My Digihome DG250DTRA08 has developed a FAIL error .

I've taken out the HDD and hooked it up to my PC ( via Linux ext1 software) and it seems ok. I've also tested the voltages heading into the HDD and they seem ok, so I'm guessing the PSU board is fine.

Is it worth picking up a used tuner board from ebay to get this box going again?

I think you may find this thread useful. The Digihome is the same box as the Wharfedale internally. First thing to try is to to upload the software to it as FAIL is usually (but not always) caused by a failed software update.

Hi, I had a good look at the Wharfedale link. I don't have a pc with a RS232 port so I guess I'm looking at buying some cables on ebay and then constructing a USB to Scart lead.

I go back to my original question, am I more likely to fix my PVR with a new tuner board. Is the software contained in a flash chip on the tuner board? If so then by fitting a new board I'd be fixing a potential software fault anyway and if it's a hardware fault I'm covering that possibility as well.

You had me a little confused with "tuner board" as the tuners are fixed to the mainboard, but I think I've found the item on ebay you're referring to. The flash chip is indeed located on this mainboard and where the software is stored. If the FAIL issue is the result of a failed software update, then there is nothing wrong with your mainboard, and you have to consider why the seller has stripped down a DG250DTRA08 to sell the parts off separately - that mainboard may be in worse condition than yours, especially given the complete lack of description on the listing.

One other thing to consider is whether you have recordings on your box that you would rather not lose, because I think if you replace the mainboard you will lose all your recording library (because the recordings are encrypted on the hard drive using a key that is different on each mainboard).

Also, does the DG250DTRA08 not have a serial port? You'd just need a USB->RS232 adaptor if it does have one.

Thanks Futaura , I'm with you now. I do want to fix my box but I do want to get access to the recordings on the drive as well. So I guess I'll shelve my plan of changing the main board and get hold a usb to rs232 cable. I shall no doubt be in touch for further advice. I've also bought a new Digihome box from the tesco outlet site on ebay , £40 for a Digihome digipvr320sd refurb, bargain.

I've also been in touch with the seller of the tuner/main board who tells me the board came from a working machine.

If it came from a working machine, why strip it?

The Digihome refurb price isn't too bad, just as long as it doesn't have the ill-fated v4.6/4.8 software version installed - wouldn't be too much of a surprise if it did, as many such units would have been returned. If it has v5.3, or some older version, then you're fine. The T835 is a good little reliable box, although the best bargains are on the newer HD T7650 model if you're lucky - a refurbished one of those at £50 is better value, IMHO.

it's got v5.2 software. My brother's had one for a couple of years, no problems at all. HD would have been nice but couldn't see any at the time for reasonable cash with a 12 months guarantee.

Yep, sorry, I meant v5.2.