Just want to make sure I get the best drive for the job. A 2.5 with a bog standard WD Sapphire or a 3.5 drive (with a different enclosure of course) with a WD Red drive in that's designed for NAS use which, in theory, might be better. Not sure whether the 7,200 spin speeds of the 3.5 drive would be an issue versus the 5,400 spin speeds of the 2.5. Of course I also want the quietest option, hence the consideration of the green, red and black drives.

[SooKee]

Hmm. Typo in my above posts. It's the Scorpio blue drives in the 2.5" variety. Lucky I checked and checked again, the 500 GB Scorpio blue that Invade IT have is a 7mm drive, not the 9.5 that the Orico drive enclosure supports.

[RichCor]

I found this vid as well but they only seem to make one USB connection to the PVR:

Both eSATA and USB are used in the instruction video.

eSATA doesn't provide power for the drive. A "Powered-eSATA" interface would be required (very rare) or other 'external' power is required to power the drive.

The additional USB cable connection is used to provide Power, but the USB Data lines in the cable go unused by the PVR.

[SooKee]

I put this together some time ago. You will find there are three connections you need to make on the back to the True Visions box. Two USB and One e-Sata. I forget but I think Orico provides both cables. It's been awhile. The three connections was due to the fact the design originated before USB3 came out and there just no way around it. I tried. Go with the UBS3 format if you can. There's a Youtube video from Orico that shows how easy it is to do. Hope that clears it up. USB3 gives you faster transfer speeds during recording and play back.

Yeah my post was perhaps a bit unclear. It was made in respect of the above that makes reference to needing to make two USB connections to the STB/PVR. The video seems to indicate only one USB connection (in addition to the E-sata connection), not two USB connections. Guess it'll become clearer when I have the gear in hand.

Hopefully it won't be hard to get. InvadeIT and Orico both list the 2598US3 as out of stock. Invade IT don't seem to stock the 9.5mm drives, neither do JIB. For the saving of a 1,000 baht it might just be easier to pay True for the complete set up. Happy to save the money provided I can find the parts. I'll go for a trawl around a few computer parts places tomorrow. InvadeIT say 2-3 days wait for stock of the enclosure but if Orico is out of stock too that may not happen. I'd hate to be stuck with a paid for order that never arrives and me having to purchase an alternative product (not sure how good these places are at returning payments for goods they can get hold of).

[chris2004]

When you get the enclosure might be best to go for a 1 TB HDD, the 500 GB fills up quite quickly.

[chris2004]

Just noticed aliexpress have them, the Orico 2598SUS3 for only $22 if you willing to wait for postage from China. I might buy more myself at that price.

[2fishin2]

All the computer stores have external hard drives, very common. Get a 1 or 2 TB hdd. I believe the 1 tb retails for 2500 baht or less anywhere. And this is a hdd already enclosed

[SooKee]

All the computer stores have external hard drives, very common. Get a 1 or 2 TB hdd. I believe the 1 tb retails for 2500 baht or less anywhere. And this is a hdd already enclosed

Yeah but wrong type, all of the drives I see on sale in peripheral stores are USB drives, the TrueVision PVR needs an E-sata connection, hence the need for a drive and a separate dock / enclosure.

Seems getting the 2598US3 might be problematic at the moment. InvadeIT have confirmed they cannot get stock from Orico at the moment. Looks like I might have to go the Aliexpress route as suggested by Chris2004. Yah I decided to go for a 1TB drive.

[2fishin2]

Stupid question asked then answered by doing a quick dr google search. Check out local computer stores before ordering. Where are you located?

[SooKee]

Stupid question? I'm assuming you mean yours about whether I'm SURE it needs e-SATA? Yes I am.

Stores DO NOT stock eSATA drives unless they are internal. The 2598 enclosure is out of stock in stores here in Phuket (as per post 6) at online companies AND at the manufacturer. I've now gone an alternative route with a 3.5" eSATA / USB enclosure and 3.5" drive.