Yes, I've posted links to sources of the USB to IDE adapters.
Search on some of those key words and my name, if you like.
However, if you read the threads on the VisionSat IV-200 PVR (check the review section), that unit is working with the currently available pre-boxed USB drives.
I have used both kinds (though not on a PVR) and I'd have to give the nod to the pre-made units.
You buy it, plug it in, follow the instructions, and if you can't make it work, take it back.
Get a box of parts to assemble, and the chances you'll be able to return things is much lower.
If you are an experimenter like me, by all means try to roll your own.
If you are an end user (we call 'em
appliance operators ) , then I strongly suggest a pre-built unit.
I recently picked up an external USB 2 case, for some tests.
Was about $26, had a quiet fan, took either IDE or SATA drives, came in silver or black, has its own power supply, and was quite attractive.
Still not getting the transfer performance out of it, I should.
That may or may not be the fault of the unit, as I have other external drives hooked to multiple computers, all of which perform similarly.
Would still be fine for a PVR, though.
Oh,, it has a push button on the front panel for backup , but that relies on supplied software I never loaded, so it's not a problem.
Then, I have a number of smaller USB-powered boxes, based on 2.5" laptop drives.
They're Western Digital Passport external drives, at 40, 60, and 80gb.
These have a rubber bottom case, are small, silent, run cold, and perform same as above.
While I would recommend a unit with more gigabytes, the minute I get an FTA PVR, one of these drives will be hooked to it immediately!
Later, I'll look for a big, quiet, boxed drive.
edit:
I'm not sure if this is a good example of what I'm talking about, but...it might be.
Seagate FreeAgent Pro Data Mover 320GB eSATA & USB 2.0 External Hard Drive - ST303204FDA1E2-Rk.
Seagate: FRYS.com #:
5189126
* Capacity: 320GB
* eSATA & USB 2.0
* 16MB Buffer
* 7200RPM
* 5 Year Warranty
These prices are constantly changing, but today it's advertized for
$90.
I wouldn't order one, as I prefer to buy locally, and have an easy return if necessary.
...and, you might want to read the box, or visit the mfgr's web site to make sure it's suitable.