Hi,
as this is one the most annoying issues in tvh, I am begging you to put it onto the to-do list:
I use two USB sticks for DVB-T reception. After nearly every re-boot, four adaptors are listed and I cannot use tvh from xbmc, any more. I have to delete all files and directories /home/hts/.hts/tvheadend/dvb*/* and then re-start the tvh service.
After that, I have to re-assign a DVB network, let the adapters scan and rebuild the xbmc database. That's far too complicated to just get the TV running.
As I've read of so many people having that issue, I'd guess it would be pretty urgent to put that onto the list?!
I am happy to serve you with any needed information.