Guide says I am recording a show, but PVR red light does not appear (Cisco PVR)

[GaryKing]

I'm using an older Cisco PVR with the purple Guide. The Guide says I am recording a show right now, but the PVR itself does not have the usual red light appearing to indicate I am recording a show. The show is definitely not being recorded because when I try playing it, it just shows the PVR channel. So I deleted it and tried recording it again, but with no success.

I tried recording another channel though, and that worked. So could the problem be with this channel specifically?

***Edited labels***

[Gdkitty]

Its possible.  Though usually when i have seen lockups like that.. locks it up completely (all channels).

If you havent already, try rebooting.

[GaryKing]

Yeah, I have rebooted already so I will see if the problem re-occurs.

[jimboden]

GaryKing:

I had a similar problem with an 8300HD PVR. It always resolved itself with a reboot and it would be fine for a while, then happen again. As far as I can tell, it was a problem with the hard drive, which eventually failed completely.

[GaryKing]

So does this problem indicate that there is a problem with my PVR's HD? Should I get it replaced ASAP? Or should I wait until the problem occurs again, to be certain that there is indeed a problem, then do something about it at that point?

[Meowmix]

Hello GaryKing

I am staring to think it is the HDD that is the problem. It may fail later on

[GaryKing]

If that is the case, then what are my options? Does Rogers perform free replacements of dying hard drives? My PVR is purchased/owned, not rented.

[Meowmix]

Hello GaryKing

The only way Rogers will do it is if you are renting the box or bought it and still habe e warranty. They will NOT replace the HDD but will replace the box.

[Gdkitty]

If you do look online there are guides on replacing the drive yourself.

[GaryKing]

I think with my skills, I can install a new hard drive no problem. But my concern comes from the software side. When I install a fresh new hard drive in there, then do I have to install any new software in the hard drive? Or is the hard drive solely for storage, and the PVR's operating system is stored somewhere else? Also, can I install a massive hard drive, like 4 TB, to record more stuff?

And of course, I assume that all my saved programs and future programs will be lost.

[Gdkitty]

The 8300 model only goes up to 500g I think. The 8642 I think can do up to 1g.

After install when it communicates with Rogers it will auto pull down the software on its own.

[GaryKing]

Okay thanks this is really informative. And any hard drive will do? I have built my own computers before so I assume I will be able to do this no problem, with the help of some online guides.

I assume if I put a 4 TB HD then it will just be read as 1 TB?

[Meowmix]

Hello Garyking


I suggest putting a 500G or 1TB drive. No higher then that as it may cause issues.

[Gdkitty]

Yeah, i wouldnt put in anything physicaly more than what is sugested.. it may cause issues.

Which exact model of box do you have?

The 8300 uses a IDE hard drive.  They are a little more harder to find.
DONT use a SATA to IDE adapter.. as they have been prone to issues in these boxes from what i have read.

The 8642 uses a SATA hard drive.

With any of them.. try and choose a REGULAR model one... a 7200RPM faster one will speed up performance... try not to choose a 'green' drive.  they tend to spin down alot ot save power, etc.. but could really impeed performance.

[GaryKing]

I have a 8642 model. So this this will do? http://www.amzn.com/B0088PUEPK

[Gdkitty]

Yeah, a WD blue or black drive,should be fine.

[jimboden]

GaryKing:

One potential issue to be aware of is what's required to open your PVR's case. Yours may be different, but the old 8300 requires a Torx 10 security bit/screw driver to remove the screws.