Newbie with SD DVR40 problems

[seamus23]

Hi Folks,
I've spent some time looking over related topics, but haven't found a solid answer yet.

My SD DVR40 has served me well for over two years, but for the last month or so I've noticed the fluctuating black and white to color thing going on. When it started , it only did it for recorded Tivo programs, but now it has moved to live broadcasts as well.

Two days ago I began noticing random pixellization and audio cut out while watching live TV. This problem appears both on live view and the recorded version as well, and I think it is only on one of the tuners. If I watch a recorded program on Tivo that came through the non affected tuner it plays clean. The same goes for watching programs recorded before the pixel problem started.

I've never had a reboot or freeze problem - well, it did freeze a couple times when I tried to check messages but that was a long time ago. Remote response has always been fine.

I just forced a call and updated from 6.3E to 6.3F but it didn't fix the problem.

Another odd thing is that since the pixel/cut out problem started, I don't recall noticing the b/w issue coming back.

My other non Tivo Direct TV recievers are working fine, and I hooked one up to the line my DVR40 is on and it checked out good.

Does this thing need repair, or are there other troubleshooting measures I can try?

Thanks for a great forum!

[rbtravis]

Sounds like your hard drive is going bad. Suggest you check out DVRupgrade or Weaknees. Today is last day of sale:http://shop2.outpost.com/product/5090665
use Instantcake from WWW.DVRupgrade.com

[seamus23]

I guess that's what I'm gonna have to do. At least I'll get a bigger drive out of the deal. Looks like it's a pretty reasonable fix.

Thanks for the help!

[JimSpence]

Let's not jump to conclusions quite so fast. The b/w problem could be related to the s-video connection to the TV (if it's being used). Have you made sure that all connections are secure? Swap the sat inputs as a test.

[seamus23]

I removed the S video cable a while ago and the B/w issue still comes up now and then.

But I did realize something important this evening - The pixel thing/audio cut out is only occurring when watching the local network channels. All the other channels play, record, and playback without problems.

I'm in Oregon and get the Portland feeds. I just checked out the other thread regarding problems with the Portland channels. I think I found the problem- Direct TV.