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View Full Version : HDVR2 Stuck at powering up (2 year commitment to replace?)

web1b
10-02-2006, 07:38 PM
After clearing out all the thumbs up and thumbs down settings, the bedroom DVR failed to complete rebooting. I have already tried unplugging and replugging it in and it will not go past the powering up screen.
I did hear some clicking noises for a few weeks prior, so the problem may not have been caused soley from resetting the thumbs up and down settings.

I called Directv and they said they would send out a free DVR with a new 2 year commitment.
I passed on that and remembered I had the extended service plan from Circuit City. I called them and they said they no longer send replacements. They will send me a check to cover the cost of buying a new DVR instead. $99.99 towards a new DVR plus a separate check of a few dollars to buy out the rest of the unused warranty so they can wash themselves free of any more responsibility.
I then found out that I would still need to sign up for a 2 year contract even if I got a new DVR because the $99 cost is just a lease with another 2 year commitment, plus another $4.99 per month over the fee I'm paying now.
Is it $4.99 per month in addition to the $5 extra receiver charge and normal DVR fees?

Is there any way to get the HDVR2 replaced with something new without incurring an additional 2 year commitment and an extra $4.99 per month?

I might consider the additional 2 year commitment to DirecTV if I could get alot more than just a free basic DVR for it. Maybe a high def DVR instead at a great discount (but I've heard than the new non-Tivo HD DVRs aren't so great, so I'm not sure it would be worth it even then.)

If I got a High Definition DVR, I would replace the broken HDVR2 in the bedroom with the DirecTivo now in the living room and replace the living room unit with the new High Definition DVR.
I already have an Panasonic ED plasma which I suppose could still benefit from an HD signal even though it would not show HD resolution.

Suggestions?
Dkerr24
10-02-2006, 07:55 PM
Sure. Buy a DTivo from Wal-Mart. Most around here still have R10's in stock. Another option? eBay. Plenty for sale there.
web1b
10-02-2006, 07:59 PM
Sure. Buy a DTivo from Wal-Mart. Most around here still have R10's in stock. Another option? eBay. Plenty for sale there.

Are you sure you can still buy and not lease new Directivo units now?
Someone else said from now on, every new DirecTv DVR is a lease with a 2 year commitment plus an additional $4.99 per month fee.
ForrestB
10-02-2006, 09:18 PM
Sounds like a hard drive problem. I'd spend $60 on a 250 GB hard drive to upgrade your Tivo. Then install the Tivo Zipper and add a $20 USB to Ethernet adapter.

There's no commitment to DirecTV - since you're using your old DirecTivo.
rock_doctor
10-03-2006, 04:28 PM
I am with forrestB just replace the hard drive and use a program like instantcake to put the TiVo OS onto the drive. Not hard and you will have the tivo up and running real quick...for less then $100 and no card swapping or commitment issues.

mark
Dkerr24
10-03-2006, 04:46 PM
The Directv 'commitment' is not a big deal to cancel... just send back the old receivers to avoid any cancellation fees.
web1b
10-03-2006, 08:49 PM
I am with forrestB just replace the hard drive and use a program like instantcake to put the TiVo OS onto the drive. Not hard and you will have the tivo up and running real quick...for less then $100 and no card swapping or commitment issues.

mark


Don't you need special tools to disassemble the HDVR2 and replace the hard drive? Isn't there some specially sized proprietary screws an brackets requiring a Torx tool?
Also, I don't have a PC running Linux.
ForrestB
10-03-2006, 09:05 PM
Yes, you need a Torx driver to disassemble the Tivo. Home Depot sells an 8 piece Torx driver set for $6. If you have a PC with dual IDE channels and can burn a CD, then you're all set. MFS Tools 2 boots and runs off a Linux CD - so you don't need to install it on your hard drive.
web1b
10-05-2006, 06:21 PM
Mysteriously, a box with a DirecTV Plus DVR in it was sitting at my door when I got home. This is despite the Circuit City CSR saying they would not send a replacement and would send a check instead.
I wonder if this is from the Circuit City warranty company or from DirecTV? I told DirecTV not to send a replacement because I didn't want to sign up for another 2 year commitment.
I wonder if the DirecTV CSR signed me up anyway or forgot to cancel it?
In that case, I want to send it back and have them remove any contract extension they signed me up for.
Greencat
10-06-2006, 07:33 AM
I have the same problem and I am going to pull the drive and re-zipper. If you decide to replace the HDVR2 you might want to consider selling it.
footballdude
10-06-2006, 11:30 AM
Don't you need special tools to disassemble the HDVR2 and replace the hard drive? Isn't there some specially sized proprietary screws an brackets requiring a Torx tool?
Also, I don't have a PC running Linux.
Yes, but if you go to WeakKnees web site and order a DirecTivo replacement drive, it comes with the software already loaded and a set of tools to help you replace the old one. Worked beautifully for me.