Pioneer TiVo Owners Club

[robomeister]

I decided to start this thread because the Humax and Toshiba threads seem to be rather popular. I have several of the DVR-810H-S model (see my sig) and one of the DVR-57H model. I love them! They are very solid units. And having TiVo Basic doesn't hurt either.

The hard drive upgrade process is very straight forward. There is really only room for one hard drive, but I've heard some people have been able to squeeze a second hard drive in it. Since these units have two IDE channels, it would be interesting to see if someone could squeeze three or even four hard drives into one unit. The DVD writer would have to be removed, however. Maybe I'll try this to see if it will work.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to successfully replace the DVD writer, in case the writer fails. I think there is something special about the firmware in the writer. I have tried replacing the writer with a Pioneer DVR-105, Pioneer DVR-106, Pioneer DVR-107, Pioneer DVR-108, and Pioneer DVR-109. Each time I've tried, I can play DVDs, but I can't burn DVDs.

But anyway, owners of a Pioneer TiVo, sign in and be counted!

[rcobourn]

Have an 810 with 320GB HD. I don't find myself using the burner so much these days. I use a slingbox to stream programming wherever I want to watch it, or transfer to PC or other Tivo. Almost as easy to burn on PC and I can edit out commercials that way. I'm debating going to a DT unit, but I have lifetime on the 810 so it'll find a home somewhere if that happens.

[turnipsun]

I also have a Pioneer DVR-810H-S.
I completely love this tivo and I think it is far superior to any other dvd tivo out there.

My parents were the first to get a Pioneer DVR-810H-S, and I was amazed with it, so I got my first tivo, which was actually a Humax DRT800.

After having the Humax for one week, and having Humax replace it twice, I finally sold it.
I hated that thing, I really really did not like it, and it almost killed tivo for me.

So after I sold the Humax, I found a Pioneer DVR-810H-S. Once I got it I fell in LOVE.

This unit is amazing, It has handled everything I have thrown at it.
I even have it standing on its side vertically, and it has been GREAT.

I do actually plan to hack it soon, not sure of what my plans are for hard drive or such. I still have alot of research to do, before I can start planing.
Although I would like to find a really quite drive, anybody got any suggestions on hard drives for the DVR-810H-S?

Well I guess thats it, if anyone has a chance to get one of these units, DO NOT PASS IT UP..

Quick Note: TIVO NEED TO GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER ON TIVOTOGO FOR MAC.
I had to say it...!

[gayste]

1 here...

Although I seem to be using it less and less as I TivoToGo most things now-a-days. (And recordings from my other TiVo will not copy to DVD.) It's not hacked and it might go away as soon as the Series 3 comes out.

[Seattle]

I also have one Pioneer 810H-S. Of my ten TiVos it is my favorite. I have lifetime on it and it has not been upgraded yet. I also have an Humax DVD unit and it works fine for me.

[jlac839]

I have a DVR-57H purchased nearly two years ago in a closing down sale. I purchased Lifetime service for it and I've been very pleased. I also upgraded the disk to 300GB. I use HME and TTG a lot since I got the Tivo wireless adapter which is much faster at downloads (to the Tivo) than wired or other wireless adapters due to its built-in video processing. I've hardly watched live tv since I got the Tivo except for some sports. I don't intend to replace it until I make a commitment to HD which is a long way off for me.

[megazone]

Indeed, my DVR-810H (the 57H's twin, just a smaller drive), is my favorite of all the TiVo's I've owned or used. I plan to keep it even after I get an S3.

[bobsokoler]

New Problem for my Pioneer 810H, It boots up and stalls at "starting up". Anyone have an idea on what the problem is?

[bicker]

Is there a DVD in the unit? If so, you may need to manually eject it before booting the unit up.

[alacran]

Hello, I am a proud owner of a DVR 57H, bought it used, sure wished it displayed better than 480P display. Can't really compain otherwise, good to know there is a pioneer club.

[megazone]

New Problem for my Pioneer 810H, It boots up and stalls at "starting up". Anyone have an idea on what the problem is?When a TiVo stalls on 'starting up' it is almost always a dead hard drive. Do remove any DVD that may be in the drive. Otherwise you can open it up and check all the cables - make sure the drive power and IDE cable are connected, etc. If that fails, then you need to reimage, or replace, the drive.

[readmore]

I've had an 810 for a couple of years now. I've been quite pleased with it. The only hiccup was a failed hard drive a few months after purchase. Fortunately, Pioneer replaced it (pretty quickly), and I was given the ultimate sign of successful purchase of a major piece of technology when my wife said she missed the tivo while it was getting replaced! Beforehand, she didn't understand what use it could possibly be, even with a burner...but then she saw the light, and she'll never go back.

[rmarshll]

is there a 1 gig usb nic card that will work with the 810h.. I love my unit.. but 100mbps is way to slow to transfer.. i want to use a 1gbps adaptor.

[codeman71]

My aunt has a Pioneer 810-H and all of a sudden we are no longer able to transfer recorded shows from her other TiVo, or view any pictures or music on her computer.

It seems to have happened about a month or so ago. I have removed the wireless adapter and plugged it back in, restarted the TiVo several times and have also removed power to do a cold restart -- none of these have helped.

Also, when I try to transfer shows off of the TiVo onto her other box, I am able to view all of the shows on it, but when I try to do a transfer, it gives an error saying that it was no longer available. I am, however, able to transfer shows onto her computer using TiVo Desktop.

It seems like a service update has been the cause of this problem, because nothing else has changed in our set up. Has anybody else seen or heard about this being an issue, or how to go about fixing it?

Thanks!

[Dan203]

We also have an 810H. That's most likely the one S2 TiVo we will keep after we upgrade to the S3 units.

Dan

[megazone]

is there a 1 gig usb nic card that will work with the 810h.. I love my unit.. but 100mbps is way to slow to transfer.. i want to use a 1gbps adaptor.The TiVo can't even fill 100Mbps, GigE would have NO advantage. The bottleneck is the TiVo CPU, not the network. (And no, no GigE adapters work.)

[MMG]

I've had a 57H with Lifetime since 12/05. I love it. I'm always burning DVDs of shows for friends. The picture is excellent, it has quick menus (at least before 7.3.1), and looks nice too.

Unfortunately, it's in a GSOD loop now and I'll be replacing its hard-drive tomorrow but I would never want to get rid of this gem.

[bicker]

I believe my current wireless adapeters are 802.11b but my wireless router can handle 802.11g. I'd spend the $120 for the two adapters I'd need to connect my two boxes, if it would make a big enough difference. Specifically, is it practical to expect that I could actually watch something, in real time, from one TiVo, on the other?

[megazone]

Specifically, is it practical to expect that I could actually watch something, in real time, from one TiVo, on the other?I do that. If the units are 1xx, 2xx, or 6xx boxes it is very likely to work for any recording quality, given a good network connection. A 5xx box may or may not cope with Best at realtime, but High or lower should work with the TiVo adapters OK.

The lower the recording quality, the faster the transfer. The bitrate of the transfer doesn't change, but there is less to transfer for a given run time.

[wtherrell]

I got one of the first 57-H units Tweeter had available in my area and still love it. Works great on my wireless network. Just finished burning 56 DVD's. I now have a pretty good "Alias" collection as a result. (Lord, Jennifer is so hot!!). Lifetime subscription. I hear they are not offering the lifetime one any more. Bummer. I may have to try something other than Tivo for my next unit.

[MMG]

Good news... I just got my 57H up and running again with a new hard drive from weaknees.com. :up:

[Fandango2002]

I just bought a demo unit DVR-810H-S yesterday from a popular computer store chain - so far so good. Couldn't pass it up for the price. What DVD-RW media are people having the best luck with in their 810s? A few weeks ago, I found a great deal on some Office Depot brand RWs which work great for burning in my Toshiba RS-TX20 but my 810 rejects them. :confused: I bought a lot of these discs so I was pretty bummed! :( I have some Maxells that work but they are little pricey (I'm a cheapskate!) Anyone have any suggestions for good deals on RW media for the 810?

[bicker]

I do that. If the units are 1xx, 2xx, or 6xx boxes it is very likely to work for any recording quality, given a good network connection. A 5xx box may or may not cope with Best at realtime, but High or lower should work with the TiVo adapters OK.Thanks for this. One of my boxes is 5xx. Could someone please point me to an explanation about why this box isn't as good as my older 2xx box? Should I be considering retiring my 5xx and just getting a new box (for free?) from TiVo as my "second" box? It's still just the same price per month -- I'd just have to make a 1 year commitment, correct? If the new boxes are unequivocally better, and free, and we would otherwise keep our 5xx for the next year anyway, isn't this a no-brainer???

I couldn't find a way to check this on the TiVo website... no way to see how much it would cost and what commitment I'd have to make with regard to adding a new TiVo onto an existing TiVo account.

[bicker]

I've given up on DVD-RWs. They're so expensive, and DVD-Rs are so inexpensive, so I just burn, use, and discard. <shrug>

[robomeister]

Regarding DVD-RWs: You have to be careful what you buy. The Pioneer only likes DVD-RWs that are 1x or 2x. I've tried ones that are marked 4x (DVD-RW ver 1.2), and the Pioneer gives me the broken disc icon. In the User's Guide, page 32, it says to use DVD-RWs that are compatible with DVD-RW ver 1.1 and ver 1.1/2x. You'll have to read the fine print on the package to make sure they are compatible.

This probably has something to do with the firmware version of the DVD burner. The Pioneer TiVos use either a Pioneer DVR-A05 or DVR-A06 burner, fairly old by today's standards. It would be nice if a newer version of the firmware could be added to a future software update. But only after thorough testing, I don't want my burner to die from a bad software update.

[Fandango2002]

Regarding DVD-RWs: You have to be careful what you buy. The Pioneer only likes DVD-RWs that are 1x or 2x. I've tried ones that are marked 4x (DVD-RW ver 1.2), and the Pioneer gives me the broken disc icon. In the User's Guide, page 32, it says to use DVD-RWs that are compatible with DVD-RW ver 1.1 and ver 1.1/2x. You'll have to read the fine print on the package to make sure they are compatible.

This probably has something to do with the firmware version of the DVD burner. The Pioneer TiVos use either a Pioneer DVR-A05 or DVR-A06 burner, fairly old by today's standards. It would be nice if a newer version of the firmware could be added to a future software update. But only after thorough testing, I don't want my burner to die from a bad software update.

Thanks for the info. Yes, new firmware to handle the newer discs would be nice!

[blang]

Hey all, new to the forum here. I've had an 810H for quite awhile now, couldn't live without it (or so it would seem). Lately, though, it's not burning DVDs as well, I've got to look into replacing that drive (and the HDD if possible).

[kaceeb]

Hi,
I'm new to this forum. I know we have a Pioneer, but I don't know the specifics. I'm not the electronics genius in our home. My husband's at work and I have a technical problem. I've tried several different DVDs and each time I put one in it says that it can't be read and might be damaged. (I know it's not.) Does anyone have a suggestion?

[Fandango2002]

Regarding DVD-RWs: You have to be careful what you buy. The Pioneer only likes DVD-RWs that are 1x or 2x. I've tried ones that are marked 4x (DVD-RW ver 1.2), and the Pioneer gives me the broken disc icon. In the User's Guide, page 32, it says to use DVD-RWs that are compatible with DVD-RW ver 1.1 and ver 1.1/2x. You'll have to read the fine print on the package to make sure they are compatible.

This probably has something to do with the firmware version of the DVD burner. The Pioneer TiVos use either a Pioneer DVR-A05 or DVR-A06 burner, fairly old by today's standards. It would be nice if a newer version of the firmware could be added to a future software update. But only after thorough testing, I don't want my burner to die from a bad software update.

Here's an update:

Target has a sale right now on Memorex DVD-RW 2X. 10-pack w/jewel cases for $8.99. This is one of the best deals I've seen on name-brand RWs. These work great in my DVR-810H and RS-TX20 and play back great on my Sony 5-disc carousel. There are actually 2 package styles. The older one states 1X - 2X and the newer one states just 2X. Both work great. Sale is through Saturday.

[Fandango2002]

I bought a bigger HDD for my DVR-810H (hasn't been delivered yet) and I'll be transferring the OS to the new drive myself. Was on the Weaknees site getting the instructions and noticed that 2 torx tools are needed. However, these instructions seem to be for the Humax and Toshiba DVD units specifically (there doesn't seem to be a dedicated Pioneer set of instructions). My question is: does the 810H require these 2 torx tools as well or is it all phillips heads in there? I don't want to open up my Pioneer unit yet and need to know if I should buy these tools on the way home from work. Thanks!

[Fandango2002]

Hi,
I'm new to this forum. I know we have a Pioneer, but I don't know the specifics. I'm not the electronics genius in our home. My husband's at work and I have a technical problem. I've tried several different DVDs and each time I put one in it says that it can't be read and might be damaged. (I know it's not.) Does anyone have a suggestion?

What kind of DVDs are you trying to load? Non-recordable movies? Blank recordable DVDs? Recordable DVDs that have been burned and have content?

[Lsollee]

I bought a bigger HDD for my DVR-810H (hasn't been delivered yet) and I'll be transferring the OS to the new drive myself. Was on the Weaknees site getting the instructions and noticed that 2 torx tools are needed. However, these instructions seem to be for the Humax and Toshiba DVD units specifically (there doesn't seem to be a dedicated Pioneer set of instructions). My question is: does the 810H require these 2 torx tools as well or is it all phillips heads in there? I don't want to open up my Pioneer unit yet and need to know if I should buy these tools on the way home from work. Thanks!
All you need is a phillips .

[Fandango2002]

Thanks!

[retired_guy]

I've got a 57H which I bought a few months after they initially came out. I upgraded it to 500GB with no problems. I've burned hundred of DVDs with maybe one or two failing, if that. But I don't burn RW material since cheap blanks are only around $.19. Its a great box--my favorite of all of my units and the one I'm certain to keep around after buying a Series 3.

[AlexA6404]

I am new to this forum. I am considering getting a Tivo and I could use some expert advice. The options I am considering is to get a box from Tivo with their service or to get a high end box such as DVR-57H so that I can also replce my DVD player, CD player, and VCR with it. A few questions:
- Can I (wireless) network the 57H to access my photos and WMA files from my computer?
- Do I need plus service to network the unit or can I do that with the basic service the unit comes with?
- Is there a way to play WMA files on the 57H? I think there is software that converts WMA files to MP3 on the fly for the Tivo units, but, does that work with the 57H also?
- I assume that you can pause, rewind, etc. live TV with the basic service. 3 days vs 2 weeks programming may not be a big deal. What else would I need the tivo plus service for?

[GT1Boy]

AlexA6404, have you seen a 57H in stock somewhere? I have only seen refurbished units around. Pioneer and Toshiba discontinued their TiVos that featured TiVo Basic some time ago. The Humax TiVo DVD Recorders (DRT400 and refurb DRT800) are still readily available but do not come with TiVo Basic like the Pioneer and Toshiba units.

- Can I (wireless) network the 57H to access my photos and WMA files from my computer?
Yes, it is considered a Series 2 TiVo. You will just need to get a compatible USB Ethernet adapter.

- Do I need plus service to network the unit or can I do that with the basic service the unit comes with?
If you mean using the Home Media Features, yes, you need Plus for this.

- Is there a way to play WMA files on the 57H? I think there is software that converts WMA files to MP3 on the fly for the Tivo units, but, does that work with the 57H also?
Yes, check out this thread: http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?threadid=124778

- I assume that you can pause, rewind, etc. live TV with the basic service. 3 days vs 2 weeks programming may not be a big deal. What else would I need the tivo plus service for?
Home Media Features, Season Passes, Searches by Actor, Director, etc, & Wish Lists, basically everything that makes a TiVo a TiVo. :D

[AlexA6404]

I was actually thinking of picking up a DVR-57H on ebay. Again, thinking that this is the highest end (thus the best audio and video quality) Tivo machine out there.
Which USB wireless adaptor would you recommend with the 57H?

[robomeister]

Check out the "official" list here. (http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv2184.htm?) I've personally used the D-Link DWL-122 and the LinkSys WUSB12 adapters with no problems, other than slow MRV transfers. I hear the TiVo wireless adapter is faster with MRV transfers, but haven't used it myself. I mostly use wired connections (LinkSys USB200M).

[bicker]

Definitely a lot faster with MRV transfers. I'm watching something which is being transfered, wireless to router to wireless, and it is keeping pace pretty well with the live transfer.

[GT1Boy]

I was actually thinking of picking up a DVR-57H on ebay. Again, thinking that this is the highest end (thus the best audio and video quality) Tivo machine out there.
Which USB wireless adaptor would you recommend with the 57H?

You might actually want to look at the Humax DRT800 or the Toshiba RX-TS20 or RS-TX60 if you want a firewire input and DVDR drive with newer firmware and support for + and - media as well as well as all of the features of the Pioneers.

[Fandango2002]

Definitely a lot faster with MRV transfers. I'm watching something which is being transfered, wireless to router to wireless, and it is keeping pace pretty well with the live transfer.

What quality is your show recorded at? With lower quality recordings, there is less data to push. I have one box using the TiVo G adapter and the other is using a Linksys wireless-B. I tried watching a High (SP) Quality show while it was being transferred and it kept pausing. If I get a second TiVo G adapter to replace the B, is there a good chance that I'll be able to watch High (SP) Quality shows while they transfer?

[bicker]

These shows (I'm watching one right now, live through the feed) were recorded on High (SP) quality.

[Fandango2002]

These shows (I'm watching one right now, live through the feed) were recorded on High (SP) quality.

Nice. Do you have WEP encryption enabled on your wireless network? If so, is it 64-bit or 128-bit? I might just have to break down and buy another TiVo adapter!

[bicker]

You do ask all the hard questions, don't you? :) Lemme see if I can figure out the answer here.... WEP 64-bit.

[Fandango2002]

You do ask all the hard questions, don't you? :) Lemme see if I can figure out the answer here.... WEP 64-bit.

LOL! Thanks. :) I think I might have to try to eliminate all "B" devices from my wireless network (I'm reading here that this can affect performance), buy that second TiVo adapter and try it. Going from 128-bit to 64-bit WEP sounds scary to me - hopefully, I won't have to do that. Thanks for the info.

[Pioneering]

First I must say thanks to Robomeister for starting our own Pioneer owners thread :D I had thought of doing this a while back after seeing the Humax and other "clubs", but I was only a rookie here :rolleyes:
I even tried a Panasonic recorder in my first year of ownership since I was frustrated in not being able to edit on the hard drive. But the Pany was so clunky to operate and didn't hold a candle to my 810 in terms of elegance--tivo!
Okay...I own the DVR-810H-S. I currently have Cox cable, non-digital, expanded basic w/o a cable box.
I only have tivo basic, but I'm quite satisfied with that.
But now I'm thinking of dumping cox and going with Dish Network. I met a local vendor and their running a great special right now.
But I remember seeing something somwhere about an incompatability between satelite and either my pioneer or another DVR. I believe it had something to do with the TV guide. But now I can't find that info.
So, does anyone know what this is??
Thanks!!

[megazone]

Standalone TiVos can control Dish receivers just fine.

[Pioneering]

Thanks megazone
Now that I've slept on this delema, do you know if my tivo basic machine will have access to the tv guide for the direct tv,
so that I can use my unit just as before?
Thanks again

[megazone]

I believe TiVo Basic can take the same inputs as TiVo Plus: http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv1199.htm?

[justahobby]

info about Tivo Basic and Tivotogo.
I don't want music or pictures for transfers..just want the ability to send my recordings to my laptop..
in my configuration screen the Media Access Key says Temporaly not available.
i have the Tivo USB network adapter and it works fine.
Download the software from Tivo and installed.,
sotware wants a Key from my unit,
Do I have to have Plus for Tivotogo?

[megazone]

Yes.

[Pioneering]

About a week ago, I tried to view a just burned disk. At first try, I got an error message screen. Second try, the disk's menu displayed. But when I tried to play the first selection (tv show) on the disk, there was a sort of winding up noise that got more intense and sounded like it was straining or getting "tighter" as it sounded like the this winding sound was slowing down. The program never even started to play. I unplugged my 810 and after it booted back up, it refused to read any dvd disk inserted--blank, recorded (dv-r) or a commercial movie. Hellllllllllp!!
I read the post here of someone looking for a replacement burner for their humax, with the bad news.
Does anyone know if I can replace my internal burner. I'm hoping I don't have to return it to pioneer..
Thanks for any help!

[bicker]

My burner is fine, but I was wondering this myself this past weekend. Does anyone know anyone reliable who fixes Pioneer TiVo burners?

[Ick_the_TivoDude]

I have a Pioneer DVR-810H and I love it. It is extremely easy to record my favorite shows and take them with me when I travel. One thing I've notice though is that I don't seem to be able to create DVD's of programs that I recorded on my other TIVO. Transferring and watching the programs works fine but I'm not able to include them on a DVD that I want to burn. Is that a designed in issue or am i just doing something wrong?

Thanks for any enlightenment I may get from this forum.

Ick_

[robomeister]

Ick_the_TivoDude,

Regarding transfering shows from another TiVo to burn on the Pioneer. That will not work. It is described in the manual that you can only burn shows that were recorded by the TiVo with the DVD writer. You cannot burn shows that were transfered from another TiVo.

robomeister

[roy2000]

I just joined this group. I was searching for info on my pioneer DVR-810H-S and found you. I've had it for quite a while 2-3 years so it is out of warranty.
In the last 4 months it has stopped playing some of the backup copied dvds. When that happens it locks it up and I have to unplug it to get the DVD out. I use name brand dvd-r.
I have use the lazar disc to clean it - is there anything else I can do?
thanx
roy

[Ick_the_TivoDude]

robomeister,

Thanks for the clarification.

Hmmmm......read the user manual, now that's a novel concept.

Seriously, I appreciate your reply and thanks for not busting my chops for not seeing it in the manual. Some forums can really be harsh about that.

Ick_

[toddc]

I am a proud owner of an 810... no problems

[J2w218]

I love it even though, recently, it is hanging everyday. I get the green screen but, mixed with whatever it was displaying at the time it hung. Don't know yet if it is 7.3.1 or the HD. I do plan on upgrading the HD but, I don't want to do it yet if it is still going to hang. I hate having to power it off, sometimes it hangs the display while recording. Red LED on and the drive sounds busy but, the unit is hung. I thought maybe it was the component inputs so I tried the SVid, same result.

I love the fact that it has 480p output and an optical audio out as well. Need to save up some $$$ for a bigger disk and scour the forums for any solutions.

Great TiVo though!

[runkefer]

I have one Pioneer 810-H (activated Feb 2004) and also an original model Phillips Series 1 (activated July 1999).

Recently I have not been able to view rented DVDs in the Pioneer unit. DVDs that I have recorded on the unit seem to work fine. Recording seems to work fine.

Symptoms:
1. Periodic horizontal lines across the screen
3. Darkening of the picture after the horizontal lines

Is there some way to clean it or adjust it to get rid of this problem?

[GT1Boy]

I have one Pioneer 810-H (activated Feb 2004) and also an original model Phillips Series 1 (activated July 1999).

Recently I have not been able to view rented DVDs in the Pioneer unit. DVDs that I have recorded on the unit seem to work fine. Recording seems to work fine.

Symptoms:
1. Periodic horizontal lines across the screen
3. Darkening of the picture after the horizontal lines

Is there some way to clean it or adjust it to get rid of this problem?

Did you recently change how it is connected to your TV? It sounds like the Macrovision copy protection is kicking in during playback of commercial DVDs. Make sure that the TiVo' video output is connected directly to the TV and not through any other devices and that should resolve the problem.

[runkefer]

Did you recently change how it is connected to your TV? It sounds like the Macrovision copy protection is kicking during playback of commercial DVDs. Make sure that the TiVo' video output is connected directly to the TV and not through any other devices and that should resolve the problem.

Hmmm.... No, I haven't changed the hookup since 2004. However, I can't hook the DVR directly to the TV because it's an ancient TV (ca 1992) and it has only one input, coax, so I'm running the DVR through a VCR and then via coax into the TV (I think--I'll have to pull everything out of the cabinet and rummage around in the tangle of cables.) I'm wondering if it has to do with how new the DVDs are and whether they use the copy protection scheme. I'll have to check whether there is any alternate way to make the hookup work so that I can use the VCR and the TiVo with that TV.

Thanks for the help.

[jon_n_san_diego]

My 810H is not even 2 years old and already the picture/signal is breaking up several times per 1/2 hour and it's getting worse. - I go to all the user manuals and info packaged with the unit and I find this goldenrod colored 1/2 page from Pioneer titled: "About the internal hard disk drive, HDD." ...which basically says that: the HD is delicate and if used improperly then it will fail in a few years. and if the playback freezes or there is noticeable block noise, (mozaic), then you're SOL. - It's just "funny" that Pioneer would put in a defect-excuse, blaming the consumer before they've even plugged the damn thing in.

Now this unit has been in the same built-in cabinet the whole time with no movement and no problems until now. It sure sounds like Pioneer sold a unit with known product defects and I wouldn't put it past Costco to buy their close-outs knowing there was a problem...but the price was cheap.

Anyone else have similar problems with their 810H? This just really pisses me off that now I'll have to put in a new HD to maintain my Lifetime Tivo account, in just 22 month's time!

[bicker]

I'd put a greater likelihood that Costco mishandled the stock before you made your purchase. Either that or you got an outlier. Not all products last the same amount of time. That's not a "known product defect" -- it's reality.

My 810H is about three years old, and the only problem we've ever had was the kazoo problem (which seems to have gone away now, since we got rid of the cable box -- must have been something wrong with the audio input jacks).

[Hpirx]

Had my 810H for about 3 years now. One HD change after a year and a half. Very easy courtesy of Weaknees. Still TiVos and burns great.
Bought it when the price was still premium and have never regretted it.
I always thought the ability to offload programs was fantastic and it surprises me that interest seems to have petered out in terms of new product.
Will try to keep it for as along as possible and I will mourn it's eventual passing.

[dirtypacman]

My favorite unit also is the 810.

The toshiba model is pretty good also.

[generaltso]

I've still got an 810, but it stopped working about 6 months ago. I really do like the 810 better than the Humax, but since I already have a Humax I can't justify spending $200 to have Pioneer fix the 810.

No, the problem is not the hard drive or the power supply. Unless anyone knows where I can get a cheap 810 system board, I think my 810 is going to continue taking up space in a box in the basement :(

[kwadguy]

I have the 810h model as well, and think it's the spiffiest Tivo out there. (Well, maybe not as spiffy as the Tivo 3, which I haven't used...)

Two questions:

Using high quality DVD-R blanks (Taiyo Yuden 8x, Fuji branded, made in Japan), my unit takes ~1 hour to burn two 1 hour programs (@ high quality, i.e. filling the disc). That's 2x for blanks that burn at 8x on everything else...Is this typical?

Also, has anyone successfully replaced the burner unit in one of these? Mine works fine, but I'm thinking into the future...

Kwad

[dirtypacman]

Im not positive but the Pioneer may max out at 4x speed.

[GT1Boy]

Yep, max speed is 4x for DVD-R and 2x for DVD-RW.

[bicker]

How would eBay help get your 810H working? :confused:

[generaltso]

KLM, if you do end up trying to offload your 810, PM me. I'm looking for parts to try to fix mine.

[jole60]

VCR+ Plus programming on my 810H unit no longer functions. When I enter a pluscode, the following message displays:

"The PlusCode that you entered (XXXXX) refers to Guide number XX, which does not currently correspond to any channel. If you entered a PlusCode correctly, then go to VCR Plus+ Channels to enter the appropriate channel for Guide Number and then try again".

A review of my VCR Plus Channels confirms that all entries are correct. The same message appears when I delete and then re-enter channels.

I recently installed the 8.1 upgrade and don't know if this problem is is software or hardware-related. Has anyone else experienced the same problem with this model?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[jole60]

klm, forum rules don't let me post the web address because I have less than five posts here; but if you Google "VCRPLus", you'll find what you want at the top of search results.

[xhayes55]

If anyone knows where to get a Main Board for the DVR 810H plese let me know. I checked with Pioneer and the lady told me that I could get the board for $551. I told her that she was out of her mind. The unit is great but bot gold.

[generaltso]

Pioneer has a flat repair fee of $200 for a broken 810 regardless of what's wrong with it.

[xhayes55]

That is not what they told me, But I will check on that. Thanks.

[Stainless Steele]

I love my Pioneer units!

[xhayes55]

Pioneer has a flat repair fee of $200 for a broken 810 regardless of what's wrong with it.


I checked and they do. Now I have to decide is it worth it.

[generaltso]

Yeah, that was the same situation I was in when my Pioneer first stopped working. I just haven't been able to justify the $200 repair fee since I have so many other TiVos, including a Humax DVD box. But I sure do miss my Pioneer.

[fountain]

I recently purchased a DVR-810 on which the previous owner had a an expanded Tivo service. When he sold it to me he cancelled the service. Now when I try to connect to Tivo all I get instead of the basic channels display is a showcase display. When I go to the DVR system information the display indicates that service is cancelled. At both Pioneer's and Tivo's service departments request I have cleared the entire unit without success in reintalling the Basic channel service. The Showcase is worhtless. Does anyone out there have any advice as to what to do? All other functions on the unit are working fine. Thanks!

[kwadguy]

On my DVR-810H, which I am running with Tivo Basic (aka just enough Tivo to piss you off!), and which has gone through numerous software updates, when I go to the "upgrade to full Tivo" screens it STILL tells me that I can have lifetime for $299. I would have thought that that would have disappeared with the updates...Unless they are still honoring the $299/lifetime deal for the Pioneer/Tivo. If they aren't, then it seems like real bad form to leave that price screen unchanged on the unit.

(Note that I never activated the free 90 day trial...Perhaps the $299/lifetime disappears if/when you activate the trial)?

One more thing:

Is there any way to edit/control chapter marks in programs recorded to DVD? I like to put chapter marks every minute so that when watching on a DVD player, I can just fast forward through the commercials in 1 minute chunks. I don't see any way to control this on the Tivo/Pioneer, however.

kwad

[bicker]

Service updates don't wipe away all vestiges of the original install. For example, each of my TiVos has its own welcome video, and they've never changed despite the fact that they've all received service updates, and two of them now have the same software version.

Rest assured: TiVo time limited lifetime service offers by public release. You cannot pay $299 to get lifetime on to a Pioneer 810H any longer.

There is no way to chapterize the DVDs made by the 810H.

[generaltso]

You can still get lifetime on a Humax DVD box that's never been activated. But I'm not sure if that applies to a Pioneer.

[bicker]

It doesn't.

[kwadguy]

I have some DVD-RW blanks (Memorex, 4x rated) that I can record in my 810H. HOWEVER, after I record them (and finalize them), I can't reuse them. If I put it back in the Tivo/Pioneer, and select "copy programs to DVD" I get an error about how the disc can't be used for that purpose. Huh? I thought the recorder was supposed to be able to reinitialize the disc and reuse it...?

I haven't tried reinitializing them on a PC yet...but the manual says you can reuse a DVD-RW on the Tivo/Pioneer and says nothing about needing to reinitialize on a PC.

Kwad

[robomeister]

kwadguy,

You were able to burn shows using the 4x DVD-RW media in your Pioneer? I have never been able to do that. I can only use 1X or 2X DVD-RW media. Whenever I try to use 4X DVD-RW media to burn some shows, I get the broken disc icon, meaning that the burner cannot use it. Period.

The manual is very specific on what media will work in the machine. I don't have it in front of me right now, but I remember having to read the fine print on the outside packaging of the DVD-RW media I was looking to buy, to make sure it was compatible.

I can use 4X DVD-R media, and occasionally 8X DVD-R media. Haven't tried 16X DVD-R media. But only been able to use 1X DVD-RW and 2X DVD-RW media. Never been able to use 4X DVD-RW media.

The 2X DVD-RW media is rather hard to find now. I was fortunate to find a bunch that will work in my Pioneers. I found some on Ebay, and some in Japan (I used to live there). But this was a while back.

[evilipoo]

Allright, count me in the "I-Love-my-Pioneer-DVD-burner-Tivo" club! :) I have an 810H that I purchased 3 years ago and is long out of warranty. But I swear it is still the best thing ever! :D

Burner has failed and Weaknees won't fix it anymore (a few months back they were willing to). Called Pioneer and got the standard $200 to fix shpeel.

I would also like to upgrade to a 300gb HD.

My questions are:

What to do first? Will Pioneer work on an upgraded unit?

Has anyone had Pioneer repair their unit? Are you happy with the result?

Is there an upgraded burner or firmware available (someone mentioned this earlier in the thread, but I did not see an answer).

What about scrapping plans to fix the burner and just getting a slingbox to transfer the stuff I want to record to my laptop?

Thanks in advance!

[generaltso]

I think that $200 really just gets Pioneer to swap your box for a refurbed unit. If you send them a box with an upgraded drive, there's a good change you won't get that drive back. I would recommend waiting until you have a working unit to upgrade the drive.

[raardvark]

I've got the same problem, and a friend with an 810H also does. We're not sure when it started, but we also think it was about the time the upgrade was pushed. My friend called Tivo a couple of times with not luck -- they seem to think he's got his guide set up incorrectly, but his and mine are correct.

Has anyone come across a solution?

VCR+ Plus programming on my 810H unit no longer functions. When I enter a pluscode, the following message displays:

"The PlusCode that you entered (XXXXX) refers to Guide number XX, which does not currently correspond to any channel. If you entered a PlusCode correctly, then go to VCR Plus+ Channels to enter the appropriate channel for Guide Number and then try again".

A review of my VCR Plus Channels confirms that all entries are correct. The same message appears when I delete and then re-enter channels.

I recently installed the 8.1 upgrade and don't know if this problem is is software or hardware-related. Has anyone else experienced the same problem with this model?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[jkovach]

I'm really surprised to hear that some people actually use the VCR+ 'feature'. I never understood why that was included - the whole point of Tivo was the built-in program listings, etc. that made it so easy to find the shows you want to record.

So, to those people who actually use(d) VCR+, can you explain why?

Thanks!

[jole60]

raardvark, the Pioneer/Toshiba Tivo/DVD combo boxes come with free Basic Tivo which provides only three days of Guide listings. Using VCR+ on the 810H with the weekly listings provided by my local paper allows me to schedule recordings over seven days. I can also go to the TV Guide website and obtain VCR+ codes for listings that will enable me to set up recordings over a 16-day period. In other words, especially for those who do not purchase subscriptions, the VCR+ function is a useful add-on to the 810H box that enhances the overall Tivo experience.

It appears that this capability was damaged by the 8.1 upgrade. I hope that other 810H owners will check out this function and notify CS about the problem.

[jole60]

Oops! Message #94 was meant to be addressed to jkovach. Sorry about that, raardvark.

[tdelena]

I am using a Pioneer DVR-810HS.

1. I decided to upgrade my hard drive from 80G to 320G. I bought a brand new 320G Western Digital hard drive (7200.10) At the time I had 7.3 software. Used mfsbackup -Tao - /dev/hda | mfsrestore -s 127 -r 4 -xzpi - /dev/hdc

Everything worked great. Shows copied over had variable to 411 hours. Worked fine for 10 days until 8.1 arrived.

2. Received 8.1 and now the machine reboots 2 seconds after getting to Central menu. Others are experiencing this too. I was not sure what the problem was at the time.

3. Put my 80G back in with 7.3 software. It ran slow, but worked. Downloaded the service update and rebooted. 8.1 runs on the 80G. No rebooting. However, it is very slow at the Central menu and is constantly accessing the hard drive. It was not this way before 8.1.

4. Did the same command as before outlined above copying the image from the 80G to the 320G.

5. Placed the 320G in the machine and get the same constant rebooting action when it gets to the Central menu.

This really blows. Did they prevent users from adding larger drives with this new software? I fgind it hard to believe that my 10 day old hard drive is bad. Possible hardware problem. Appreciate any advice/comments.

[megazone]

Did you make sure to enlarge the swap partition when moving to the larger drive?

People often goof when going to huge drives and it causes problems.

[rcobourn]

For a 320 GB drive you should be using a swap size of at least 160 and you should be using tpip to initialize it. The new software is running fine on my 320GB upgraded 810 using those paramters.

[tdelena]

Yes, I did do a copy using -s 300 for a huge swap file, but I never used tpip. What does tpip do and how should I use it?

Thanks!

[tdelena]

Does this look correct?

# tpip -k vmlinux-3.0.px -o kernel.bak -s /dev/hde

[RioDR]

I have a Pioneer 810 and I'm thinking about getting another Tivo (non-DVD) for the upstairs. 80hr Tivo at Best Buy right now for $219.99, with a $220 rebate. If I ever get the rebate back, I'll have only paid the tax. I am networked, my question is with Multi-Room, I should be able to view the Now Playing list of the other Tivos on the network, but can I burn a DVD of programs not originally recorded on the Pioneer? I understand that shows that are transfered are actually copied to the other Tivo, but will there a restriction on it being burned? I'll probably get the "free" Tivo whether or not I can burn DVDs of transferred shows, but I just want to know which Tivo to use for priority recordings. Thanks in advance.

[generaltso]

can I burn a DVD of programs not originally recorded on the Pioneer?

No. The Pioneer records in a specific DVD format so that its programs can be recorded onto DVD. Shows can be transferred to the Pioneer from other TiVos, but they cannot be burned to DVD.

[bnm81002]

No. The Pioneer records in a specific DVD format so that its programs can be recorded onto DVD. Shows can be transferred to the Pioneer from other TiVos, but they cannot be burned to DVD.


man that stinks, guess I'm gonna have to buy a standalone DVD recorder then so that I can burn to blank DVD's

[vläd]

I've got the same problem, and a friend with an 810H also does. We're not sure when it started, but we also think it was about the time the upgrade was pushed. My friend called Tivo a couple of times with not luck -- they seem to think he's got his guide set up incorrectly, but his and mine are correct.

Has anyone come across a solution?

No solution here, but you are correct that this loss of functionality happened with the last upgrade. I am NOT a happy camper ATM with my 810H and Tivo.

[vläd]

I contaced Pioneer today on the VCR+ issue with the Pioneer DVR-810H and the latest TiVo update. Pioneer promptly referred me to TiVo since it is their software.

TiVo customer service attempted to research the issue, but could not find much information on the DVR-810H. Customer service stated that they are still collecting information on the bugs that the last TiVo update caused. And listed this issue for tech to look into.

More than anything, TiVo support seems rather uninformed on this particular model of DVR. If anyone else is experiencing the issue of not being able to use their VCR+ feature since the beginning/middle of November, I urge you to phone TiVo Support @ 877-367-8486 between 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Pacific to list this issue with their tech support.

[Robmir]

After 3 years I started to have problems with my DVR-810 remote control. It doesn´t control the Tivo. The LED is emitting IR commands but the receiver absolute ignores all of it. A couple of severe hits get it working again until next day when hits must be repeated. Disassembled and resoldered all possible joints and problems still there. It has two powerfull emitter led´s so I doubt both of them are damaged. Why a couple of severe hits get it working again doesn´t make any sense. There is absolute no corrosion, inside is like brand new.

Besides the Pioneer original remote which is quite expensive is there any other compatible remote which could work like the many ones available on ebay ? I had a Phillips Pronto 2000 with matching learned codes for backup but nothing beat the stock Pioneer peanut shaped remote.

Since I have a IR repeater setup all around my home I noticed that on any room their respective IR receiver box status led blink a lot brighter when the Tivo remote work fine and blinks a lot dimmed when the remote fails.

Of course pointing directly to the DVR-810 gave the same problems when the remote fail.

[generaltso]

The Humax DVD remote works fine with the Pioneer. I actually like the location of some of the buttons (like TV Power) a lot better.

[bicker]

After 3 years I started to have problems with my DVR-810 remote control. It doesn´t control the Tivo. The LED is emitting IR commands but the receiver absolute ignores all of it. A couple of severe hits get it working again until next day when hits must be repeated. Wow. I thought it was just me. I'm having the same problem.

Besides the Pioneer original remote which is quite expensive is there any other compatible remote which could work like the many ones available on ebay ?I have another TiVo, and I can swap remotes for a while and see if I have the same problem. If so (and I suspect that I will) my guess would be that the problem would be with the IR receiver in the Pioneer box, not with the remote.

[robomeister]

I've had my Pioneer TiVo remotes for about 3 years, too, and have had no problems, as long as I have fresh batteries in them. I've noticed that if the batteries are weak, the LED will light up, but the remote won't control the TiVo. But new batteries fix the problem.

Hope that helps.

[Robmir]

Unfortunately fresh batteries doesn't solve my problems, and is not the 810 IR receiver section since my Pronto 2000 remote works fine.

Which Humax model is the one to look for ?

I saw on ebay the silver 400/800 series replacement remote so will be this one to get ?

By the way since I use other Pioneer HDD/DVD recorders, does the Humax replacement remote allow to change it's default IR code ?

[bnm81002]

No. The Pioneer records in a specific DVD format so that its programs can be recorded onto DVD. Shows can be transferred to the Pioneer from other TiVos, but they cannot be burned to DVD.



can other Pioneer 810 owners confirm if this is true or not? I would like to copy over VHS tapes to the 810 so that I can copy them onto DVD's, thanks

[jlac839]

You should be able to import VHS recordings to your 810 and then burn them to DVD providing that the tapes do not have any kind of encryption or security flags written to them. For example, if you want to convert VHS tapes that you made using a camcorder or home movies transferred to VHS then it should work ok.

If you import a VHS movie that has, for example, macrovision encryption, then the TiVo will import it and let you watch it but will not let you create a DVD of the material since TiVo acknowledges the copyright.

I have imported VHS tapes using the composite connectors and then created DVDs on my DVR-57H which is essentially the same as your 810.

For further discussion see: http://archive2.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=222330
and
http://archive2.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=226320

[bnm81002]

You should be able to import VHS recordings to your 810 and then burn them to DVD providing that the tapes do not have any kind of encryption or security flags written to them. For example, if you want to convert VHS tapes that you made using a camcorder or home movies transferred to VHS then it should work ok.

If you import a VHS movie that has, for example, macrovision encryption, then the TiVo will import it and let you watch it but will not let you create a DVD of the material since TiVo acknowledges the copyright.

I have imported VHS tapes using the composite connectors and then created DVDs on my DVR-57H which is essentially the same as your 810.

For further discussion see: http://archive2.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=222330
and
http://archive2.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=226320




well I have several Yankees games on VHS tapes that I want to burn to DVD's, can I do it with the Pioneer 810 unit by transferring it over then burning to DVD's, as far as I know the games don't have the macrovision encryption, correct? thanks

[generaltso]

well I have several Yankees games on VHS tapes that I want to burn to DVD's, can I do it with the Pioneer 810 unit by transferring it over then burning to DVD's, as far as I know the games don't have the macrovision encryption, correct? thanks

Yes, that should work if the games were originally recorded from TV.

[generaltso]

Unfortunately fresh batteries doesn't solve my problems, and is not the 810 IR receiver section since my Pronto 2000 remote works fine.

Which Humax model is the one to look for ?

I saw on ebay the silver 400/800 series replacement remote so will be this one to get ?

By the way since I use other Pioneer HDD/DVD recorders, does the Humax replacement remote allow to change it's default IR code ?

Yes, the remote for the Humax DRT-400 or DRT-800 will work fine with your Pioneer. Unfortunately, the Humax remote (like the Pioneer) does not have a the slider switch to operate multiple TiVos and I don't know of any way to change its default IR codes.

[bnm81002]

Yes, that should work if the games were originally recorded from TV.



actually they were recorded from Cable as well as Directv, so would that make any difference? thanks

[generaltso]

That shouldn't matter. If you recorded them yourself, they won't have any copy protection, so you should be good to go.

[bnm81002]

so I can't transfer recordings from my Directv Tivo Receiver(Philips DSR704 Series 2 receiver) to the Pioneer 810 and then burn to DVD's, correct?

[generaltso]

If you transfer them in realtime through the analog inputs, you should be able to burn them to DVD. But that would be a somewhat tedious process.

[bnm81002]

If you transfer them in realtime through the analog inputs, you should be able to burn them to DVD. But that would be a somewhat tedious process.



I will try it after I upgrade the unit to a larger hard drive and hopefully there wouldn't be any encryption problems

[jon_n_san_diego]

Has anyone else been having problems being unable to view commercial dvd's, as in regular ole new movie rentals from Blockbuster? Lately it's been a 50:50 chance that we can view them on our Pioneer dvr. This is a new phenomenon for our 3+ yr old machine. When it doesn't work it freezes up and I have to unplug the machine for it to go through setup so I can get the dvd door to open!

Anyone have any ideas as to what is wrong? and of course, how to fix it.
Thanks.

[watstein]

Has anyone else been having problems being unable to view commercial dvd's, as in regular ole new movie rentals from Blockbuster? Lately it's been a 50:50 chance that we can view them on our Pioneer dvr. This is a new phenomenon for our 3+ yr old machine. When it doesn't work it freezes up and I have to unplug the machine for it to go through setup so I can get the dvd door to open!

Anyone have any ideas as to what is wrong? and of course, how to fix it.
Thanks.

Let me guess that the movies you are renting that are locking up are Rocky Balboa, Persuit of Happyness, or Casino Royale. If they are then it is the problem that everyone is talking about with Sony DVD's. For more info see the other thread about it.http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=344422 If it is not a sony disk then there is a new problem but probably not. Let us know what DVD's your having lockups.

[evilipoo]

Has anyone else been having problems being unable to view commercial dvd's, as in regular ole new movie rentals from Blockbuster? Lately it's been a 50:50 chance that we can view them on our Pioneer dvr. This is a new phenomenon for our 3+ yr old machine. When it doesn't work it freezes up and I have to unplug the machine for it to go through setup so I can get the dvd door to open!

Anyone have any ideas as to what is wrong? and of course, how to fix it.
Thanks.

Something like this happened to me 2-3 times about a year ago. Sometime after that mine stopped playing or burning any DVDs. Now it just says "loading" and spins for ever. Not sure if they are related or coinkydental. Word is that only Pioneer has replacement parts for their units and so far it's been cost prohibitive for me.

I hope your issue is simply the one mentioned in the previous post.

[bnm81002]

I know that a VCR or a video camera can be connected to the 810(A/V Input 2), but can I connect a DVD player and save to the hard drive of the 810, the same process as if a VCR or Video Camera was connected? thanks

[Robmir]

I know that a VCR or a video camera can be connected to the 810(A/V Input 2), but can I connect a DVD player and save to the hard drive of the 810, the same process as if a VCR or Video Camera was connected? thanks

Yes it´s possible, but you have to trick the 810 as it´s recording a live program and program info from the guide title will be associated to this recording. You can´t make your own title.

Honestly I don´t believe it´s worth the throuble.

I would purchase a standard HDD-DVD recorder from Pioneer, JVC, Toshiba, etc, instead.

[generaltso]

Yes it´s possible, but you have to trick the 810 as it´s recording a live program and program info from the guide title will be associated to this recording. You can´t make your own title.

Honestly I don´t believe it´s worth the throuble.

I would purchase a standard HDD-DVD recorder from Pioneer, JVC, Toshiba, etc, instead.

Why can't you make your own title? I've done it before. It works fine to get stuff onto the hard drive. But it won't let you burn the content to a DVD if it's copy protected.

[bnm81002]

Yes it´s possible, but you have to trick the 810 as it´s recording a live program and program info from the guide title will be associated to this recording. You can´t make your own title.

Honestly I don´t believe it´s worth the throuble.

I would purchase a standard HDD-DVD recorder from Pioneer, JVC, Toshiba, etc, instead.



actually I have the same DVD recorder that you have the DVR640HS, I was planning on buying the new Pioneer DV400V upconverting DVD player since my old Pioneer DVD player(DV656A) doesn't upconvert, I was thinking of connecting the old player to the 810 but since I can't burn any copy protected contents I won't connect it together, dunno if I'll still buy the DV400V or not, thanks for the help

[bnm81002]

Why can't you make your own title? I've done it before. It works fine to get stuff onto the hard drive. But it won't let you burn the content to a DVD if it's copy protected.


can I still burn of the hard drive the contents that I transferred over from my Directv Tivo receiver? thanks

[generaltso]

can I still burn of the hard drive the contents that I transferred over from my Directv Tivo receiver? thanks

If you transferred the contents in real-time via the composite inputs and they're not copy protected, yes you can burn them to DVD.

[bnm81002]

If you transferred the contents in real-time via the composite inputs and they're not copy protected, yes you can burn them to DVD.



what do you mean by "real time"? I have some recordings on my DTivo receiver's hard drive that I wish to transfer to the 810 then burn to DVD's, recordings such as Dancing with the stars, deal or no deal, and some movies from HBO, Showtime, etc, can I transfer then burn to DVD? thanks

[generaltso]

How are you planning to transfer them? I've never owned a DirecTV TiVo. Do they support Multi Room Viewing?

[bnm81002]

How are you planning to transfer them? I've never owned a DirecTV TiVo. Do they support Multi Room Viewing?



DTivo receiver's "Composite Out(red/white/yellow)" to 810 "Composite Input(r/w/y)"

[generaltso]

Okay, that's realtime. As long as the content isn't copy protected (which I doubt it is), you should be able to burn them to DVD.

[jwtonline]

I've seen a few posts regarding replacement of the DVD drive in this unit. Unfortunately my drive has stopped recognizing any type of disks, and I'm trying to determine what my options are for repair.

[Robmir]

Why can't you make your own title? I've done it before. It works fine to get stuff onto the hard drive. But it won't let you burn the content to a DVD if it's copy protected.


You can title the whole DVD name but not each individual recording !!!!! :(

[Robmir]

I've seen a few posts regarding replacement of the DVD drive in this unit. Unfortunately my drive has stopped recognizing any type of disks, and I'm trying to determine what my options are for repair.


As I recall the DVD is a Pioneer 106 burner type but I am not 100% sure

[generaltso]

You can title the whole DVD name but not each individual recording !!!!! :(

Why not? If you're recording something from the AV input in real-time, you can create your own name for the recording. It will keep that name when and if you burn it to DVD.

[Robmir]

DTivo receiver's "Composite Out(red/white/yellow)" to 810 "Composite Input(r/w/y)"

I still believe there are way better recorders than the 810. I own it and I know by sure that you would need to resort to the 810 highest HD quality setting which will limit you to one hour of DVD recording.

Again I believe it´s not worth.

[Robmir]

actually I have the same DVD recorder that you have the DVR640HS, I was planning on buying the new Pioneer DV400V upconverting DVD player since my old Pioneer DVD player(DV656A) doesn't upconvert, I was thinking of connecting the old player to the 810 but since I can't burn any copy protected contents I won't connect it together, dunno if I'll still buy the DV400V or not, thanks for the help

But do you have a good TV which support 1080p ?

As I recall there are not any commercial 1080p movie recordings available yet !!

[generaltso]

I still believe there are way better recorders than the 810. I own it and I know by sure that you would need to resort to the 810 highest HD quality setting which will limit you to one hour of DVD recording.

Again I believe it´s not worth.

Sure, there are better recorders. But how many of them have TiVo?

[robomeister]

In earlier posts, I have described my lack of success in replacing the DVD burner in the Pioneer units. The new burner may read discs, but it probably won't burn discs. I have tried the following DVD burners with NO success (success = a successful burn on the TiVo):

DVR-105
DVR-A05
DVR-106
DVR-A06
DVR-107
DVR-108
DVR-109

All of the above DVD burners work in computers to burn discs, but will not burn discs in the Pioneer TiVos. My theory is that the firmware in the DVD burners in the TiVos have something the TiVo software is looking for when the TiVo is told to burn a disc. If this is not found, it fails to burn.

I have not tried any of the newer Pioneer DVD burner units. If some one else would like to try, please post your success or failure here on this thread.

Hope this prevents some useless tinkering,

robomeister

[Crankedup]

Since approximately 12/06 my unit has not been recording the correct channels.

e.g. - I want to record channel 311 and through the IR to the Time warner Cable box it only puts through 11 or even just 1. It's very inconsistent.

I've replaced the IR cable, have sped up and slowed down the IR transmission but this has not helped either.

Does anyone have any fixes for this problem.

Thanks.

[bicker]

Yes. I found that when that happened to me it was because of interference (probably from a neighbor's home or the highway nearby). What I did was get a television stand that is similar to this one:

http://www.sonic.net/~bobino/images/shop/CabinetTV_big.jpg

(Mine looks nicer. :))

The cable box goes inside the cabinet. I make sure that there is nothing else inside the cabinet, since otherwise the cable box is more likely to overheat and get damaged. The TiVo goes on the shelf under the television, with the IR cable fished out the back of the shelf and then in to the cabinet below through a hole in the back. That way, the only signals the cable box receives are the ones from the IR blaster -- interference is cut way down.

I hope that helps!

[mr.bill]

I just purchased a used pioneer dvr-810h. The unit has an upgraded hard drive in it(250gigs).

It appeared to be working fine when I bought it The previous owner was a tivo subscriber and upgraded to the series 3 and closed the account.

When I got home, I connected the unit and changed the zip code and did the call in procedure. Well, for some reason the tv guide section does not want to populate. It says the channel list is not setup.

So I go to channel list and highlight all the channels and tell it I am done. when I go back to tv guide it still says its not setup.

The channel guide was working when I got it home. So something happened when I did the zip code change. The info for each channel is correct. If I go to a channel, it will tell me all the info of the channel I am watching, so I am pretty sure its getting data.

I thought that since the unit was connected to tivo service and its current account status is "8:closed" I thought that might be what the problem is. But I called tivo and they said it should still work. The account status on my rs-tx20 is "17:tivo basic FT possible" The tivo rep says that there is a "19:tivo basic ...." (for those that did the free trail"

Am I missing something? Never owned the 810h before. I have tried to restart the unit and I have tried to change the local cable provider (comcast). I assume the tvguide page should work immediate. I think when I first setup my rs-tx20 it showed the grid, but the info for each chanel was not available.

[rcobourn]

Well, that status 8 is, as far as I understand, about equivalent to making the unit a doorstop. It should be 19 for Tivo Basic. The account status on your rs-ts20 is not relevant. It sort of seems to me from your post that you think the 17 status on your rs-ts20 should provide for similar status on your 810... it does not. I would exect the 810 to be able to do nothing beyond the 30 minute live buffer.

Just to be sure, if you didn't already, do a "Clear and Delete Everything" on the unit, then redo guided setup. Until you activate the unit under your account, I wouldn't expect much more than what you are getting, although you should be eligible to get the Tivo Basic on there; you'll need to get the unit's account status changed to 19 or better yet 17 for that.

[mr.bill]

I was trying everything else before I went and tried the "clear and delete everything" option. So I tried it this evening. After about an hour it finished the install and the tv guide populated properly. The status of the tivo is "8: account closed" so that was not the problem.

Everything appears to be fine. The unit does like my office depot 4x -rw discs. So I will have to buy some better quality ones for this unit.

Well, that status 8 is, as far as I understand, about equivalent to making the unit a doorstop. It should be 19 for Tivo Basic. The account status on your rs-ts20 is not relevant. It sort of seems to me from your post that you think the 17 status on your rs-ts20 should provide for similar status on your 810... it does not. I would exect the 810 to be able to do nothing beyond the 30 minute live buffer.

Just to be sure, if you didn't already, do a "Clear and Delete Everything" on the unit, then redo guided setup. Until you activate the unit under your account, I wouldn't expect much more than what you are getting, although you should be eligible to get the Tivo Basic on there; you'll need to get the unit's account status changed to 19 or better yet 17 for that.

[rcobourn]

Excellent news. Do you seem to be getting the services of Tivo Basic even with an account status of 8? Are you seeing 3 days of guide data or what?

[mr.bill]

Excellent news. Do you seem to be getting the services of Tivo Basic even with an account status of 8? Are you seeing 3 days of guide data or what?


Yes. After the 1st round of phone calls, it populated the 1st day of data. It then continued to make phone calls and filled in the full 3 days. Account status is still 8.


I was going to look this up. under system information it has a section about VCM connection. It says its trying to make the update(looks like its trying about every 8 hours), but it says the last successful attempt was dec 31.

[rcobourn]

The VCM connection is related to online scheduling... it's how it picks up a program scheduled online. Since this feature is not available with your current account status, it's probably rejected the request. Nothing to worry about.

[jwtonline]

I'm wanting to replace a failed DVD drive in one 810 with a working DVD drive from another 810. Can anyone offer an help on the easiest way to get the DVD drives out of the units? I've got the DVD drive unscrewed from the unit, the 810 faceplate unscrewed, but there are a couple cables attached to the circuit board in the 810 faceplate. I'm thinking I need to take the faceplate off the DVD drive tray, but not seeing an easy way to do that.

[robomeister]

Regarding replacing/moving the DVD burners:

I've done this a bunch of times, so I'll share my experiences.

You need to eject the tray so you can remove the front bezel off of the end of the tray. The bezel is the silver (on a 810H-S) or black (on a 57H) piece on the end of the tray with 'HDD/DVD RECORDING SYSTEM' printed on it. The bezel on the Pioneers is to make it look cool and not like a computer drive. Once the bezel is removed, you won't have to disassemble the front plate of the player to get the DVD burner out. All you have to do is remove the four screws and the power and data cables, then slide it out of the unit.

You can remove the bezel after ejecting the DVD tray. It's easy if the TiVo is powered. Just push the eject button. If the TiVo is off, you can manually eject the tray with a straightened paper clip. There is a hole below the light bar, about 1 and 1/2 inches from the left side of the light bar. Push the paper clip into the hole, and the tray will eject.

Once the tray is ejected, gently pry off the bezel by applying forward and upwards pressure to one side of the bezel, then the other side, to work the bezel of without breaking the tray. If you look at the underside of the bezel, it is attached to the tray by clipping onto the end of the tray. The way I remove the bezel is to grasp the end of the tray with my thumbs over black part of the tray and the bezel and my pointing fingers under the tray (black part) and middle fingers (and other fingers) under the bezel. Then using upward pressure from my middle fingers and downward pressure on the tray with my thumbs so I don't break it, I kind of work one side up, then the other, until the clips let go and I can slide the bezel up.

Good luck,

robomeister

[jasemoy]

I'm new to this Tivo thing. I just bought a pioneer dvr 810 on ebay. I don't have a phone line and no wireless routers...so i'm trying to plug it into my motorola cable modem via a usb cable. For some reason, though, it doesn't seem to be connecting. What could be the problem?

[generaltso]

I'm new to this Tivo thing. I just bought a pioneer dvr 810 on ebay. I don't have a phone line and no wireless routers...so i'm trying to plug it into my motorola cable modem via a usb cable. For some reason, though, it doesn't seem to be connecting. What could be the problem?

That's not going to work. The USB port only works with an Ethernet or WiFi adapter. Get yourself a supported USB Ethernet adapter and then connect that to your cable modem via an Ethernet cable.

[jasemoy]

I just bought a pioneer 810h on ebay. It was working fine until I connected to tivo and it downloaded the latest software. I was using it that evening and everything still seemed fine....even scheduled a recording for that evening. But, the next day, I turned the tv on only to find that the tivo was at the powering up screen. It gets to the "almost there" screen and then eventually back to the powering up screen. It just keeps doing this loop and won't completely power up. I know a lot of people would say this is a bad hard drive issue, but why would it be working fine and then suddenly die after a software update.

[rcobourn]

It probalby downloaded a software update when you hooked it up, and for some reason (probably bad hard drive) the update failed, and you are stuck in a loop. You need a new drive and a Pioneer 810 image.

[kat57]

Hi,
We have a Pioneer Tivo unit that we love. Our problem is that someone set the parental controls and does not remember what they entered. We've talked with Tivo support but won't do anything until we sign up for the service. Can anyone help?
Thanks,
Kat57

[rcobourn]

Are you able to perform a Clear-And-Delete-Everything with the parental controls on?

[Travis810]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum-- I have a pioneer 810H and I love the unit but my burner fails and tells me that the falure was due to an internal error. Anyone know how I can replace the burner?? :confused:

[Rich.Wolfson]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum-- I have a pioneer 810H and I love the unit but my burner fails and tells me that the falure was due to an internal error. Anyone know how I can replace the burner?? :confused:

Before you replace the burner are you aware that it will only burn DVD-R disks (Not DVD+R) and not Dual Layer disks either? Look carefully at the disks you have before you go further. I assume it will play disks?

Rich

[evilipoo]

So we have finally 'caught up' with most of last season's recorded programming and are ready to send out the 810 to Pioneer for a new burner.

Has anyone done this? What are your experiences? Has anyone found a way to replace the burner yourself?

I really, really hate to be without for however long it takes to get this fixed...

Thanks...

:(

[robomeister]

evilipoo,

A few questions first.
1. Have you upgraded the TiVo? bigger hard drive? If so, do you still have the original drive? If so, put the original back into the TiVo before sending it to Pioneer to fix. Usually, they just send you a replacement and transfer your service to the new one.
2. What were the symptoms of your failed burner? Couldn't read discs? Couldn't write discs? What type of discs did you try? -Rs or -RWs? Did you try different brands of discs. Did you reboot after a failed burn?
3. Have you talked to Pioneer about a fix? It will probably cost you about $200 to get it fixed.

Unfortunately, the DVD writer in the Pioneers has something special in it and is not user replaceable with a standard DVD writer. Check out my posts earlier in this thread. I've tried many different drives with no success. (Success meaning the drive will both read discs [not a problem] and write discs [never seems to work].)

I have not tried the Pioneer DVR-111 or DVR-112 drives in the Pioneer Tivos. I've heard of some success with these, but in the Humax DVD TiVos and Toshiba DVD TiVos, not the Pioneer TiVos. There is no guarantee that one of these newer DVD writers will work in the Pioneer TiVo.

What I've done is gotten a couple "spare" Pioneer TiVos so I can cannibalize them for parts, if and when one of my online TiVos fails. You may be able to get one from Ebay. Just another idea.

Hope this helps,
robomeister

[Travis810]

Before you replace the burner are you aware that it will only burn DVD-R disks (Not DVD+R) and not Dual Layer disks either? Look carefully at the disks you have before you go further. I assume it will play disks?

Rich

Rich, my unit will play disks fine and somtimes it will start a burn and fail just less then half way thru and tell me that it is due to an internal error. I though it may be an overheating issue and it's not.. I am going to try and find DVD-R or -RW that are firmware 1x or 2x and see if that helps. IT seems to me that if the DVD drive were about to die I would not be able to play movies which is not the case. and to answer your question I did know that the unit will only burn DVD-R or RWs

Thanks for your help and I will keep you posted

[evilipoo]

robomeister, a couple of answers and follow up questions:

1. Have you upgraded the TiVo? Nope
Usually, they just send you a replacement and transfer your service to the new one. I have heard this an am leery of getting someone else's "problem" Is there any way to veify that this is std practice?

2. What were the symptoms of your failed burner? Couldn't read discs? Yep
Couldn't write discs? Yep
What type of discs did you try? -Rs or -RWs? Sony & TDK -R that I had been using successfully up to that point.
Did you try different brands of discs. Yep
Did you reboot after a failed burn?Yep
3. Have you talked to Pioneer about a fix? It will probably cost you about $200 to get it fixed.Last year. But I have been hesitant to send for the above reasons.
Unfortunately, the DVD writer in the Pioneers has something special in it and is not user replaceable with a standard DVD writer. Check out my posts earlier in this thread. I've tried many different drives with no success. (Success meaning the drive will both read discs [not a problem] and write discs [never seems to work].)
What I've done is gotten a couple "spare" Pioneer TiVos so I can cannibalize them for parts, if and when one of my online TiVos fails. You may be able to get one from Ebay. Just another idea.
Thanks, I had not thought of this... my hardware knowledge is limited to the typical home hook up stuff and replacing a failed PC hard drive a few years ago. I am thinking that I might wing it tho. Did you have success with a even swap 810 burner for 810 burner?

Many thanks.
Eva

[robomeister]

evilipoo,

Yep, swapping the DVD writer between 810 units is the only method I've found to successfully replace the burner. The trick is getting the burner out of the unit without totally disassembling the TiVo. :) There is a way of manually ejecting the tray with a straightened out paper clip and removing the front bezel from the end of the tray. I've explained my procedures in this thread.

Did you ever try a DVD-RW? I've had success in 'fixing' after a bad burn on a DVD-R by using a DVD-RW (max 2x speed).

Good luck,
robomeister

[evilipoo]

Thanks, robomeister. All good advice. I will try the less expensive option first :)
Eva

[Skuits]

Hello all, I am awaiting my recent purchase of the Pioneer 810 and see that the Tivo basic service only has a 3 day advance programming?

I thought it might be easier to ask the knowledgeable.

What are the steps for programming the Tivo function to record a weeks worth of TV shows? Assuming this is possible?

Thanks,

Mark

[robomeister]

Skuits,

The TiVo Basic service is a stripped down version of the regular TiVo subscription. It only gives you 3 days of guide info. No way to change that. If you want to create Season Passes and Wishlists, you'll need to subscribe to TiVo. If you want to use MRV, TiVoToGo, or any other networking service, besides connecting to TiVo for guide info, you'll need to subscribe to TiVo.

You can set up recordings to repeat at a specific time and day, just like a VCR. But if the show moves (and most shows seem to move to a different day or time), the TiVo will not follow it.

You can choose shows from the guide, but it will only record that show, not any subsequent shows.

Hope that helps,
robomeister

[Skuits]

Thanks for the info, that's about what I figured with regard to the programming. I am actually using the device like a VCR in that I don't have cable at my home, so I am planning to park the unit at a friends to collect the shows I like to view them at home.

So essentially I can set the unit to record a time slot and whatever is playing in that time slot is what I'll get.

Is upgrading to Tivo regular the standard monthly fee, there's no discount for having basic already?

Is upgrading the hard drive in the Pioneer unit very difficult? Where does one get the software to image onto the new drive?

Thanks for the info,

Mark

[robomeister]

Skuits,

I'll try to answer your questions as you asked them.

Nope, no discount on already having TiVo Basic. But if you are willing to pay up front for 3 years of service, it can be had for $299. That is a little over $8 a month. And if you plan to have the TiVo at a friends house, you could set up season passes remotely from any internet connection. When you sign up for service, you create an account on tivo.com. Your account will show all your TiVos and you can do Online Scheduling. Makes things really easy. TiVos with just TiVo Basic cannot be added to your tivo.com account.

Upgrading is pretty easy on the Pioneers. To open the unit, all you need is a standard philips head screwdriver, no Torx 10 or Torx 15 needed. To do the upgrade yourself, having a computer with 2 IDE chains makes things much easier. Many newer computers don't have 2 IDE chains, so upgrading is a bit of a pain. You also need a mfs tools boot CD. I've used the one available at weaknees (http://tivo.upgrade-instructions.com/index.php) and the one available at mfslive.org (http://mfslive.org) . mfslive.org has a handy online command line generator.

Basically, you take the hard drive out of the Pioneer (assuming it works with no problems), set it to master, put in a larger blank drive, set it to slave, attach both to the same IDE chain, keep your CD or DVD player on the other IDE chain, disconnect your Windows hard drive (important step), run the command to copy the old drive onto the new drive, remove the drives from the computer, set the new drive to Cable Select, re-assemble the TiVo and you're done. Sounds like a lot, but it's not too bad. :)

When I did my first upgrades, I followed the weaknees instructions. They were very helpful.

For more info on upgrading, check out the Tivo Upgrade Center here on this site.

Good luck,
robomeister

[Skuits]

Hello all,

I manually set up the Pioneer 810 to record some shows and evidently have some time conflicts. I don't understand the messages and options I get regarding "some or all of the programs won't be recored or some will be clipped by 5 minutes" I was hoping someone could give the simple verbiage for what I'll get with the different options. It seems that one option is don't record the newly picked show and the other is record the show with some portions clipped???

My next question is regarding copying shows to DVD. I've chosen to get the most time for recording the most shows on the DVR and I thought I could get more on each DVD? I noted a breakdown when I changed the record quality and thought I could make a six hour DVD? Is this true?

Also, when I use the find TV shows demo and I find a show from the list I want to record, I select it and nothing shows up in the to do list? Is this just a demo and not working because I only have the TiVo basic? :cool:

Thanks,

Mark

[Skuits]

Hello again, what is the best drive for the 810H? I want to add a 500GB drive and am wondering if it matters as long as it is an IDE drive?

Western Digital has one for around $100. I notice weaknees uses the Seagate DB35 but they are a bit more expensive.

thanks,

Mark

[robomeister]

The Pioneer doesn't care what size of drive you put into it. But the drive must be IDE or P-ATA or PATA. Not SATA. I have one of my Pioneers with a 750GB drive in it and it doesn't complain at all.

To get the full use of the drive, you have to use an MFS tools disc that is LBA48 aware. The weaknees disc and the mfslive.org disc work just fine for this. Don't try the Hinsdale boot disc. The Hinsdale guide should be used for historical purposes only. It is not up to date at all.

Hope that helps,
robomeister

[Skuits]

Thanks for the info, I am off to order the new drive and I'll check out the MFS tools!

I really appreciate the guidance :D


Mark

[Arcady]

I have recently bought a DVR-810H. I noticed that if I transfer a show via MRV from a regular Series2 box, the Pioneer will not allow me to record to DVD, since it says the format is incompatible. My question is: Does the other TiVo need to have a DVD recorder in order to transfer and record a show on this one? The reason I ask, is that I have another unsubscribed DVR-810H with a broken DVD drive. If it will allow me to transfer to the good 810H, then I will replace my plain-jane Series2 box with it.

And another question: Is the 57H really just the same thing as an 810H but in a black shell (and with a slightly bigger hard drive?) I can't find any specs that say it is any better, but people are getting insane prices for them on eBay.

[robomeister]

Arcady,

Regarding burning shows with the Pioneers or any other DVD burner TiVo: It doesn't matter where the transfered show comes from, from a Series 2 TiVo, from another Pioneer, from TiVoToGoBack, etc. If a show has been transfered, it cannot be burned on the TiVo. The only way to burn a show is to have the TiVo record it first. This can be done via regular recording (from OTA or cable or satellite connections) or if you record from a VCR or other video source. But anything that was transfered to the TiVo cannot be burned. So you won't be able to transfer shows from your broken Pioneer to the working Pioneer. Believe me, I've tried it and it doesn't work.

Regarding the Pioneer DVR-57H. Yep, that is the Elite Pioneer model of the DVR-810H-S, with a sturdier case and a larger drive. The 57H is much heavier than the 810H-S, more metal in the case. But essentially the same machine. I own several of both, and notice no difference in performance. The drives are even interchangeable. But if you put an 810H-S image on a 57H, the system info page reports that the TiVo is a 810H-S. And if you put a 57H image in a 810, it reports it as a 57H. I think the 57H requires the drive to be at least 120GB, or it doesn't work. I had this problem recently. I put an 80GB stock drive from a 810H-S into a 57H, and it didn't work, and it somehow hosed the drive so it wouldn't work in the 810H-S anymore. I was able to restore from a backup and get things working again, though.

Hope that helps,
robomeister

[Arcady]

Thanks for the info.

[DuPeD]

Arcady,

Regarding burning shows with the Pioneers or any other DVD burner TiVo: It doesn't matter where the transfered show comes from, from a Series 2 TiVo, from another Pioneer, from TiVoToGoBack, etc. If a show has been transfered, it cannot be burned on the TiVo. The only way to burn a show is to have the TiVo record it first. This can be done via regular recording (from OTA or cable or satellite connections) or if you record from a VCR or other video source. But anything that was transfered to the TiVo cannot be burned. So you won't be able to transfer shows from your broken Pioneer to the working Pioneer. Believe me, I've tried it and it doesn't work.

Regarding the Pioneer DVR-57H. Yep, that is the Elite Pioneer model of the DVR-810H-S, with a sturdier case and a larger drive. The 57H is much heavier than the 810H-S, more metal in the case. But essentially the same machine. I own several of both, and notice no difference in performance. The drives are even interchangeable. But if you put an 810H-S image on a 57H, the system info page reports that the TiVo is a 810H-S. And if you put a 57H image in a 810, it reports it as a 57H. I think the 57H requires the drive to be at least 120GB, or it doesn't work. I had this problem recently. I put an 80GB stock drive from a 810H-S into a 57H, and it didn't work, and it somehow hosed the drive so it wouldn't work in the 810H-S anymore. I was able to restore from a backup and get things working again, though.

Hope that helps,
robomeister

Actually, I think the 57H has more hard-coded video (advanced ASIC's) processing for the output.

As for using additional burners, I have not had luck with the DVR-111 series being used inside the 57H.

I have successfully installed a 750GB Seagate disk as well in that system.

[rgarretson]

My beloved 810H seems to have died (stuck on the Powering up ... please wait message), which I assume means the original HD has failed. I have a lifetime Tivo sub, so I'd like to get it fixed, but the $200 seems high, compared to what you can get a new Series/3 for. What are the latest recommendations on the best choice for a replacement HD?

Thanks.
--Rob

[robomeister]

If you are into do-it-yourself options, you could go out an buy an IDE or P-ATA drive, download Instant Cake from www.DVRUpgrade.com and "bake" the TiVo software onto your new drive. Make sure you download the right version for your Pioneer.

If you already have an image of the drive saved somewhere, you could use the mfstools found at www.mfslive.org and restore your backup to a new drive.

Or you could visit www.weaknees.com or www.dvrupgrade.com and buy a pre-configured drive for your Pioneer. They'll send you a drive and all you have to do is open your Pioneer and replace the hard drive. A standard philips head screwdriver is all you need.

The Pioneer TiVo is a very nice unit and worth bringing back to life, especially if you have a lifetime sub on it. :D

Good luck,
robomeister

[Skuits]

I am about to upgrade my 810 with a Western Digital 500 GB I got from Newegg for $112, shipped to my door. The specs are similar to the Seagate hard drive sold on the Weeknees site. I am planning to image the drive myself with the help of a friend who is pretty savvy. Weeknees also offers imaging the drive for you for $55. There's a post a few up from this that outlines how to go about imaging your new drive and at the top of the post is a link to the Weeknees instructions.

Good luck!

Mark

[saberman]

My beloved 810H seems to have died (stuck on the Powering up ... please wait message), which I assume means the original HD has failed. I have a lifetime Tivo sub, so I'd like to get it fixed, but the $200 seems high, compared to what you can get a new Series/3 for. What are the latest recommendations on the best choice for a replacement HD?

Thanks.
--Rob

Where did you get the $200 quote from? I called Pioneer support because my 810H seems to be dying. (The picture freezes during playback.)

I asked the person I spoke to where there there was a Pioneer authorized repair shop and he said the only one was in Long Beach, CA and that the repair fee was a fixed $350.00 including return shipping. (The only reason for repairing it is that it has lifetime service attached to it.)

[saberman]

I have a Pioneer 810HS which seems to have a failing disk drive -- the playback will freeze for a few seconds and it is sometimes difficult to get past the sticking point.

I called Pioneer support and the only thing the person that took the call could suggest was to power the unit off for at least twenty minutes and then plug it back in. He said this would cause a disk reset and check. When I did that the starup time seemed to be the same as any restart so I doubt the system actually ran a disk check.

There has been some discussion of using panic codes:
http://forums.tivo.com/pe/action/forums/displaypost?postID=10249544

Do these work for the Pioneer 810HS?

[Skuits]

Skuits,

I'll try to answer your questions as you asked them.

Nope, no discount on already having TiVo Basic. But if you are willing to pay up front for 3 years of service, it can be had for $299. That is a little over $8 a month. And if you plan to have the TiVo at a friends house, you could set up season passes remotely from any internet connection. When you sign up for service, you create an account on tivo.com. Your account will show all your TiVos and you can do Online Scheduling. Makes things really easy. TiVos with just TiVo Basic cannot be added to your tivo.com account.

Upgrading is pretty easy on the Pioneers. To open the unit, all you need is a standard philips head screwdriver, no Torx 10 or Torx 15 needed. To do the upgrade yourself, having a computer with 2 IDE chains makes things much easier. Many newer computers don't have 2 IDE chains, so upgrading is a bit of a pain. You also need a mfs tools boot CD. I've used the one available at weaknees (http://tivo.upgrade-instructions.com/index.php) and the one available at mfslive.org (http://mfslive.org) . mfslive.org has a handy online command line generator.

Basically, you take the hard drive out of the Pioneer (assuming it works with no problems), set it to master, put in a larger blank drive, set it to slave, attach both to the same IDE chain, keep your CD or DVD player on the other IDE chain, disconnect your Windows hard drive (important step), run the command to copy the old drive onto the new drive, remove the drives from the computer, set the new drive to Cable Select, re-assemble the TiVo and you're done. Sounds like a lot, but it's not too bad. :)

When I did my first upgrades, I followed the weaknees instructions. They were very helpful.

For more info on upgrading, check out the Tivo Upgrade Center here on this site.

Good luck,
robomeister
Hello again, can I put the hard drive from the Pioneer into an external enclosure and using a USB port, copy it that way?

Thanks,
Mark

[robomeister]

Hello again, can I put the hard drive from the Pioneer into an external enclosure and using a USB port, copy it that way?

I think so. Check out the www.mfslive.org site for more explicit details.

Good luck,
robomeister

[robomeister]

saberman,

It sounds like your hard drive is failing. It is rather easy, if you like tinkering with computers, to replace the hard drive. If the drive is still functional, you can download a free CD ISO from www.mfslive.org and copy your existing drive (including recorded shows) to a new and larger drive. For the cost of the new drive.

Or you could download instant cake from www.dvrupgrade.com for $20 and copy a fresh TiVo Operating System (OS) image to a new drive and revive your TiVo that way.

The lifetime subscription stays with the unit, even after changing the hard drive.

Or, a friendly TiVoCommunity member could help you replace your drive. PM me if you want to discuss terms. :D I could do it for significantly less than $350. I could buy 2 Pioneer TiVos from ebay for that price. :)

robomeister

[pvarjak]

I'm rather new to the Tivo/DVD thing, so please bear with me.

I had a couple of questions regarding the Pioneer 810/57H units.

1. Is there really a difference between the 810 and the 57H (other than the color and the HD size)? I know that there is talk that the Elite model has a heftier construction etc., but I was wondering if this was just marketing hype.

2. This is a Pioneer/Toshiba question. I know that the Pioneer units only have S-video input from the cable source and I was wondering if this was also true of the Toshiba RS-TX20/60 units as well. The spec sheets at Toshiba suggest it is the same, but they are not fully detailed.

Thanks

[robomeister]

The Pioneer TiVos have 2 sets of inputs on the back, 1 with S-video and composite video with stereo audio, 1 with just composite video and stereo audio. They also have 3 sets of outputs, 1 component video and 2 with S-video and composite with stereo audio. There is also an optical audio output for Dolby surround and DTS from DVD playback.

The Toshiba RS-TX20 has one set of inputs on the back, with S-video and on set on the front, under a flip down panel. They also have 2 sets of outputs, 1 component video and 1 S-video and composite with stereo audio. There is also an optical audio output for Dolby surround and DTS from DVD playback.

The differences between the 810H and the 57H are hard to describe. The 57H is studier and heavier, has a 120GB drive and possibly better encoding/decoding circuitry. I own a couple of both and don't notice much difference between them.

Hope that helps,
robomeister

[pvarjak]

Thanks Robo.

I started reading the thread from the beginning but gave up too early. I see on the page before this that the question had already come up and been answered. Sorry for making you repeat it.

[cubfan65]

I am an 810H and a Toshiba RX-20 owner. Toshiba has been upgraded to the lifetime and using basic on the 810H. Love the units. Curious to know why they don't manufacturer these type of units anymore. This was a great concept which still has lots of validity, despite everything now going to HD. Seems that Pioneer, Toshiba, and Humax were the only manufacturers and surprised that others did not follow. Was it TiVo that put the squash on these cause of free basic service?

[bicker]

Not likely, as they didn't necessarily need to continue offering the basic service in order to continue producing that type of DVR.

[generaltso]

My guess is that the hardware manufacturers just weren't making money on those units. Pioneer actually had to settle a class action lawsuit after the release of the 810H & 57H due to poor picture quality (which was later fixed with a software update). Once TiVo2Go was released, I just don't think there was enough of a demand for the DVD units.

That being said, I love my Pioneer and Humax boxes, but they're getting dated. The perfect box for me would be an S3 with a built in DVD drive. Even if it wasn't a burner, it would be nice to not have to change inputs on my TV to watch a DVD.

[Skuits]

Hello all, I recently upgraded my Pioneer 810H with the careful guidance from Robomeister :)

I had to use the weeknees boot disc because I couldn't get the MFSlive.org boot disc to work.? I wondered if anyone else had any trouble with it? I finally got the copy to work and expand the capacity of the drive after trying several different command lines (mostly because I didn't know what I was doing). But I'd like to know why the MSFLive ISO boot disco wouldn't work for me. Could it be the computer I was using to run the disco???

Thanks for the help,

Mark

[drumboney]

Hi all,

I was watching a DVD in my 57H today and I accidentally zoomed the status bar and I believe the actual frame of the movie. How did I do this? I've consulted the manual to no avail and I read all the posts in this (awesome) community but I haven't found the answer. Thanks in advance!

[megazone]

Does your TV has a zoom ability? I've had the DVR-810H since it was released (same thing as the 57H internally) and I don't know of any 'zoom' modes.

[Arcady]

Anyone know if the DVD drive from other non-TiVo Pioneer DVR units will work in a 810H or 57H?

[robomeister]

Hmm, that might be something to try. I now have a couple Toshiba TX20s I can experiment with. I'll let you know what I find out.

robomeister

[Arcady]

Thanks

[Skuits]

Hello all, with only having basic service can one use the Internet features on the 810H?

Also, is it best to "sleep" the 810 when not in use? Will it sleep it self after a certain amount of time on non-use?

Thanks,

Mark

[megazone]

Yes, the 810H works with basic analog cable - but you need an Internet broadband connection for Internet features. That can be DSL, cable modem, whatever - but not dial-up.

It doesn't really matter if you 'sleep' it, and it won't sleep on its own.

[GT1Boy]

I think that Skuits was asking if the 810H has the internet features like TiVoCast, Yahoo Weather/Traffic, Swivel Search, Online Scheduling, etc without purchasing TiVo Plus service. Nope you cannot use those features without TiVo Plus service.

I just cancelled TiVo Plus on my old 810H (I had transferred lifetime from it to my Series3 last year and the one year of service is up) and have found that KidZone is still active on it, but I can't change any of the KidZone settings. I'll probably end up doing a full reset and guided setup on it again to clear everything since it's only now being used by my kids for their children's shows and as a DVD player.

[Skuits]

Ya I was referring to the Internet options. I didn't think I could use those features but thought it was worth asking those "in the know."

thanks,

Mark

[ProudMonkey]

Anybody have trouble getting Amazon to work with their Pioneer? I just got mine finally hooked back up to a network and was looking forward to using this feature and its not there. I have everything else...but no Amazon. I've updated a number of times b/c i thought it may show up, no dice. Any tips would be appreciated!

[robomeister]

Do you have TiVo Plus or TiVo Basic? I'm not 100% positive, but Unbox only works with TiVos with a paid subscription. That's my theory, anyway. :)

robomeister

[GT1Boy]

Yes, I can verify that TiVo Plus is required for Amazon Unbox. I just cancelled Plus on my 810 and Unbox is no longer accessible. I still get the promos for Unbox NBC Pilots on the TiVo Central screen but if I try to access Unbox I recieve an "TiVo not authorized" error message.

[saberman]

Anybody have trouble getting Amazon to work with their Pioneer? I just got mine finally hooked back up to a network and was looking forward to using this feature and its not there. I have everything else...but no Amazon. I've updated a number of times b/c i thought it may show up, no dice. Any tips would be appreciated!

I am not sure because I don't ues this feature but I think you need to enable downloading for the machine on the TiVo web site.

[Skuits]

Hello all, I know some of you have the Toshiba DVR's as well as the Pioneers and I was wondering if any one had an image of the Toshiba SD-H400 drive? I was thinking of getting one with a suspected bad drive and was wanting to make the repair myself. I would happily pay for shipping of a copy of the image on disc!

Anyone know if the Toshiba will take any IDE drive?

Yes I also posted this question on the Toshiba owners club section :rolleyes:

Thanks,

Mark

[boomer1127]

I keep getting failed to copy due to internal error....Is it safe to say the dvd burner is shot? I have a lifetime service on the unit. Is Weaknees the place to get it fixed, or should I give Pioneer a call first?

[Skuits]

Hello all, does anyone know how I can get shows from one of my TiVos to the other, even though I only have TiVo Basic? If I have both TiVos on my home network can I access them via my computer? Or is their a way to hook the units together to make a transfer of recorded shows?


Thanks,

Mark

[rcobourn]

No way to do it... except of course burning to DVD. The Tivo Desktop features won't work with a unit on Tivo Basic.

Now.. you could upgrade your service, set up Tivo Desktop, and transfer those files to a PC or another subscribed Tivo series 2.

[Skuits]

That's what I was afraid of! I would think because it's on my home network that I should be able to access it, but I am not that crafty. If it was a stupid printer I could do it :)

Thanks,

Mark

[rcobourn]

The problem is that the files on the Tivo are encrypted. Even if you pull the HD and hook it up to your computer, you can't do anything useful with them.

[mr.bill]

I don't know if this would help any of you, but I sold my pioneer 810h that had an upgraded hdd.

Well, the buyer did not want the original 80gig HDD. It was working at the time of the upgrade. Don't know if it married to just my 810h or if any 810h owner could use it.

If some one can use it email me. If not, I will find some other use for it.

[DennisTheMenace7]

You can just format it and use it for your PC. Now that was easy.

[rgarretson]

I'm trying to revive my 810H w/ a Lifetime sub and a failed HD, and I saw the Seagate DB35 series recommended in several places and sold as upgrades on Weaknees and DVRUpgrade.com. So I just found a good price on a 500GB drive from a reputable online seller, only to discover that it's an SATA model that won't work in the Pioneer. So now I'm looking for a replacement for my replacement, and I understand from robomeister that I need a PATA drive, but I can't quite confirm which DB35 models have a PATA interface. They have something called ATA-100, which I'm guessing is a PATA interface, but not being a hardward guy, I can't be certain. For the Seagate DB35 Series, I've come across the two models below that I think may be compatible. Does anyone out there know for sure that one or both of these will work? Anyone know the difference between the DB35.2 and DB35.3 models?

ST3500830ACE
ST3500841ACE

Thanks in advance. ...

--Rob

[Skuits]

I'm trying to revive my 810H w/ a Lifetime sub and a failed HD, and I saw the Seagate DB35 series recommended in several places and sold as upgrades on Weaknees and DVRUpgrade.com. So I just found a good price on a 500GB drive from a reputable online seller, only to discover that it's an SATA model that won't work in the Pioneer. So now I'm looking for a replacement for my replacement, and I understand from robomeister that I need a PATA drive, but I can't quite confirm which DB35 models have a PATA interface. They have something called ATA-100, which I'm guessing is a PATA interface, but not being a hardward guy, I can't be certain. For the Seagate DB35 Series, I've come across the two models below that I think may be compatible. Does anyone out there know for sure that one or both of these will work? Anyone know the difference between the DB35.2 and DB35.3 models?

ST3500830ACE
ST3500841ACE

Thanks in advance. ...

--Rob


I am not sure about the drives you've mentioned try comparing the specs side by side. I recently replaced my Pioneer's drive with a Western Digital Caviar SE WD5000AAJB 500GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache IDE Ultra ATA100 Hard Drive from Newegg for just over $100.

The specs on the Western Digital were similar to the Seagate drive and I've had no problems. I nearly filled up the drive at this point and all is well. The Pioneer takes an IDE drive which is basically the first ever hard drive interface (I think). A PATA interface is also know as an IDE drive which I believe is a more common term.? You need the IDE drive which is basically a description of the cable plug in. I looked around quite a bit before buying the Western Digital and I am happy with its performance. There may be an adapter for your SATA drive, but it seems like it might complicate things. I say go with a large reputable drive and enjoy your increased space.

In case you didn't know, the igmage on the Pioneer is locked so you have to run a command line that unlocks the image for the newly increased space. You can find all the info at MSFlive.org.

Good luck!

Mark

[shakatak]

Hello All

First let me state that I had a hard drive fail, no problem replaced drive , unit fired right up, went through set up, everything seemed fine.

Not so ! Set to record a movie as I was tired and needed sleep, checked the next morning , unit had not recorded, received error message # 51 hardware issue call Pioneer customer service.

Any thoughts, actions or ideas ?

Thanks

[generaltso]

Hello All

First let me state that I had a hard drive fail, no problem replaced drive , unit fired right up, went through set up, everything seemed fine.

Not so ! Set to record a movie as I was tired and needed sleep, checked the next morning , unit had not recorded, received error message # 51 hardware issue call Pioneer customer service.

Any thoughts, actions or ideas ?

Thanks

Did you use an image that was created from your stock drive? If not, did you remember to do a Clear and Delete Everything after replacing the drive?

[shakatak]

Hi GENERALTSU

I had bought and installed a formatted plug and play Seagate drive, followed all instuctions for install, however it didn't say anything about clear and delete.
It that is the problem keeping me from recording ,how is it fixed ?

Thanks

[generaltso]

Hi GENERALTSU

I had bought and installed a formatted plug and play Seagate drive, followed all instuctions for install, however it didn't say anything about clear and delete.
It that is the problem keeping me from recording ,how is it fixed ?

Thanks

Yes, that's your problem. Run a "Clear and Delete Everything" and go through guided setup again. That will fix it.

[saberman]

Or, a friendly TiVoCommunity member could help you replace your drive. PM me if you want to discuss terms. :D I could do it for significantly less than $350. I could buy 2 Pioneer TiVos from ebay for that price. :)

robomeister

Thanks for the offer but if I want to go that route I can replace the drive myself.

When I spoke to the Pioneer support rep he said they charged a flat fee of $350 to repair an 810HS. It didn't matter what the problem was. (I assume they just ship another factor refurbushed unit and then see if your unit is worth salvaging.) But a number of folks have posted messages quoting $200 for Pioneer repairs. I just wanted to know where the $200 quote for Pioneer repairs was coming from. Is there an "offical" repair depot that will repair the 810HS for $200 or replace the hard drive for $200?

[shakatak]

Hi Generaltsu

Just wanted to say thank you, the "Clear & Delete" did the trick.

The Pioneer is fully renewed and recording as I write this.

Shakatak:

[generaltso]

Hi Generaltsu

Just wanted to say thank you, the "Clear & Delete" did the trick.

The Pioneer is fully renewed and recording as I write this.

Shakatak:

No prob. That step is often overlooked.

[Semco]

Love my 810. Faster processing than my series 2 box, faster transfering too. Hoping to upgrade the HD soon here...

[amazing210]

so my unit was stuck on "powering up" and i figured it was the hard drive...so i bought a seagate 160gig....PATA/100 model number......it is a correct hard drive for this unit i believe.....i put it in and it still says powering up?????? i just want this thing to work again.....i was sure this would fix the problem.......and i really dont want to dump a ton of money into it.....any feedback would be wonderful......

[bicker]

Often, in the past, when someone's 810 was stuck on "Powering Up", the problem is that there is a bad DVD in the DVD drive. You would need to use a paper clip to eject the disk and then reboot. (I don't think you can just drop a new hard drive into a TiVo -- it needs to be initialized with the TiVo software.)

[amazing210]

thanks for your feedback, there is no dvd in there.......and where would i get the software.......i just want it to work again

[bicker]

Here is one source:

http://store.tivocommunity.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=UPS2DVD-P8&Store_Code=EA

[jimmy3526]

I bought a Pioneer DVR-810h-s back in late 2003 and loved it. Within the past year, I stopped using it as I switched over to DirectTV DVR (for different reasons).

Yesterday, I decided to try to sell my 810 on eBay so I deleted and cleared everything. That's when my problems started. Now the unit just continues to power up, then tells me there is a "serious problem."

I've read this forum for suggestions as much as I can.

I've checked for a dvd and there is none inside. I've run the following kickstarts 57, 58, 56, 52 and even 0. No change. Until now, I've never had any problems.

Since I no longer use it, I'm not willing to buy a new harddrive which appears to be the only remaining solution.

Should I kick it to the curb? or does someone want it for parts?

Thanks for all your help.

[toddc]

Should I kick it to the curb? or does someone want it for parts?



Given the number of DVD failures, it is probably worth it for parts.

try selling it on Ebay for parts.

Hope this does not happen to mine as it still has lifetime on it.

[evilipoo]

If the burner was still functional as far as you knew, I am interested in it for parts. PM me if you would like to discuss further.

[StreetWired]

My question is, if I buy a like unit, the Pioneer dvr-810H and take a working dvd unit from it, can I safely put it into my unit and have it play & record properly? After all, shouldn't the firmware be the same on every DVR-810H sold?

[robomeister]

Streetwired,

Yes, all DVD burners from Pioneer DVR-810H-S will work in any other Pioneer TiVo. I've done this several times myself. The fun part is getting the drive out of the TiVo without damaging anything. Most of the Pioneer TiVos have a Pioneer DVR-A05 equivalent with special firmware. I have a couple that have a Pioneer DVR-A06 equivalent, but most have the A05 drive in them. But all have special firmware installed in them. The only known way to fix a malfunctioning burner in a Pioneer TiVo is to replace the burner with one from another Pioneer TiVo.

If you can find a way to read out the firmware from a DVD burner from a Pioneer TiVo, then flash it into a regular Pioneer DVR-A05 equivalent, you'd be a hero on this forum.

Hope that helps,
robomeister

[Aragorn]

I have a Pioneer 810H that is in excellent shape, is there a way to use this with DirecTV for SD channels? If not if anyone is interested I would be selling it soon. So far it has been rock solid as a player/recorder etc...

[robomeister]

Aragorn,

You should have no problems using your Pioneer with DirecTV. You just need a DirecTV SD receiver. Then re-run Guided Setup so it will control the DirecTV receiver. Easy.

robomeister

[sbobsbob]

Has anyone figured out a way to record to the dvd on the Pioneer dvr/dvd a downloaded program from another Tivo ?

[Audiodynamics]

Since switching to the S3 HD, I haven't used my Pioneer Elite DVR-57H in over a year. I never really used the DVD player or burner anyway and originally purchased it for the superior build quality and superior picture quality over component video. The S3's picture quality certainly outshines the DVR-57H, although the Elite's build quality is unrivaled in the TiVo world.

So what do you guys recommend I do with the DVR-57H? Since the original cost was (I think $1,800.00?), is the current value so low it's worth keeping or is it worth selling?

How much are the DVR-57H's selling for and where is the best place to advertise?

Of course, I have the original carton and packaging, manuals, accessories and remote. Condition is rated 9/10 for use.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[generaltso]

Since switching to the S3 HD, I haven't used my Pioneer Elite DVR-57H in over a year. I never really used the DVD player or burner anyway and originally purchased it for the superior build quality and superior picture quality over component video. The S3's picture quality certainly outshines the DVR-57H, although the Elite's build quality is unrivaled in the TiVo world.

So what do you guys recommend I do with the DVR-57H? Since the original cost was (I think $1,800.00?), is the current value so low it's worth keeping or is it worth selling?

How much are the DVR-57H's selling for and where is the best place to advertise?

Of course, I have the original carton and packaging, manuals, accessories and remote. Condition is rated 9/10 for use.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Does it have lifetime service?

[evilipoo]

Would have basic at least.

[generaltso]

It looks like a used 57H without lifetime plus could get between $350 and $400 on ebay. More if it has lifetime or an upgraded drive.

[Audiodynamics]

Does it have lifetime service?

No Lifetime. I transferred the Lifetime Service to the S3.

[Audiodynamics]

It looks like a used 57H without lifetime plus could get between $350 and $400 on ebay. More if it has lifetime or an upgraded drive.

I appreciate the replies!

I hate eBay, but $400.00 would motivate me to let it go.

It may not have an upgraded hardrive or lifetime service, but I can count on 2 hands how many times I've used the DVD drive to either watch or burn a DVD. Hopefully it will appeal to someone who wants a reliable unit to start out with who has the intentions of installing a larger hard drive?

I'll keep an eye on those fleabay auctions and perhaps try my luck posting it.

Thanks again!

[Willie T.]

Does anyone know where I can obtain the DVR-57H manuals? Can't find anything online.

[toddc]

I have an 810 which I do use, but not as regularly as my S3 with a 750GB drive attached :-)

The problem is that the last few days, it started responding slow to the remote.

Is this a sign that the hard drive is going?

[toddc]

Does anyone know where I can obtain the DVR-57H manuals? Can't find anything online.

The 810 manual which is pretty much the same, maybe Pioneer has another page for the 57

The manual does not say if it is for a 57 or 810

is at

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/Blu-rayDisc+DVD/PioneerDVDPlayers+Recorders/DVR-810H-S?tab=D

and the manual is at http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_11221/98391353Users%20Guide%20DVR-810H-S.pdf

[Audiodynamics]

Does anyone know where I can obtain the DVR-57H manuals? Can't find anything online.

TODDC is correct in stating it's the same manual for the 810 and 57H.

[Willie T.]

toddc...:up::up::up::up:

Ever try to download 251 pages of .pdf's on slow dial-up:down::down::down::down:

[evilipoo]

Well...
After sending my Tivo off to Weaknees for an upgrade and burner repair, it took a week (not unreasonable) and my unit came back severely scratched and banged up.
I have not yet connected everything, (because they also neglected to send the adapter I ordered), but I'm wondering... Is this how this place operates? I take care of my stuff. I don't bang the snot out of it. I paid A LOT for this repair. Has anyone else had issues with them in this way?

[bicker]

I haven't heard that, but you'll get more response on a more frequented forum, like the TiVo Coffee House.

[evilipoo]

Thanks, bicker. I posted here since the issue was a burner repair and I know a few folks here are considering it. So both as a question and a caveat.

[New Pioneer]

I have a three year old 810H that is hooked up to a Slingbox at a remote location that locked up in the powering up mode. Based on the strings attached I am going to try to replace the hard drive since there is no disk in the DVD and the power supply checks out ok. It might be the motherboard and I was wondering if anyone could tell me what happens when the battery on the board fails....would the powering up failure be the result? I assume the battery serves to power up the firmware and for some reason Pioneer has chosen to solder it in place.

[rcobourn]

Not the battery... those things last something like 10 years. Most likely the hard drive as you suspect already. Let me know if you need an image for the new drive.

[New Pioneer]

Robert,

Thanks for the response and offer to provide image. I'm going to try and copy and image from my other 810 to a larger hard drive and see if that works since I could use the extra storage. If all else fails I guess I can always sell this one on ebay for parts.