Is my HR20-700 Broken?

[jdeaton]

My original HR20-700 has been very reliable and has been through all the CE's since "Santa", and maybe one or two before that.

Starting with the CE prior to this weekend’s 0x1B4 my -700 has been coming out of standby with no video or audio on live satellite or OTA channels, yet responds to the remote. I can pull up and navigate in the menu, and guide and I can even play recorded programs.

The system test results in my -700 failing satellite and Off Air as well as LNB output tests.

I am only able to bring the system back up by doing a menu reset, but consistently (every night this past week) when I bring the unit out of standby I get the same black screen with no audio. I was hoping this problem was related to the previous CE but it seems not be so.

A few facts:
• Networked via Linksys router through a Linksys Powerline AV Ethernet adapter and a Linksys 4 port switch. (Network and Internet connection are very stable)
• Video is HDMI out/DVI in to a Samsung SP-H710AE Front Projector.
• Secondary video out to a no brand name 7” LCD panel via composite.
• Seagate Free Agent Pro 750 eSATA external hard drive.
• I also have a HR20-100 up stairs with this latest CE build and so far it is problem free.

I have not tried reverting back to the National Release, but I have un-plugged and re-plugged the 700 with no change in behavior.

I’m getting tired of having to do a menu reset every time I want to turn on the system and I’m sure I’ll get an ear full from my wife I don’t get this resolved fairly soon.

I've not read of similar problems in the CE issues thread so...Does anyone have any suggestions as to what else I might try or is it time to call customer service and request a replacement? I’m very aware of Earl’s instructions not to call customer service regarding CE’s but I don’t think my problem is CE related. I really would like to keep my existing unit because I will loose all my recordings on my external drive with a new DVR.

Any thoughts will be appreciated.

[jtn]

My original HR20-700 has been very reliable and has been through all the CE's since "Santa", and maybe one or two before that.

Starting with the CE prior to this weekend’s 0x1B4 my -700 has been coming out of standby with no video or audio on live satellite or OTA channels, yet responds to the remote. I can pull up and navigate in the menu, and guide and I can even play recorded programs.

The system test results in my -700 failing satellite and Off Air as well as LNB output tests.

I am only able to bring the system back up by doing a menu reset, but consistently (every night this past week) when I bring the unit out of standby I get the same black screen with no audio. I was hoping this problem was related to the previous CE but it seems not be so.

A few facts:
• Networked via Linksys router through a Linksys Powerline AV Ethernet adapter and a Linksys 4 port switch. (Network and Internet connection are very stable)
• Video is HDMI out/DVI in to a Samsung SP-H710AE Front Projector.
• Secondary video out to a no brand name 7” LCD panel via composite.
• Seagate Free Agent Pro 750 eSATA external hard drive.
• I also have a HR20-100 up stairs with this latest CE build and so far it is problem free.

I have not tried reverting back to the National Release, but I have un-plugged and re-plugged the 700 with no change in behavior.

I’m getting tired of having to do a menu reset every time I want to turn on the system and I’m sure I’ll get an ear full from my wife I don’t get this resolved fairly soon.

I've not read of similar problems in the CE issues thread so...Does anyone have any suggestions as to what else I might try or is it time to call customer service and request a replacement? I’m very aware of Earl’s instructions not to call customer service regarding CE’s but I don’t think my problem is CE related. I really would like to keep my existing unit because I will loose all my recordings on my external drive with a new DVR.

Any thoughts will be appreciated.

you cannot revert back once you do an update on any STB/IRD. However you take a risk by being a tester and doing the CE updates. I hope you are able to fix your problems.

[JDubbs413]

It is definitely a reciever issue. I would revert back to the national release and then if that doesn't work notify DirecTV and get another reciever coming.

[Stuart Sweet]

you cannot revert back once you do an update on any STB/IRD. However you take a risk by being a tester and doing the CE updates. I hope you are able to fix your problems.

That is absolutely untrue. You can always revert from a CD to national release unless the CE release has been released nationally as well.

[jtn]

That is absolutely untrue. You can always revert from a CD to national release unless the CE release has been released nationally as well.

How would you connect a cd/dvd to an HR20 so the HR20 would know what to do with it?

I'm not a participant of CE.

[John in Georgia]

I suspect that "CD" in Stuart's response was a typo and that he meant to say you can revert from a "CE" to a national release ... "

How would you connect a cd/dvd to an HR20 so the HR20 would know what to do with it?

I'm not a participant of CE.

[CCarncross]

The 1st thing the OP needs to try if he hasnt already is reverting back to the NR....Then if its still not working, you have the option of replacing the box.

[jdeaton]

The 1st thing the OP needs to try if he hasnt already is reverting back to the NR....Then if its still not working, you have the option of replacing the box.

Ya, I'm thinking the same thing. Problem is that means I have to give up DOD, Remote Booking, left arrow back, Hide SD dups... May be time for this CE'er to suck it up and take it like a good little soldier. No regrets, the CE process is fun!

Oh well, I did try removing and re-inserting the access card (Used to work wonders on my 1994 RCA receiver) but I think it may be a lost cause.

Funny thing, I was a little miffed when DirecTV sent me a card thanking me for signing up for the $5/month? protection plan. I didn't remember doing it but I think I may have agreed to it while negociating for my 2nd HR20(-100.) May turn out to be the best thing I ever forgot I did.

I'll try leaving the current CE in tonight and see what happens in the morning. If I still have problems I'll revert to the NR. If the NR doesn't have the same problem, I'll really be confounded.