The only one I know is the one in Scarborough:
http://thecsi.com/contact/index.html
If the box functions as a tuner but doesn't record well, you can consider swapping out the iHDD yourself. Do you hear loud ticking sounds or something similar indicating a failing hard drive? Does the unit record live TV OK?
Just make sure it's not a signal problem at your home or in your neighbourhood. See:
If you hear the clicking/ticking sound that is the head moving back and forth trying to read information from the drive. At some point it may "give up" and skip ahead and be able to find a readable part of the hard drive again. I assume that it did this when you were watching a recording or pausing live TV as it shouldn't "freeze" when simply watching live TV, although you may hear the clicking/ticking as that live programme is always being recorded.
In terms of which drive to purchase, see the last few posts in the thread link I already provided. The "Purple" or "Black" WD drives are typically best for this application. Canada Computers is one place to purchase, although there are others. The iHDD replacement process is not for technophobes, but can be done by patient, skilled amateurs.
You mention WHPVR. I have the following comments/questions.
1. Is this the only PVR in your WHPVR setup?
2. If you have another PVR you could use that for your recordings and access them from this PVR and the other boxes in your setup.
3. When you encounter the problem are you viewing the PVR directly or via another box in another location in the home?
4. Did you check your signal strength yourself?
5. Since the PVR has been part of WHPVR and since these PVRs are now about 6 years old, it's certainly very possible that the iHDD is failing. Many start to fail around 3-5 years with hard use.
6. You could consider purchasing another used 9865 from someplace like Kijiji, but who knows how well that will work out. If you decide to go that route, read the tips in the following post:
You could consider switching to IgniteTV, but read the threads on IgniteTV in this forum first as some people have some issues...
@carriejoelle80 wrote:
2. If you have another PVR you could use that for your recordings and access them from this PVR and the other boxes in your setup. I thought my HD8600 was a PVR but apparently not.
4. Did you check your signal strength yourself? How do I do that? The tech showed me on his computer that it was GREEN coming in...I don't know how to check on my own.
5. Since the PVR has been part of WHPVR and since these PVRs are now about 6 years old, it's certainly very possible that the iHDD is failing. Many start to fail around 3-5 years with hard use. Its about 2.5 years old - about 6 months past paying it off.
2. The 8600 is a "hobbled" 8642 which no longer acts as a PVR.
4. See the following link:
" For 9865 (NextBox 3.0) & 8642 (NB2.0) & 4642 with latest firmware, tune to a channel and using the remote:
1) Press and hold the Exit key for two seconds until the power LED flashes on the front panel of the PVR
2) In quick succession, press the down arrow button twice, then press the 2 button. This will get you into the diagnostics section where you can browse all kinds of information. Press Exit to leave diagnostics.
On Summary page 1 of 8, The "Power" should be between -10 and +10, with zero being about optimum (for digital stations). If the level is below -10, you'll see the number change to "orange" for "warning". On the same page is the Signal/Noise ratio. The S/N ratio is good if it’s at about 35 dB or higher, although a good HD signal can be received with slightly lower numbers. If your S/N is around 30-32 (or less) though, that could be a source of problems."
5. Look at the bottom of the 9865. You'll see a manufacturing date there. It's probably 5-6 years old. I also thought the "rent to buy" was 3 years...
The link you provided is US$ (Amazon.com, not ca.). The CC price is therefore the same and you get a warranty and can take it back, etc.
https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=569_15_1086_210_212&item_id=108364
Here's the explanation of the purple drives for DVRs, etc:
Note that when checking your SS/SNR try a few different channels from low to high numbers.
