Anyone have experience installing new Maxtor HDs in a Pioneer 810HS?

[cjones500]

My 810, which I've had for <14 months keeps sticking in the Start Up (keep telling me "just a few more minutes"). If I need to replace the HD, can anyone tell me the life expectancy of the replacement drives? I've read that anything over 18 months on the original drive is a bonus...if I have to spend $200 plus every 18 months, I'll likely rethink my options.

Thanks in advance.

-CJ

[TydalForce]

hard drives are a funny thing. They're the biggest moving part in the whole mix (tivo or computer or ipod or anything usually) and therefore the most prone to failure.

18 months does seem a bit short to me, but I can't say unreasonable.

So here's my advice for you:
- Make sure your TiVo is well ventilated. Airflow helps keep the drives and such cooler, which in turn extends their life. If you can stand a little extra noise, maybe invest in an extra fan.
- Go for a Seagate drive. They currently have a 5-year warranty. I think a warranty like that is an excellent sign of manufacturer faith in their product, and at least if it fails you won't have to pay for it (and if you get lucky, you'll get a bigger drive in the process hehe)
- Backup. Just in case you need it, have a backup you can restore to a new drive