Ackkk!, TiVo/DVR malfunction

[Lex]

got a malfunction of my bedroom Hughes TiVo/Directv unit (DVR), sigh. This is the 1000.00 original HD unit. ( I have 2 of these) I guess I am going to remove my main unit's hard drive and replace into the problem unit to verify if in fact it is a bad hard drive. It could actually just require a software restart, but I can't make that process happen until I have a drive in formatted state.

But initially, a drive swap means, the affected unit should boot as if nothing abnormal has happened, as I doubt there is any serial number validation, oh crap there could be... The fact the Directv program card does not match the unilt may prevent that from working. (GEEK ALERT[U]) I am just not sure on that one.

You linux guys, do you know do you still use the same basic formatting of drive for Linux? I assume so. So, if in fact that is the case it's software based, I can pop my PC open, reformat the drive in my PC, and replace drive, causing the unit to download it's eprom data(firmware) to the drive as if it's the first time being loaded. This should fix any software malfunction.

The only other thing I see it could be is faulty power supply, and not sure if that is a standard 300 watt or not til I get in there.

Sound like I'm on the right track here fellers'? Anybody else been through this?

The unit would work for a few minutes, then suddenly the remote wouldn't operate it, nor the front buttons. It was basically in a frozen state. Sometimes, the TV portion would still work. Finally, as process of elimination I decided to go ahead and do a refresh of programming parameters (before system total reset), and that's where it got locked up permenantly. It says, "refreshing system parameters", this could take up to 1 hour. Well, it stays there for 6 hours at least. So, it would appear that I am now locked at this point, no matter what I do including disconnection of power and recycling, I can't get past that point now.

[Kevin P]

Why don't you just call DirecTV?

I wouldn't just pull the drive and reformat it, as it may have the box's OS on it, and then it really won't boot up afterward. Plus it might be a "special" partitioning/formatting that is required.

[Lex]

The unit is now a DTV stepchild, as they no longer offer TiVo products, and Hughes has nothing to do with DirecTV now as their DVR units are made elsewhere. Directv could service it, or they could just say, sorry, that unit is no longer supported, blah blah. I may call later today anyway, but I think the initial plan is to fix myself one way or the other, if repairable. Did I mention these cost 1000.00 new?

I got at Best Buy, it's possible they could fix, but if I can fix myself, I'd just as soon do that.

here's one related link:

http://www.dvrupgrade.com/dvr/stores/1/product1.cfm?SID=1&Product_ID=188&Category_ID=2&page=prod&type=Model&ModelID=29

Related link 2: ut oh, I hope it's not this...

http://www.instructables.com/id/E9548LYF41RUNWN/?relatedLink

hmm, well here's a power supply if I need that.

http://www.weaknees.com/tivo-power-supply.php

related link 3:

http://www.fixya.com/support/t123646...me_powering_up

Lastly, before I got to go for lunch... if you read on these, you will see, mostly, it's a standard HD. If you format the drive, and use linux to load the proprietary OS on them, then when you power, it would boot to the menu. IF you don't put the Linux based OS on it and you start with a fresh drive then it thinks it's a brand new TiVo, and the factory install process starts (from eprom or such) (I think)

[Hdale85]

There was a website online that sold a little mount so that you could put 2 hard drives in those units (pretty sure those are the ones you have) But they put like 2 500gig hard drives in them and what not and had a guide on how to format them correctly. So if it is the hard drive might be an opportunity to add some extra space and fix it at the same time.

[Lex]

interesting new development. DirecTV has offered to replace my HD TiVo box with one of their HDDVRs. I'd first say, no way, I love my TiVo's to much, however, with DTV's new satellite launch, none of the older receivers will be able to download all the HD material available. Not that I will take the whole package (however it's sold), but, it could be the incentive I need to go ahead and do the free swap! I wouldn't do it otherwise, as I think the Hughes is a great unit, but being able to get network HD channels, could be really nice.

I will finish thinking this over, and maybe I will just do it, then I can move the units back and forth if I want, if I am disappointed in the non-hughes, it can always become my bedroom unit that see's light use anyway...

After I talked to a girl that knew very little as a tech, I finally got to a superv. that actually knew something, and he was very helpful presenting my options.

[aud19]

If they're doing it for free...sounds good to me :T

[PewterTA]

I'd get both replaced! lol.

[Lex]

I told the guy I swear I didn't hit it with a hammer, as I stroked my beard, hmmmm...

[Fred333]

Sounds like a great way to get free stuff. I love my TiVo too, but newer option are coming out all the time.

[Lex]

well, I finally got to use my new HD-20 DVR from Directv last night for the first time. I can't say I like it as much as TiVo initially. I guess it will be ok in time, but TiVo it's not.

I have not recorded, even seen where it stores it's recordings yet.

Not encouraging, it took 2 units before I got a good one. The first one they sent loaded to a point, then stopped and would not finish. So, they sent me another receiver, and I am sending the other one back today using a return shipping label.