HDVR2 Just died. What should I do.

[renlopez]

Well after about 3 years, my Hughes HDVR2 just died.

At first it started freezing during live TV. I would have to power it off to get it to work again. Finally, I decided to do a complete system reset clearing all data. I did that and then a screen showed that it was in the process of resetting, that it could take up to 1 hour to complete, and that the system should not be powered off during this time. 48 hours later it was still stuck on the same screen, so I pulled the plug. When I power it up again, it comes back to the same screen. I figure it's a goner.

Anyway, my question is what should I do with it now? I could:
Try to fix it, and if so, where do I start? new HDD maybe?
Keep it for spare parts?
Sell it on ebay?

[Mavrick22]

Probably need a new hard drive

[Dkerr24]

If you choose to replace the drive yourself, you've got some work ahead of you.

1) You'll need a drive image of the software. Several places will sell you one, you might even get lucky and find one for free to download. This is where I got one for my RCA DVR40:

http://www.ptvupgrade.com/products/instantcake/

2) You'll need a IDE hard drive. Drives in the 200-250gb size offer the largest size for the dollar of any available. Any brand will do, some are louder than others, but as long as it is a IDE (not a SATA) drive, it will work.

Of course, you can call Directv and they will happily send you a new R15. The R15 has met with mixed reviews on this site. Some think it needs several software upgrades to even come close to the Tivo software.

[kryte98371]

I have a Hughes DVR80 that I can make an image from. PM me if you would like my help.

[LostCluster]

Leave the power on for a week and see if it self corrects. I had an HDVR2 get stuck on that same screen, and 72 hours later it recovered.

[codespy]

Get the protection plan. :D

[whitepelican]

Get the protection plan.

What was that quote PT Barnum alledgedly spoke? About one being born every minute? I've had DTV for 8 years and never once needed to call them for repairs. At $6/month that's nearly $600 I've saved. And yet ever time I speak to DTV about changing service they try pushing that damn protection plan on me.

[Dkerr24]

I assume codespy is just being sarcastic... who really buys protection plans anyway?

[willardcpa]

I assume codespy is just being sarcastic... who really buys protection plans anyway?No, he wasn't being sarcastic, signing up for a $6/month plan when your box is already broken is a "no-brainer". And I have bought a protection plan twice from Philips on a DVD recorder, they send me a notice to buy it because my warranty is about up (or in the case of the second time around because my extended warranty was up). And then they keep at me for 3-4 months saying they will still let me sign up - by that time my box has broken (apparently the first generation DVD burner engines are problem prone) so I re-up wait about a month and send the box in for repairs, I have seen the repair order and know that the repair bill is over $300.00. So I figure for $100 I've got another year to punish the box - I burn tons of DVDs. ;)

You're right, but there are cases where it will work out. And no its not fraud, in my case they make a big deal about telling me that I don't have to prove to them that the box is still working. :cool:

[goony]

The Upgrade Forum (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=25) here has info/links on replacing hard drives... while you are at it you might as well Zipper it (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=265929) to add these features (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=250680).

[codespy]

I was being sarcastic, happens every now and then. Hence the smiley after the statement.
I believe nowadays, if you have the protection plan which I do not, a Tivo SD-DVR that goes kaput will most likely be replaced with a R15. From what I heard they are not going to fix old S2 units and send back to you. That's why I stocked up on Tivo's in case this happens.

[tbeckner]

That's why I stocked up on Tivo's in case this happens.
I don't believe that the protection plan is good for anyone who is use to the DirecTiVo, because you are right, DirecTV would likely just send the OTHER DVR as a replacement.

By the way you are not the only one, because I bought two brand new SD-DVR80s in the last two months and I am so happy that I did. I have one hacked but not connected, and another I have placed in a closet without a TV to record programs and act as a server for the other three active machines. I use TiVoWebPlus to setup Season Passes, manual recordings, and delete programs after they have been watched on the other machines. It's like a spare dual tuner TiVo for extra recordings and extra storage.