Mine works fine...

[1a4laguy]

Saw someone bitching about no one posting their good set-ups.
So here we go....

Add WORKING setup to list for archival. ( Please don't reply to me, I won't add it to the list)

****************************************

:) 02 DEC 07 - HughsDVR2 - with the cover off ! : LOS ANGELES, CA
(InstaCake / PTVnet / SuperPatch / TreadmontUSB2.0>ETH [cat-6} = 6.2a / WD200 GB / Dual Turners / HMO w/ FC8 + XP {via chipset} Phone-Home disabled, All features working as expected):)


******************************************

[Da Goon]

HughsDVR2 - with the cover off !

This will eventually burn out your tuners. Put the cover back on. Add another fan if you're concerned with heat.

[OLdDog]

This will eventually burn out your tuners. Put the cover back on. Add another fan if you're concerned with heat.Bull! With good air circulation around the unit(s) the removal of the cover can dramatically increase the life of any TiVo particularly a DTiVo as they run hotter and heat increases failures, particularly of the hard disk which is NOT kept cool very well by the TiVo's internal fan.

The temperature sensor in the TiVo gives a poor indication of the running temperature of the drive(s).

I have three DTiVos in a simi-open cabinet with a small fan blowing across them. (one is even dual drive) They have been running fine for three years. I recently added a fourth and all the drives run cool to the touch.

The tuners are getting MUCH better cooling with this setup as well as the volume of air passing through the TiVos is quite a bit greater this way.

I do not recommend running DTiVos open for most people as they are more vulnerable to things being dropped in them but for those that can take the care to see that the TiVos are protected and cooled externally the removal of the case can dramatically add to the life of the TiVo.

[chip_r]

Bull! With good air circulation around the unit(s) the removal of the cover can dramatically increase the life of any TiVo particularly a DTiVo as they run hotter and heat increases failures, particularly of the hard disk which is NOT kept cool very well by the TiVo's internal fan.
The problem with cooling discussions is that unless one can objectively test "extra" cooling versus "normal" cooling and look at statistically significant results from those tests, it becomes just "It makes me feel better, that's why". If you use extra cooling and you think it extends the life of your Tivo, go for it, it's tough to prove otherwise.

Short of keeping your electronics in a closed cabinet, obsolescence, the statistics of having highly sophisicated electronics in a single (point of failure) box, and external power conditions will determine product life more than a few degress in temperature. Up at 85C+, yes, you'll start reducing the life of your electonics, otherwise, "dramatically increase the life of any TiVo" might be stretching it under most conditions. Plus, you have to worry about your kids dropping pennies in your Tivo :D

[1a4laguy]

I agree that if there is any chance of fingers of falling dinosaurs anywhere near the open tivo, it is better to keep the cover on and do a "side vent" w/ a small fan.

(side note - I run a QA lab)

The presence of a second internal fan in a confined space (my open unit is on a shelf in an enclosed 'media center') will add more heat to the area. In testing (mini-itx) motherboards, the open box was much cooler than a second exhaust or beefier fan.

If it's a choice of orig fan and cover on, or adding a second fan w/ cover on...I would never add a second fan.

(punch small holes in both sides of the box and have a small fan circulate air for all components)

just my $0.02

[chip_r]

Also, short of those $24.99 DVD players, reasonable product engineering is done on consumer electronics for thermal, electronic, and mechanical reasons so "modding" may not buy much and may even be detrimental as you pointed out. The heat has to go somewhere (like into the room).

[Billy Bob Boy]

I keep mine in the fridge.:eek: Works just fine:D

Only problem is I have too open the door to change channels:(:D

[JackS]

[QUOTE=...Only problem is I have too open the door to change channels:(:D[/QUOTE]

Save on your energy bill. Keep the frige door closed
and change channels too, with one of these goodies:
http://www.weaknees.com/rf-remote-details.php
:-)
Mine works fine.

-Jack HDVR2, 140 hr