Phillips 708 audio/video question

[leftstrat]

Hi y'all:

Does anyone else have this problem?

Every so often, about 30-40 minutes into a channel, the audio/video will sort of freeze up for a second, then goes on, but might have missed a little bit of the show. Is anyone else having this problem? If so what did/do you do about about it? I've got 93 to 95 on signal strength, but it's like the buffer goes a bit nuts. It doesn't matter if something is being recorded on the other tuner or not. It's not more pronounced now, I just want to know if it is a problem with the box, or if that's a normal thing.

The other thing, and I've sort of solved that one, is that while watching one of the premium channels, (any of them..), there's always a certain point where the audio decides to start breaking up. maybe the dolby 5.1 overloads the buffer capacity.

To solve this, when the movie starts, I rewind about 10-20 seconds back, and then it's uninterrupted.

Is there any way on the 708 to upgrade the processor, add more memory to the box, or would a 7200 rpm drive fix those annoying problems?

I've got that equipment protection plan with DTV. I'd call 'em, but I'm afraid that my 708 would be replaced with an R15 and from what I understand, that's a horror story in itself.

If anyone has any ideas about these problems, give me a yell. :)

[litzdog911]

This could be the classic symptom of hard disk failure, or soon-to-be failure. But try these tips first:

*** Note that problems like this can also be caused by AC power spikes or fluctuations. Your Tivo is essentially a computer inside, so you should seriously consider powering it with an uninterruptable power supply (UPS). Good quality 350VA UPS's are available for well below $50 and will power your Tivo for nearly an hour, plus they provide much better powerline isolation and protection than a surge protector.

http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/Sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=474045


*** Check your Tivo's internal temperature. If it's running too hot you'll sometimes see problems like this. Look in "Messages & Setup" -> "System Information" and scroll down a couple of pages to see the internal temperature. Anything under 50-deg C is usually OK. If it's higher than that, make sure you have good airflow under and around your Tivo. It's a good idea to raise your Tivo up an inch or so for better airflow. Some folks use pop bottle caps under each corner.


*** Try re-seating your access card. Remove power, remove the access card, wait a few minutes, re-insert the access card, and reconnect power.

*** If you're comfortable opening up your Tivo (which will void your warranty if you still have one), then disconnect and reconnect all the cables leading to the hard drive(s). Sometimes connections can work loose, or tarnish, and re-seating them will help.


*** If these steps don't help, then it's likely a hard drive problem. You can try a "Clear and Delete Everything" (in the Tivo's "Messages & Setup" menu). That might help the drive repair itself, but you will lose your recordings, Season Passes, and other settings.

*** Finally, if all else fails, then you might want to try connecting your Tivo drive(s) to your PC and run the disk manufacturer's DOS-based diagnostic utilities. These are usually available for download from their web site. Unfortunately they don't always detect all of the failures that can disrupt your Tivo. Some folks have reported success using the SpinRite disk repair utility available from Gibson Research at http://www.grc.com/sr/spinrite.htm or HDD Regenerator at http://www.dposoft.net/#b_hddhid

Also check out these sources of information, much of which you'll find in the Tivo Upgrade Center forum:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=25

http://www.weaknees.com/index.html

http://tivo.upgrade-instructions.com/

http://www.newreleasesvideo.com/hinsdale-how-to/

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

http://www.9thtee.com/

[leftstrat]

Thanks. I'll check it out.

[metrounit9]

I have had a Philips 708 for nearly two years and mine periodically does the same thing...freezes for a split second and then resumes. If you find a fix please post.

[leftstrat]

The only fix that I've found, is that whenever what you're watching has been playing for about five minutes, hit the rewind for about 5-10 seconds. You're running behind the buffer, and that eliminates the freezes, and audio dropouts. I'm wondering if Phillips put enough system buffer into this box or not.