WD Expander question

[penguinboy]

Ok- this should probably and will most likely be moved by the mods to the expansion thread, but I didn't want it lost on page 8...

2 questions, second dependent on the first-

1) Is this dang thing even available? I've read here that it's discontinued... Should I even try to get one for my T-HD?

2) For those that do have one- how long is the included cable? Would you swap it out with a higher quality? Is the unit noisy? Can it be situated vertically or horizontally? I don't have a lot of room in my TV stand to install vertical, so I was thinking of putting it on the floor next to, but not if it's noisy. If it can go horizontal,then maybe it'll fit. Also,is there a max length for the eSata cable before signal degrades? Might have to go 5-6 feet away...

Thanks in advance!

-Danny

[rainwater]

1) Is this dang thing even available? I've read here that it's discontinued... Should I even try to get one for my T-HD?


It has only been out a week. How could it already be discontinued? My local Best Buy has them right next to the TiVo HD.

[mchief]

Ok- this should probably and will most likely be moved by the mods to the expansion thread, but I didn't want it lost on page 8...

2 questions, second dependent on the first-

1) Is this dang thing even available? I've read here that it's discontinued... Should I even try to get one for my T-HD?

2) For those that do have one- how long is the included cable? Would you swap it out with a higher quality? Is the unit noisy? Can it be situated vertically or horizontally? I don't have a lot of room in my TV stand to install vertical, so I was thinking of putting it on the floor next to, but not if it's noisy. If it can go horizontal,then maybe it'll fit. Also,is there a max length for the eSata cable before signal degrades? Might have to go 5-6 feet away...

Thanks in advance!

-Danny

Hooked it up last night horizontally. Can't tell its on except for the light. eSata cable is 3 feet.

[penguinboy]

Rainwater-

This was posted yesterday:

I also just came here to report a similar issue with the extender that that I purchased last Wednesday. When I placed the order, it said it was IN STOCK and I went through the purchase process and everything was fine. Today, I had not received anything so I went to track it and it said it was backordered.

I called Western Digital to find out what was going on and the person told me that their order screen shows that it is backordered and that means they "don't know whether they will be getting more in stock or if they are discontinued". I was then told that my order was going to be cancelled because they did not know if they would be getting these back in stock EVER. After pressing a little further, I was transfered to a supervisor and he told me that they "are working on a new model" but would not go any further.

If you ordered one from a place that shows it as backordered or out of stock, don't expect to ever receive it. WD shows it as Out of Stock, Best Buy shows it Backordered and TiVo doesn't show availability.


So even though it works, it looks like it's not out there and maybe a replacement is on the horizon. With testing and QA, that means it won't be to market for some time I imagine. Hope Tivo has another verified solution in the gate ready to bust out!

-Danny

[Ralph Wiggum]

(this really should be merged into the other thread)


It's perfectly quiet laying on its side.

According to their website, two of the six Best Buy locations in my area have them in stock. I'd have to say that Tivo certifying a drive that is about to be discontinued makes absolutely no sense. I'm doubting it's discontinued.

[penguinboy]

Ralph Wiggum- Thanks for the info on orientation- I was hoping it could go on it's side with no problem...

Now I just have to find it... encountered all the same problems other posted have- out of stock everywhere. There's not a Best Buy in MA that has it in stock and the BB website tells me back ordered.... My wife's jonesing 'cuz she won't delete eps of Pushing Daisies or 30 Rock and Earl and we're running out of room....

[kirk1701]

(this really should be merged into the other thread)


It's perfectly quiet laying on its side.

According to their website, two of the six Best Buy locations in my area have them in stock. I'd have to say that Tivo certifying a drive that is about to be discontinued makes absolutely no sense. I'm doubting it's discontinued.

Actually just what I was looking for, I have not opened the box yet till I find out if its Quiet?

Can anyone confirm this.

[Lensman]

Just speculating, but I could see if they were going to discontinue the current size in favor of a larger drive, though 500GB is a bit of a sweet spot and seems big enough for the casual upgrader.

I've read in other forums that drives are tested for longevity flat rather than standing up so that would point to it being alright to change the orientation. OTOH, if I remember the design of this external case, I think that convection would cool the drive better if it were standing up. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it either way.

[rainwater]

So even though it works, it looks like it's not out there and maybe a replacement is on the horizon. With testing and QA, that means it won't be to market for some time I imagine. Hope Tivo has another verified solution in the gate ready to bust out!

-Danny

Actually, it looks like the CSR didn't know what they are talking about. The product is brand new w/ special TiVo branding. It isn't discontinued. However, when a brand new product isn't in stock yet, it can cause confusion in the ordering systems. WD would be wasting a lot of money to discontinue a product a week after release. If you are waiting on a new version, you will probably be waiting a while.

[durbin]

Actually just what I was looking for, I have not opened the box yet till I find out if its Quiet?

Can anyone confirm this.

There is almost no sound coming from the unit. After plugging it in, I was not sure it was on except for the light. I have mine in a horizontal position. It looks like three of the edges are vented for air flow. I felt the top of the THD and it was cool, so I actually placed the drive on top of THD. Now, my THD looks like it has a one big eye staring at me. The orange light is actually a little annoying, but I can live with it.

[samaritan66]

2) For those that do have one- how long is the included cable? Would you swap it out with a higher quality? Is the unit noisy? Can it be situated vertically or horizontally? I don't have a lot of room in my TV stand to install vertical, so I was thinking of putting it on the floor next to, but not if it's noisy. If it can go horizontal,then maybe it'll fit. Also,is there a max length for the eSata cable before signal degrades? Might have to go 5-6 feet away...

Thanks in advance!

-Danny


The only concern I have about going horizontal is that it might be too easy to obstruct the airflow if the unit is placed against the side of a shelf, or books, DVDs, etc are pushed against either or both sides.

I know well enough not to do that, but even though my wife is sharp, I don't trust her to remember not to do that.

Mine is upright and hidden on a wide shelf behind some DVD box sets, yet still has enough airflow.