eSATA - Has been enabled, but....

[Rich]

I guess I have a lot of luck seeing that I've had 2 out of 2 HR20's that have been working perfectly for over 6 months now. I haven't had to replace either of them and they are both connected to eSATA 750's pretty much since day one and worked first try.

I'm actually surprised to hear all of the issues that others have been having with their set ups.

I purchased two of the units from Costco and CC. The rest came from D*. Mostly refurbished. The two I purchased from retailers have given me no problems at all.

You know, if they are going to "refurbish" HR20s, why can't they test them completely? I got one 100 recently that would not recognize any remote. Couldn't even complete the setup. Probably in RF mode when refurbed, but without being able to complete the setup, I could not check the RF function to see if it was enabled. They should have caught that. Another 100 would not record, the program would show up in the "List" but would just be a blank recording. They should have caught that. The third 100 destroyed a perfectly good FAP and then destroyed it's internal drive. They should have caught that. Again 1 out of 4.

[shendley]

I thought I would update something I reported in this thread about a week ago. I noticed that when I did an RBR the HR20 defaulted back to the internal hard drive until I unplugged (powered down) my Seagate FAP and then powered it back up and then did a menu restart. But today I had a new Slimline dish installed to replace my older au9 and the technician said he needed to do a restart. Before I could bring up the menu restart option he had already done an RBR. Expecting to have to do the same procedure as the last time I did an RBR with the Seagate I was surprised to see that it came back recognizing the Seagate rather than the internal hard drive. I guess my first observations were entirely situational and cannot be generalized, as I first thought.

[Fore]

Does using an ext. hd like a 75ogb hd also incr. the number of allowable (50 now on the HR20) "record series" in the scheduler? I hate this limitation.


|Can I ask this again? :) ... one person actually did respond to me, but that post and my reply are gone (wierd no?) .

Nevertheless, I'd really appreciate someone who knows this anwser if they'd could share it with this poor sap ;)

Thanks, I'm really looking forward to trying adding a Seagate 750 gb in a box.

Fore

[Michael D'Angelo]

|Can I ask this again? :) ... one person actually did respond to me, but that post and my reply are gone (wierd no?) .

Nevertheless, I'd really appreciate someone who knows this anwser if they'd could share it with this poor sap ;)

Thanks, I'm really looking forward to trying adding a Seagate 750 gb in a box.

Fore

Yes if you use a eSATA drive you still have a 50 series link limit. It has nothing to do with the hard drive. It is in the software.

[finaldiet]

I just got a new battery for my UPS and was wondering what was the best way to power everything down and plug power cords in UPS. I have an esata drive connected and did't want to mess anything up.

[Robert Norman]

I have had at least 20 HR20s in my possession since last November and have 5 working. 1 in 4. Only had a problem with 2 concerning the eSATA function. These are objective opinions based on empirical data.

Since August 12 I have also installed four different HR20's two HR20-100 and two HR20-700. First one would not recognize high definition over the air, second would not recognize the eSATA drive, third the second satellite tuner would not work and fourth everything work. However, my first HR20 last March everything worked the first time. The last two installers stated that all their HR20-100's in their warehouse had been recalled by DIRECTV and they could only get HR20-700's as of the end of August.
No knowledge what percent of the new HR20's have something not working but it is frustrating when it is yours.
Mike

[jangell2]

Call up D* and get another unit. I have had two units that wouldn't work with eSATA. Get another HR20. Remember only 1 in 4 HR20 works correctly in my experience. Sounds like you've done everything right, must be the HR20.I don't even have my HR20 yet, just planning ahead. If I call up and say the unit doesn't work with my external drive, will they accept that as a valid reason to replace it? It's my understanding the DTV doesn't support this feature yet.

[dminches]

You should assume it is going to work. While there are many reports of it not working my guess (not based on data) is that the majority do work or in the cases that it doesn't work it isn't an issue with the HR20 but the external drive and/or sata cable.

[Jeradin]

Hi there,


Can you use a PATA drive, if the enclosure has converts PATA internal drive to a out going eSATA port?

Thanks!

[Mortifer]

Hi there,


Can you use a PATA drive, if the enclosure has converts PATA internal drive to a out going eSATA port?

Thanks!



I don't know if any enclosures like this exist, but I see no technical reason it wouldn't work.

[Fore]

Yes if you use a eSATA drive you still have a 50 series link limit. It has nothing to do with the hard drive. It is in the software.

Oh, I see Mike. That makes sense. Perhaps they'll incr. that limit with future software updates??? We can always hope ;)

[Rich]

|Can I ask this again? :) ... one person actually did respond to me, but that post and my reply are gone (wierd no?) .

Nevertheless, I'd really appreciate someone who knows this anwser if they'd could share it with this poor sap ;)

Thanks, I'm really looking forward to trying adding a Seagate 750 gb in a box.

Fore

Doubtful. The eSATA receives the same operating instructions as the internal drive, so...

[herkulease]

I was wondering does anyone know if its possible to disconnect the FAP I have connected, plug it into my PC to turn off the light? Or is it too late?

would I lose my guide cache if I disconnect it for 15 minutes tops?

[Rich]

Since August 12 I have also installed four different HR20's two HR20-100 and two HR20-700. First one would not recognize high definition over the air, second would not recognize the eSATA drive, third the second satellite tuner would not work and fourth everything work. However, my first HR20 last March everything worked the first time. The last two installers stated that all their HR20-100's in their warehouse had been recalled by DIRECTV and they could only get HR20-700's as of the end of August.
No knowledge what percent of the new HR20's have something not working but it is frustrating when it is yours.
Mike

Seems like the 1 in 4 ratio holds up for you too. Frustrating for some (you and I) and mother's milk for others.

[Rich]

The new HI DEF TiVo stand alone has an eSATA receptacle. Don't know if it is enabled, but it is there.

[Fore]

Well I've shopped nearly all day deciding to go for a single 1tb drive in a single enclosure to avoid noisy fan/fans as in the reviews I've read from this
SANS DIGITAL MS2UT EXTERNAL 2 BAY RAID 0/1 USB & eSATA ENCLOSURE
http://www.outpost.com/product/5251837?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

However, I can't seem to find a good quality, <$70, single bay enclosure that'll hold a 1TB drive. Funny, over on the 'Working esata setups' two people mentioning using 1TB drives from Vantec and Ultra brands...yet they don't make any accord to their websites and Neweggs info.

I just want a quiet perpendicular box to house a 1TB drive.....and that I won't mind wasting the box sometime in the future when I want to spend $400 on a decent and quiet RAID enclosure and another drive.

Thanks for the help
Fore

[BruceS]

Well I've shopped nearly all day deciding to go for a single 1tb drive in a single enclosure to avoid noisy fan/fans as in the reviews I've read from this
SANS DIGITAL MS2UT EXTERNAL 2 BAY RAID 0/1 USB & eSATA ENCLOSURE
http://www.outpost.com/product/5251837?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

However, I can't seem to find a good quality, <$70, single bay enclosure that'll hold a 1TB drive. Funny, over on the 'Working esata setups' two people mentioning using 1TB drives from Vantec and Ultra brands...yet they don't make any accord to their websites and Neweggs info.

I just want a quiet perpendicular box to house a 1TB drive.....and that I won't mind wasting the box sometime in the future when I want to spend $400 on a decent and quiet RAID enclosure and another drive.

Thanks for the help
Fore

I am using a Hitachi Deskstar 1TB drive in an antec MX-1 external case with my Tivo S3. It is quiet enough that I have to be within two feet of the case to hear it.

I don't see any reason why this wouldn't work fine with the HR20.

If I remember correctly, I got the case from newegg.com, which currently shows it available for $69.99.

[BruceS]

I suspect I already know the answers to most of these questions, but I want to make sure before I try to add an external drive to my HR20.

1. When the esata drive is added it replaces the internal one completely and formats the drive. Since the drive is formated, does a new copy of the software get downloaded from the satellite at that time? (I suspect not, since I believe that the HR20 boots from flash memory instead of the drive. I just want to make sure, since I don't want to lose my latest CE software, which includes DOD).

2. Since the external drive replaces the internal one, I assume you have to re-enter all your recording requests for any future programs. Is this correct?

[funhouse69]

I suspect I already know the answers to most of these questions, but I want to make sure before I try to add an external drive to my HR20.

1. When the esata drive is added it replaces the internal one completely and formats the drive. Since the drive is formated, does a new copy of the software get downloaded from the satellite at that time? (I suspect not, since I believe that the HR20 boots from flash memory instead of the drive. I just want to make sure, since I don't want to lose my latest CE software, which includes DOD).

2. Since the external drive replaces the internal one, I assume you have to re-enter all your recording requests for any future programs. Is this correct?

1 - Actually when you connected to an HR20 it does replace the internal drive but the OS does not have to be reloaded / downloaded. The first time you connect a new drive it gets formatted so that it can use it and that is it. It is a pretty quick / painless process for sure. The OS is actually located in flash memory so it doesn't matter what drive you are using. Some people actually have multiple drives that they swap out.

2 - When you connect an external drive you do not loose anything however it remains on the drive that it was done on so a recording that you recorded on the internal drive is on that drive the same will go for the Series Links / ToDo List as well. If / when you disconnect the external drive you will go back to what is on the internal drive. So just to be clear you will have to set new series links for each new drive that you connect.

[marshdom]

[QUOTE=Earl Bonovich;676204]

DirecTV will NOT increase their designed usage space for recordings. (these numbers are estimates)If if you add a 500gb drive; 400gb will be for user space, 100gb for DirecTV. If you had 21TB; 20,900gb for user space, 100gb for DirecTV Edited from original post

I'm a newbie ... sorry if this is a dumb question or has been asked/answered before ... does this quote (above) from Earl's post (#1) mean/imply that the 300GB drive I just got in my HR20 (installed yesterday) really only has 200GB of storage space? If that's correct, then if I upgraded to a 750GB external eSATA drive, would I actually be increasing my available storage space by more than 3x? ([750-100=650] is more than 3x [300-100=200])

Getting 3x+ the storage space for ~$200 is much easier for me to stomach than getting only 1.5x ...

Thanks in advance any reply. :)

[jeffshoaf]

[QUOTE=Earl Bonovich;676204]

DirecTV will NOT increase their designed usage space for recordings. (these numbers are estimates)If if you add a 500gb drive; 400gb will be for user space, 100gb for DirecTV. If you had 21TB; 20,900gb for user space, 100gb for DirecTV Edited from original post

I'm a newbie ... sorry if this is a dumb question or has been asked/answered before ... does this quote (above) from Earl's post (#1) mean/imply that the 300GB drive I just got in my HR20 (installed yesterday) really only has 200GB of storage space? If that's correct, then if I upgraded to a 750GB external eSATA drive, would I actually be increasing my available storage space by more than 3x? (750-100 is more than 3x 300-100)

Getting 3x+ the storage space for ~$200 is much easier for me to stomach than getting only 1.5x ...

Thanks in advance any reply. :)

3 X 300 = 900; 900 - 100 = 800
750 - 100 = 650

[Fore]

Thanks Bruce. Seems the posted specs on Newegg, and even their own video on their website said max was 750gb. But the webpage also said 1TB, so I called to verify, and Antec confirmed, it'll hold a 1TB drive.

Thanks for the excellent suggestion,
Fore

I am using a Hitachi Deskstar 1TB drive in an antec MX-1 external case with my Tivo S3. It is quiet enough that I have to be within two feet of the case to hear it.

I don't see any reason why this wouldn't work fine with the HR20.

If I remember correctly, I got the case from newegg.com, which currently shows it available for $69.99.

[marshdom]

First question: Why isn't this in the release notes?

eSATA right now is an unsupported and undocumented add-on right now.
Think of similar to Microsofts Power Tools.... DirecTV has enabled the eSATA port, but it is not an official feature of the box.

Here are the details:

eSATA is a complete replacement for the internal drive. By that I mean, the system will only use 1 drive at a time. So if you connect an eSATA drive, it will not use the internal drive
eSATA has only had minimal testing with eSATA devices out there. DirecTV did not test an extensive list of eSATA drives and enclosures to see what will work and what won't
When you connected an eSATA drive, you need to do so when the unit is powered off (UNPLUGGED). When starting up, the HR20 will detect the eSATA drive, format as necessary, and then use that drive only. Edited from original post
After initilization, the unit will be blank... you will have to re-enter your SL, favorites, ect.....
DirecTV will NOT increase their designed usage space for recordings. (these numbers are estimates)If if you add a 500gb drive; 400gb will be for user space, 100gb for DirecTV. If you had 21TB; 20,900gb for user space, 100gb for DirecTV Edited from original post
Recordings are TIED to the unit that it was connected to. So you can't record on an eSATA drive on one HR20 and take it to another
Future software updates may update the file structure on the hard drive, so it is possible that your internal drive (over a long period of time) will be out of sync with the software version on the flash chip. If this does occur (file structure change), and you need to go back to the internal drive, you will need to do a format of the original hard drive (there is a method to do it from the front panel)
Right now... eSATA is to be used at User's Risk. DirecTV CSR are not going to get training on the eSATA connections until it becomes and official features
Right now... there is no method to move recordings from the internal drive to an external drive... however, they are investigating to possible to do this with the initial format of the drive on startup (clone the drive instead of just a blank format), but no ETA on when/if it will be available.


Those are the details I have on the eSATA connection.

DirecTV has enabled this feature for the "techies" and those that really want the larger storage options. At a later time, they will re-visit the eSATA features, however this was a "quick hit". Most of the other ideas that we have thrown around here on the forums (using it as an archive drive, expanding the storage ... using more then one drive, using it on multiple systems, ect....) Will take a while to code... and they have other items (like OTA, Networking, Dual Buffers) higher in the priority list.

Note: The added drive needs to be larger then 300gb

[QUOTE=marshdom;1134538]

3 X 300 = 900; 900 - 100 = 800
750 - 100 = 650


Thanks for the reply, jeffshoaf, but I don't think I follow you.

To be clear(er) ... I am wondering if Earl's original email means that the HR20's come with ~300GB drives, but that ~100GB of all drives (whether internal or external) are used "for Directv" (reserved for ads, PPV, etc???). That would mean that the HR20 effectively has ~200GB of storage space. Thus, if I use a 750GB external drive instead, and take away the 100GB used for D*, then that would leave me with ~650GB of effective storage space - correct? I might be totally wrong in my interpretation - but that's where I get my 3x+ ratio (650 vs 200).

[Rich]

[QUOTE=marshdom;1134538]

3 X 300 = 900; 900 - 100 = 800
750 - 100 = 650

3*200=600 750-100=650 or more than 3 times the storage capacity.

[BruceS]

After a few tries and use of a few choice four letter words, I finally got it to recognize a freeagent pro 750G.

It took even longer to re-enable DOD.

Now to see how long it takes before the guide data for the normal channels and DOD are re-populated.

It is close to half an hour since I got it to recognize the drive and the guide still does not show anything on many channels past midnight.

[RaceTripper]

It is close to half an hour since I got it to recognize the drive and the guide still does not show anything on many channels past midnight.It took mine about 1-2 days to fully populate, and overnight to just get the following two days worth or so.

[jeffshoaf]

[QUOTE=jeffshoaf;1134613]


Thanks for the reply, jeffshoaf, but I don't think I follow you.

To be clear(er) ... I am wondering if Earl's original email means that the HR20's come with ~300GB drives, but that ~100GB of all drives (whether internal or external) are used "for Directv" (reserved for ads, PPV, etc???). That would mean that the HR20 effectively has ~200GB of storage space. Thus, if I use a 750GB external drive instead, and take away the 100GB used for D*, then that would leave me with ~650GB of effective storage space - correct? I might be totally wrong in my interpretation - but that's where I get my 3x+ ratio (650 vs 200).

You're correct in that perspective. I was comparing to three 300G drives hooked up once in a RAID 0 configuration where the 100G would only be used once, whereas you were comparing to three individual 300G drives hooked up at separate times.

[marshdom]

[QUOTE=marshdom;1135408]

You're correct in that perspective. I was comparing to three 300G drives hooked up once in a RAID 0 configuration where the 100G would only be used once, whereas you were comparing to three individual 300G drives hooked up at separate times.


Actually, I was talking about the internal 300GB drive that comes with the HR20 - compared to using a 750GB external drive. But I think I've got my answer (making that switch really does give the user 3x+ effective/usable storage). Thanks.

[flava]

Does anyone know if there is some sort of 2 TB limitation on esata? I have 3.75 TB in an enclosure setup as RAID 0, but it doesn't look like it's using all of it by far.

I have:
26:23 of HD MPEG 4
226:16 of HD MPEG 2
50:13 of SD MPEG 2
10% available free space

My original post is here:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=952617#post952617

[funhouse69]

Does anyone know if there is some sort of 2 TB limitation on esata? I have 3.75 TB in an enclosure setup as RAID 0, but it doesn't look like it's using all of it by far.

I have:
26:23 of HD MPEG 4
226:16 of HD MPEG 2
50:13 of SD MPEG 2
10% available free space

My original post is here:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=952617#post952617

On eSATA there isn't any kind of size limitation the limitation is usually the OS or maybe even the controller. Since the HR20 is based on Linux I find it hard to believe that there is any 2TB limitation like there is in Windows but we would have to get an answer from someone in the know to be sure.

[Cyrus]

There was one guy who had a 3.75TB setup (link (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=74560)), but he hasn't posted for a while.

[jangell2]

I don't even have my HR20 yet, just planning ahead. If I call up and say the unit doesn't work with my external drive, will they accept that as a valid reason to replace it? It's my understanding the DTV doesn't support this feature yet.Sorry to be pesky, but I was hoping to get an answer to this question. Also, what is DOD?

[anubys]

Sorry to be pesky, but I was hoping to get an answer to this question. Also, what is DOD?

I'm guessing DirecTV On Demand...

and yes, it's not a supported feature (external drive)...but you can always try...CSR roulette is alive and well...

[KCCardsfan]

Questions:

I'm ready to hook up my ESATA, I'm currently om 0x19a w/VOD enabled, what will I have after resetting the receiver to the external drive?

0x19a?
VOD?
Favorites?
Personal settings?

I know I will need to re-enter my SL & my current recordings will stay on the internal drive, no problem there & also no problem if I lose VOD, I can wait now for the national release & better content.

Sorry if some of these are in other threads, but I've reading them for some time now & thought this might be quicker.

If I missed anything important please add.
__________________

[RaceTripper]

Questions:

I'm ready to hook up my ESATA, I'm currently om 0x19a w/VOD enabled, what will I have after resetting the receiver to the external drive?

0x19a?
VOD?
Favorites?
Personal settings?

I know I will need to re-enter my SL & my current recordings will stay on the internal drive, no problem there & also no problem if I lose VOD, I can wait now for the national release & better content.

Sorry if some of these are in other threads, but I've reading them for some time now & thought this might be quicker.

If I missed anything important please add.
__________________Firmware will be the same (that has nothing to do with the drive itself). Favorites will also be gone. You'll retain settings like display, audio, etc. but nothing to do with content programming.

Just turn it all off, hook it up, and let it fly. There's really not too much to think about. You'll essentially be starting over.

[KCCardsfan]

Firmware will be the same (that has nothing to do with the drive itself). Favorites will also be gone. You'll retain settings like display, audio, etc. but nothing to do with content programming.

Just turn it all off, hook it up, and let it fly. There's really not too much to think about. You'll essentially be starting over.

No problems! I went immediately to search IWANTMYVOD & it was there! I had read many posts that you lose VOD when adding a external, after activating it On Demand returned to he Menu. The guide is repopulating & then I'll input my Series Links, other than favorites all other settings seemed to have been retained.

I went with a 500g Seagate Barracuda ($114.95) with a Power Spec External case ($24.99), bought both at Micro Center here in KC. I went this route because it was not only cheaper, but the case included the ESATA cable, none of the all-in-one external drives I found had the cable & none of the stores had them in stock.

I figured if the internal 320gb has up to 50hrs MPEG4 (minus D*'s 100gb) then the 400gb I can use on the external will be around 91hrs MPEG4, of course I won't get this because I record a few locals in MPEG2.

[brick33308]

I'm getting my new HR20 on Friday. I'd like to get a 1TB drive. Can someone direct me to a good model for this drive, together with what enclosure I need, cable, etc.? Cost isn't so much a factor as that I'd like it to be as quiet as possible.

And if there's anything else I need to do other that simply put the drive in the case, connect it by the cable to the HR20 and turn on the power, I'd appreciate it. In other words, once I do that, will the HR20 behave just as though it would had I not attached the drive - other of course than having more capacity?

[elixir26]

I'm getting my new HR20 on Friday. I'd like to get a 1TB drive. Can someone direct me to a good model for this drive, together with what enclosure I need, cable, etc.? Cost isn't so much a factor as that I'd like it to be as quiet as possible.

And if there's anything else I need to do other that simply put the drive in the case, connect it by the cable to the HR20 and turn on the power, I'd appreciate it. In other words, once I do that, will the HR20 behave just as though it would had I not attached the drive - other of course than having more capacity?

If you look in my signature you'll see the model of enclosure and hard drive I'm using in my 1 tb set up. The enclosure come with the cable you need and is as simple as it gets to install. There are MANY other enclosures on the market this just happens to be the one I've been using since March.

Good Luck and have fun.

[brick33308]

thanks elixir26!

[elixir26]

thanks elixir26!

Your welcome. And welcome to the forum!!

[jangell2]

I'm getting my new HR20 on Friday. I'd like to get a 1TB drive. Can someone direct me to a good model for this drive, together with what enclosure I need, cable, etc.? Cost isn't so much a factor as that I'd like it to be as quiet as possible.The Best Buy Sunday supplement shows an Antec USB 2.0/eSATA hard drive enclsoure for 3.5" SATA hard drives for $50 (normally $74). I don't know if this is a good deal or how good Antec is. Model number MX-1.

Just did a quick search and Amazon is selling it for $55 with free shipping. Since you'd save sales tax, it would price out to about the same as BB. Only three reviews all 4 star or better, though they did have a bone or two to pick.

Once again, I'm not vouching for this enclosure, just bringing it to your attention.

[elixir26]

thanks elixir26!

Here is the link for the AZIO http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817106098

I put a 750gb in it to start, then switched to a 1tb. It worked without a hitch with both. I also disabled the small blue light so it is completely black.

[Paladin369]

I have a HR20-700, picked up a Seagate Free Agent Pro 750 for the HR20.

BUT, none of my SATA cable fit into the HR20 or the Seagate,:confused: I really do not want to force them in to the ports, unless it's necessary. I thought that all SATA cable would be the same.

Could somebody please give me a place with a part number so that I can buy the right and proper cable, please.

[Lord Vader]

Search around the forums here for eSATA cables. There are several you could use and usually run around $5 to $8 each.

[mschwab]

This thread is 72 pages long, which is impossible for a new visitor to go through. The summary on the first post hasn't been updated in a year. So, is eSATA still an unsupported feature? Would I be better off buying an HR20 with a 1Tb internal drive from Weaknees? (Where I get better support? :) )

[dminches]

Buy one of these (http://www.provantage.com/scripts/search.dll?QUERY=External+eSATA+Signal+Cable+7pin+ M+P950&SORT=1)

[Leftcoastdave]

This thread is 72 pages long, which is impossible for a new visitor to go through. The summary on the first post hasn't been updated in a year. So, is eSATA still an unsupported feature? Would I be better off buying an HR20 with a 1Tb internal drive from Weaknees? (Where I get better support? :) )

Not really. While the folks at Weaknees are terrific to deal with, their offer is not necessarily a good value these days. Upgrading the HR20 with an external sSATA drive is brain dead simple. I just did it myself whereas I previously depended upon Weaknees to upgrade my HR10-250's.

1. Go to your local retailer and buy the Seagate 750GB eSATA hard drive.

2. If available locally, pick up a six foot or three foot esata to esata cable, otherwise go online and acquire one.

3. When you have the parts, power up the Seagate drive, connect one end of the esata cable to the Seagate drive, and reboot the HR20 (using the menu/reset option).

4. When the HR20 front panel goes dark, connect the other half of the esata cable to the HR20 and wait for the reboot to complete.

5. After rebook, check the playlist and it will be empty.

6. You are good to go at this point. You just have to wait 24-36 hours for your program guide to repopulate.

7. Next you will have to re establish your favorites and recurring recording events

8. Lastly you must re activate IWANTMYVOD if you are at the right CE level.

From this point forward you can flip between your external hard drive and your internal hard drive just by connecting and disconnecting your esata cable during a reboot cycle.

[Rich]

This thread is 72 pages long, which is impossible for a new visitor to go through. The summary on the first post hasn't been updated in a year. So, is eSATA still an unsupported feature? Would I be better off buying an HR20 with a 1Tb internal drive from Weaknees? (Where I get better support? :) )

You might get better support, but you will be paying for it. You can get an FAP 750 for $199 in several places. How much is an internal 1TB going to cost you at Weaknees? Trust in the eSATA function, if they pulled it now after so many people have spent so much money on eSATA drives the uproar would be tremendous.

[mammut]

This may be a rehash of some already covered stuff but thought I would post my experience.

Just bought a Freeagent 750 from Costco yesterday and copied my internal drive over to it. I have an owned HR20-700 and figured it would be easier than setting up all the season passes again.

It worked perfectly for me. Total time including copying was about 4 hours.

Few items in addition to what people have already posted regarding copying:

I used the gparted live cd. It included fdisk as well as some other useful tools.

If checking the new drive size with fdisk make sure to use the -u switch like fdisk -u /dev/sda. This switch displays the sectors rather than cylinders.

Make sure to have your source and target drives set up on different IDE channels when you dd the drive over.

To expand partition 3 in fdisk, you actually have to delete the partition first and then recreate it using the values you wrote down.

The HR20-700 case is pretty easy to open. As easy as a tivo really other than some extra force to take the top off.

No need to remove the drive or try to string power over to the internal drive. I used a long sata cable and ran the drive off the HR20 power.

[rsblaski]

This may be a rehash of some already covered stuff but thought I would post my experience.

Just bought a Freeagent 750 from Costco yesterday and copied my internal drive over to it. I have an owned HR20-700 and figured it would be easier than setting up all the season passes again.

It worked perfectly for me. Total time including copying was about 4 hours.

Few items in addition to what people have already posted regarding copying:

I used the gparted live cd. It included fdisk as well as some other useful tools.

If checking the new drive size with fdisk make sure to use the -u switch like fdisk -u /dev/sda. This switch displays the sectors rather than cylinders.

Make sure to have your source and target drives set up on different IDE channels when you dd the drive over.

To expand partition 3 in fdisk, you actually have to delete the partition first and then recreate it using the values you wrote down.

The HR20-700 case is pretty easy to open. As easy as a tivo really other than some extra force to take the top off.

No need to remove the drive or try to string power over to the internal drive. I used a long sata cable and ran the drive off the HR20 power.

Now my head hurts!
lol

Rick

btw, we're going to the big city tomorrow (Las Vegas), and will be stopping at Costco. Is the FAP still at $225 or is it on sale again? Thanks.

[rkirkpat]

btw, we're going to the big city tomorrow (Las Vegas), and will be stopping at Costco. Is the FAP still at $225 or is it on sale again? Thanks.


I was in my local Costco over the weekend and the FreeAgent 750GB external eSATA drive was priced at $199. That's about the lowest I've seen it so far.

I'm in Phoenix, and the Costco I was in was the one at Chris Town.

Robert

[mammut]

btw, we're going to the big city tomorrow (Las Vegas), and will be stopping at Costco. Is the FAP still at $225 or is it on sale again? Thanks.

I paid $199 in Seattle as well...

[TomF]

I just wanted to share my experience with eSATA.

This week BB has the Western Digital MyBook Home Edition 500GB on sale, so I bought one. This has USB 2.0, FireWire, and eSATA interfaces, model #WDH1CS5000N. The only cable I could find locally was the Link Depot e-SATA to e-SATA cable at Fry's.

First try didn't work, the HR20 kept rebooting after the "Just a few more seconds ..." message. As others have stated, the plugs didn't seem to fit tightly and actually came out of the HR20. I tried trimming the cable cover back to expose more of the plug and tried again, but got the same result.

Unfortunately, I don't know if it's the plug, the drive or the HR20. I'm going to Costco and see if I can get the Seagate FAP 750, but I'm going out of town next week, so I won't be able to get the SIIG cable from NewEgg before I leave. That seems to be the proven combo so I'll see if that works when I get back.

[Lord Vader]

To those who have the Seagate FAP 750GB drive, does the thing remain on permanently in the event of a power loss or inadvertent unplugging? I ask because one of my external hard drives I use with my laptop is a Seagate, but I have to manually power it on every time I turn my laptop on. The drive doesn't power up automatically. I'm hoping the FAP stays on all the time, or at least powers up once power is restored.

[TomF]

I also have a question about the Seagate FAP drives: Is that yellow stripe running down the front lit? What about the Seagate logo on the side?

I sure hope not!

[dminches]

They light up but can be turned off via the utilities pre-installed on the HD. You need to do this before hooking it up to your HR20.

[Richard L Bray]

Bought and installed a Cavalry CAXM series 750gig eSATA. Worked fine for a couple days and then my HR20-100 froze up (had to reboot with the red button) several times in two days. Turned off the Cavalry and rebooted for internal.

I'm assuming that something about the eSATA is causing the freezes because I've never had them before/after. I've done searches on this long thread and can't really find anything.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

[elixir26]

Bought and installed a Cavalry CAXM series 750gig eSATA. Worked fine for a couple days and then my HR20-100 froze up (had to reboot with the red button) several times in two days. Turned off the Cavalry and rebooted for internal.

I'm assuming that something about the eSATA is causing the freezes because I've never had them before/after. I've done searches on this long thread and can't really find anything.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Ok, this is what`I would do. (I'm sure there are other ideas out there)

1 Return the drive and get a replacement. If the situation continues with the new drive, ask D* for a replacement HR20.

2 Hook up your existing e-SATA to a computer and wipe the drive clean. Then reinstall to the HR20 and let it reformat again. You have to look at this as a test and know you may loose recordings.

Good Luck

[jangell2]

1 Return the drive and get a replacement. If the situation continues with the new drive, ask D* for a replacement HR20.Has anyone had any experience with asking for a new HR20 and giving as a reason, eSata problems?

[jangell2]

This is such a huge thread. Is there a post that outlines the steps to hooking up a FAP for the first time?

[elixir26]

There are threads all over the place. Just get the correct cord unless you want to cut up the end with a steak knife. Plug everything in. Turn on the FAP and then reboot the HR20 with the reset option or unplug and replug the power cord. You'll be good to go.

[raven56706]

Did anyone see Western Digital is coming out with an Esata version of the My book. The highest they will have is 1TB.

[TomF]

Did anyone see Western Digital is coming out with an Esata version of the My book. The highest they will have is 1TB.
See my post #1803 (http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=1164978&postcount=1803) about nine posts above.

[raven56706]

See my post #1803 (http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=1164978&postcount=1803) about nine posts above.



so basically it isnt a good choice

[jangell2]

There are threads all over the place. Just get the correct cord unless you want to cut up the end with a steak knife. Plug everything in. Turn on the FAP and then reboot the HR20 with the reset option or unplug and replug the power cord. You'll be good to go.So I should leave the HR20 powered on when I plug in and turn on the FAP and then unplug the HR20 power and plug back in?

Or should I have the HR20 unplugged before doing anything with the FAP?

[jangell2]

Well, dummy (me that is), read the first post:

When you connected an eSATA drive, you need to do so when the unit is powered off (UNPLUGGED). When starting up, the HR20 will detect the eSATA drive, format as necessary, and then use that drive only. Edited from original post
So, shut down and unplug the HR20. Plug in the FAP and plug into the HR20. Power on the FAP, and finally, plug in the HR20 and power it up.

That's how I read it.

[raven56706]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816221001

is this a good esata external drive.... dont worry about the price because i can get it for cheap

[elixir26]

Well, dummy (me that is), read the first post:


So, shut down and unplug the HR20. Plug in the FAP and plug into the HR20. Power on the FAP, and finally, plug in the HR20 and power it up.

That's how I read it.

I've done it that way. The last two I've done I have not unplugged the HR20. I just rebooted it from the menu. Call me old fashion but I'd rather not pull the plug on a puter like device unless I have to. So pick your poison and wait for the red light to tell you its formatting (I had a heart attack the first time).

[TomF]

so basically it isnt a good choice
Not what I said. It's only one of three variables, none of which I've been able to change yet. It could also be the cable (as reported by others) or the HR-20 (also reported by others).

[elixir26]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816221001

is this a good esata external drive.... dont worry about the price because i can get it for cheap

It's limited as far as I can tell to 1 tb. I can do 1 tb without using a RAID enclosure. If I'm going to go with a RAID I want at least 1.5 tb (2x750gb)

I don't see any reason why it won't work though.

[raven56706]

It's limited as far as I can tell to 1 tb. I can do 1 tb without using a RAID enclosure. If I'm going to go with a RAID I want at least 1.5 tb (2x750gb)

I don't see any reason why it won't work though.

i am really new to this if it has a raid enclosure, does it affect the amount the HR20 can record or is there other reasons?

[jangell2]

I've done it that way. The last two I've done I have not unplugged the HR20. I just rebooted it from the menu. Call me old fashion but I'd rather not pull the plug on a puter like device unless I have to. So pick your poison and wait for the red light to tell you its formatting (I had a heart attack the first time).Red light on the FAP or the HR20? I know things like season passes have to be re-entered, but what about the initial setup stuff that you go thru when first setting up the HR20 which the tech has already done? Will I have to redo that too?

[elixir26]

i am really new to this if it has a raid enclosure, does it affect the amount the HR20 can record or is there other reasons?

What affects how much the HR20 can record and store is the total capacity of the hard drive. I'll skip the internal stuff since you already know you want a eSATA.

Single disk SATA drives are limited to 1tb at this point with the use of an eSATA enclosure. To get more capacity you need to combine more than 1 SATA drive together in a RAID enclosure. Many I've seen (including mine) are limited to 2 750gb SATA drives. Thus I have 1.5 tb capacity and that is enough space for my needs.

Hope that helps. Don't give up on the search. Many posts can explain this topic better than I.

[elixir26]

Red light on the FAP or the HR20? I know things like season passes have to be re-entered, but what about the initial setup stuff that you go thru when first setting up the HR20 which the tech has already done? Will I have to redo that too?

Red light on the HR20.
No the sat info will stay put. You just redo the SL's. It will take a couple days for ALL of the guide info to re download so be patient.

[Dusty]

I've done it that way. The last two I've done I have not unplugged the HR20. I just rebooted it from the menu. Call me old fashion but I'd rather not pull the plug on a puter like device unless I have to. So pick your poison and wait for the red light to tell you its formatting (I had a heart attack the first time).

So the sequence is:

1. Connect the HDD to HR20 through eSATA cable.
2. Power on the HDD.
3. Go to Set Up Menu to restart the HR20.

Does this sound right?

I just bought FreeAgent Pro two weeks ago. My eSATA cables are in shipping. I'd rather not to unlpug the HR20 if I don't have to.

[elixir26]

So the sequence is:

1. Connect the HDD to HR20 through eSATA cable.
2. Power on the HDD.
3. Go to Set Up Menu to restart the HR20.

Does this sound right?

I just bought FreeAgent Pro two weeks ago. My eSATA cables are in shipping. I'd rather not to unlpug the HR20 if I don't have to.

BINGO It's worked for me twice.

[jangell2]

I've done it that way. The last two I've done I have not unplugged the HR20. I just rebooted it from the menu. Call me old fashion but I'd rather not pull the plug on a puter like device unless I have to. So pick your poison and wait for the red light to tell you its formatting (I had a heart attack the first time).I hate to keep bugging you, but what is your exact sequence? I reads to me like you 1) have your HR20 running; 2) power up the FAP; 3) Plug in the FAP to the HR20; and 4) Reboot HR20 via menu. Or do you reverse 2 & 3?

[Guttboy]

Hi Everyone,

Unfortunately the Best Buy website is down for maintenance now but I just purchased the Western Digital 1 Terabyte HDD (SATA) and an Antec MX-1 enclosure.

The setup was extremely simple...simply unpack both packages...slap the HDD in the Antec case...use the enclosed eSATA cable and hook up to the HR20-700 following the steps illustrated earlier in the thread. Here is what I did....

1. Once assembled turn off the HR20-700 via the remote then unplug the HR20-700
2. Connect the eSATA cable to the Antec Case and then the HR20-700
3. Apply power to the Antec case (I waited all of 20 seconds before step 4)
4. Apply power to the HR20-700
5. Checked my "List" on the HR20-700 and it was blank (I had a few programs on the internal drive...this was to check if the HR was using the eSATA drive)
6. Started recording EVERYTHING in HD I could get my hands on.
7. Cross checked with my other HR20-700.
8. After a few hours of both HR's recording....97% on the HR with the 1 Terabyte HDD and 75% remaining on the NON eSATA HR!

The drive is working flawlessly so far.....I have scheduled tons of recordings in HD from the various movie channels and the new HD channels.

The Western Digital 1 TB drive was $259 at BB and the case was $49.99 IRRC.

I love the Antec case.....it came with an eSATA cable and some other things for computers but the eSATA cable works just fine (no trimming or other mods) and plugs right into the HR20-700. The case also has a fan built in for cooling and runs very quietly (in my opinion). The case is black with a blue led on the front to match the HR20-700's lights!

Overall I am very pleased with the setup and couldnt have been easier to setup and get running....10 minutes from unpacking to recording! Not bad if you ask me!

Regards,

:D

[Guttboy]

Here is a list of the parts from Newegg...again BB has both things on sale now...one store was out of the HDD but the other nearby had it.....

Antec MX-1 case link
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371008&Tpk=antec%2bmx-1

Western Digital SATA 1 Terabyte drive link
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136151

Again the HDD was on sale for $259.99 and the Antec MX-1 was $49.99....BB site is still down for maintenance but the "View Circular" page shows the items and prices!

[TomF]

I just wanted to share my experience with eSATA.

This week BB has the Western Digital MyBook Home Edition 500GB on sale, so I bought one. This has USB 2.0, FireWire, and eSATA interfaces, model #WDH1CS5000N. The only cable I could find locally was the Link Depot e-SATA to e-SATA cable at Fry's.

First try didn't work, the HR20 kept rebooting after the "Just a few more seconds ..." message. As others have stated, the plugs didn't seem to fit tightly and actually came out of the HR20. I tried trimming the cable cover back to expose more of the plug and tried again, but got the same result.

Unfortunately, I don't know if it's the plug, the drive or the HR20. I'm going to Costco and see if I can get the Seagate FAP 750, but I'm going out of town next week, so I won't be able to get the SIIG cable from NewEgg before I leave. That seems to be the proven combo so I'll see if that works when I get back.

Update: Stopped by Costco this afternoon and picked up the Seagate FAP 750 for $199. Plugged it into the HR20 using the same Link Depot cable from Fry's and everything worked like a charm. Glad to see that it wasn't my HR20, so it appears that it was the Western Digital MyBook 500GB. Guess I'll be taking that back to Best Buy.

I used the included utility to turn off the gaudy orange light stripes on the drive, but it apparently the setting isn't retained in flash memory. I unplugged the AC power to move the FAP to the AV rack and the lights were back on after I plugged in the AC power again. Seems like the trick is to turn off the lights with a laptop while the FAP is plugged in where it's going to stay, then unpllug the USB cable and plug in the eSATA cable.

I've got it set to record all night long, so I'll check it tomorrow morning.

[TomF]

I love the Antec case.....it came with an eSATA cable and some other things for computers but the eSATA cable works just fine (no trimming or other mods) and plugs right into the HR20-700. The case also has a fan built in for cooling and runs very quietly (in my opinion). The case is black with a blue led on the front to match the HR20-700's lights!
Can the Antec case be used vertically? I have plenty of room for vertical enclosures like on the WD MyBook and the Seagate FAPs, but don't have any room for a horizontal case.

[elixir26]

I hate to keep bugging you, but what is your exact sequence? I reads to me like you 1) have your HR20 running; 2) power up the FAP; 3) Plug in the FAP to the HR20; and 4) Reboot HR20 via menu. Or do you reverse 2 & 3?

I plug in all the cords before I power on the FAP, then reboot the HR20 from the menu.

[anubys]

I hate to keep bugging you, but what is your exact sequence? I reads to me like you 1) have your HR20 running; 2) power up the FAP; 3) Plug in the FAP to the HR20; and 4) Reboot HR20 via menu. Or do you reverse 2 & 3?

this might work (some people have reported that it worked for them)...but the safest way to be SURE is to unplug the HR20 first...

so unplug the HR20
connect your HDDs into your enclosure
connect the cable to the enclosure
power up the enclosure (and wait for the "OK" that everything is fine)
connect the cable to the HR20
plug the HR20

the HR20 will see the new drive, format it, and off you go!

[raven56706]

What affects how much the HR20 can record and store is the total capacity of the hard drive. I'll skip the internal stuff since you already know you want a eSATA.

Single disk SATA drives are limited to 1tb at this point with the use of an eSATA enclosure. To get more capacity you need to combine more than 1 SATA drive together in a RAID enclosure. Many I've seen (including mine) are limited to 2 750gb SATA drives. Thus I have 1.5 tb capacity and that is enough space for my needs.

Hope that helps. Don't give up on the search. Many posts can explain this topic better than I.

i mean for me it doesnt matter... i just want more then 750gbs... so i saw the drive i mentioned in my earlier post but i cant get that for under 300...i mean i dont want to build it myself because i am afraid i might break something

[macmikey]

Just bought a FAP from Ebay, 750 GB, 215.00. My new HD DVR will be here Sunday and drive sometime next week. Will post my experiences as well after I try it out.
Mike

[Lord Vader]

Just wanted to double-check something...

The software version that's loaded onto the eSATA drive is the latest downloaded, including a CE download, correct? So if I'm on the latest CE of 0x19e--or whatever comes this weekend--this version will be the one formatted onto my external drive, right?

[brick33308]

I just got the HR20 installed today. While the workers are bringing in wire and a HR20 to another room, I went ahead and attached my new Cavalry 750. First I powered down the HR20, connected the eSATA cable, plugged in power cord to the Cavalry, turned on power to the Cavalry, and then powered up the HR20. Next, I went into setup and selected restart on the HR20. HR20 restarted and, after acquiring signal, the direcTV welcome screen came up. I'm still waiting for the installers to finish so they can activate both of the HR20's.

My question: Since the HR20 is brand new, how can I tell if it's actually working with the new Cavalry?

[Rich]

Bought and installed a Cavalry CAXM series 750gig eSATA. Worked fine for a couple days and then my HR20-100 froze up (had to reboot with the red button) several times in two days. Turned off the Cavalry and rebooted for internal.

I'm assuming that something about the eSATA is causing the freezes because I've never had them before/after. I've done searches on this long thread and can't really find anything.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

I had eight Cavalry eSATAs and took them all back. Buy the Seagate FAP 750 at Costco. Works like a charm. Those Cavalrys were noisy. The Seagate is silent. The only problem I have had somewhat like yours was with an FAP hooked up to an HR20 100. Never had a problem with a 700. Not to be cruel, but I think the Cavalrys are junk.

[NiteOwl]

OK - I am getting no love with a specific thread about this issue, so I will try here too...

I just had 2 HR20s installed last Friday. Set up each with FAP 750s. I was able to record and playback on both with no problems for a couple days.

While trying to watch a recorded show on my basement unit (HR20-100) last night, the picture froze, and then everything went black. I rebooted, and it got stuck on Step 1. I unplugged it and tried again, no luck. Tried with the red button as well, no different.

I unplugged the eSata and it rebooted and I could watch again. I then tried to reconnect the eSata and reboot, but its still getting stuck????

Any ideas???

D* is coming out on Saturday to fix my single tuner recording issue on my upstairs unit, doubt it would be a good reaction if I told him my basement HR20 isnt working with my "unsupported" external harddrive...

[brick33308]

I just got the HR20 installed today. While the workers are bringing in wire and a HR20 to another room, I went ahead and attached my new Cavalry 750. First I powered down the HR20, connected the eSATA cable, plugged in power cord to the Cavalry, turned on power to the Cavalry, and then powered up the HR20. Next, I went into setup and selected restart on the HR20. HR20 restarted and, after acquiring signal, the direcTV welcome screen came up. I'm still waiting for the installers to finish so they can activate both of the HR20's.

My question: Since the HR20 is brand new, how can I tell if it's actually working with the new Cavalry?

UPDATE: my service was activated and the HR20 seems to be working fine with the Cavalry attached. But I still don't know how to tell if the HR20 is working with the Cavalry or not. When I push List it shows I have no scheduled recordings (which is correct - I haven't done any yet). Can someone tell me how to know if the Cavarly is married up and working with the HR20?

[dminches]

UPDATE: my service was activated and the HR20 seems to be working fine with the Cavalry attached. But I still don't know how to tell if the HR20 is working with the Cavalry or not. When I push List it shows I have no scheduled recordings (which is correct - I haven't done any yet). Can someone tell me how to know if the Cavarly is married up and working with the HR20?

Unhook the Cavalry, restart the HR20, record something, restart the HR20 again, this time with the Cavalry hooked up. You should see nothing on your List is the drive is being recognized.

[brick33308]

Thanks dminches.

Is there anything I can look at that tells the recording capacity of the HR20? If not, I'll go with your suggestion.

[dminches]

No.

[Leftcoastdave]

OK - I am getting no love with a specific thread about this issue, so I will try here too...

I just had 2 HR20s installed last Friday. Set up each with FAP 750s. I was able to record and playback on both with no problems for a couple days.

While trying to watch a recorded show on my basement unit (HR20-100) last night, the picture froze, and then everything went black. I rebooted, and it got stuck on Step 1. I unplugged it and tried again, no luck. Tried with the red button as well, no different.

I unplugged the eSata and it rebooted and I could watch again. I then tried to reconnect the eSata and reboot, but its still getting stuck????

Any ideas???

D* is coming out on Saturday to fix my single tuner recording issue on my upstairs unit, doubt it would be a good reaction if I told him my basement HR20 isnt working with my "unsupported" external harddrive...

Your stuck eSATA drive behavior looks very much like a failed hard drive. These are exactly the symptoms I encountered with my failed Cavalry 750GB HDD. I replaced it with a Seagate FAP 750 eSATA and have been running error free for more than 100 hours since.

Since you are fortunate enough to have two HR20's, each with its own Seagate FAP 750, why not switch the hard drives and reboot both HR20's? If the stuck hard drive problem moves to the other HR20, you probably have your answer.

You could do the same thing with the eSATA cables, but most likely the problem is the hard drive not the cable because both units worked okay for a couple of days.

[brick33308]

Thanks dminches.

Is there anything I can look at that tells the recording capacity of the HR20? If not, I'll go with your suggestion.

UPDATE: I followed dminches suggestion, the result of which is that the HR20 is recognizing the Cavalry!!!

This was so frickin easy I can't believe it. I've now got 750mb of storage just by plugging in the new Cavalry. And unlike someone else's experience, mine is silent, so I'm a happy camper!

[Guttboy]

TomF,

The antec comes with a base to allow for vertical mounting. I personally have it laying flat because it looks better!

[Rich]

Your stuck eSATA drive behavior looks very much like a failed hard drive. These are exactly the symptoms I encountered with my failed Cavalry 750GB HDD. I replaced it with a Seagate FAP 750 eSATA and have been running error free for more than 100 hours since.

Since you are fortunate enough to have two HR20's, each with its own Seagate FAP 750, why not switch the hard drives and reboot both HR20's? If the stuck hard drive problem moves to the other HR20, you probably have your answer.

You could do the same thing with the eSATA cables, but most likely the problem is the hard drive not the cable because both units worked okay for a couple of days.

I don't trust the 100s. My son has one in his room and has no problems with it, but he doesn't watch TV that much. The 100 I had, I hooked up to an eSATA and they both went down and stayed down. Have had 4 100s and my son's is the only one left. 1 in four. Same ratio as the 700s but I have to admit feeling more comfy with the 700s.

[TomF]

TomF,

The antec comes with a base to allow for vertical mounting. I personally have it laying flat because it looks better!
Thanks! I actually went by BB earlier today, saw the picture of the vertical mounting on the side of the box and purchased both the Antec MX-1 and the WD 1TB drive, both on sale.

Afterwards, I checked out the specs on the drive and it is WD's "eco-friendly" drive. The description on their website states: "Reduced power consumption - By adjusting the rotational speed, using bigger data buffers, parking the drive's head, and optimizing how the drive seeks and caches data we have reduced the power consumption by up to 38 percent."

This has me wondering if it is suitable for a DVR. I sent an e-mail off to WD support asking them if this is suitable for DVR use, but I haven't received a reply yet. Unfortunately, this is their only 1GB drive.

[Lord Vader]

Thanks! I actually went by BB earlier today, saw the picture of the vertical mounting on the side of the box and purchased both the Antec MX-1 and the WD 1GB drive, both on sale.

Afterwards, I checked out the specs on the drive and it is WD's "eco-friendly" drive. The description on their website states: "Reduced power consumption - By adjusting the rotational speed, using bigger data buffers, parking the drive's head, and optimizing how the drive seeks and caches data we have reduced the power consumption by up to 38 percent."

This has me wondering if it is suitable for a DVR. I sent an e-mail off to WD support asking them if this is suitable for DVR use, but I haven't received a reply yet. Unfortunately, this is their only 1GB drive.

1GB drive? Wow! That's small!

[TomF]

1GB drive? Wow! That's small!
Gigabytes, terabytes, what's 1,000 bytes among friends! Guess I'm just in the habit of writing GB for disk size, kind of like not remembering to use the new year in January!

[Guttboy]

Tom,

We shall see.....so far so good...I have been recording everything in HD that I can find since installation (pretty much recording for 24 hours now)...I have 12 movies on ther all in HD and I am at 96% available space now!!!!! I dont have to worry about missing a thing now!

The price was certainly right on the enclosure and HDD...I really like the Antec MX-1.

[Duffinator]

Tom,

We shall see.....so far so good...I have been recording everything in HD that I can find since installation (pretty much recording for 24 hours now)...I have 12 movies on ther all in HD and I am at 96% available space now!!!!! I dont have to worry about missing a thing now!

The price was certainly right on the enclosure and HDD...I really like the Antec MX-1.So the HR20 shows space available with any size eSATA drive? Cool!

[Guttboy]

Sure does....now I wish it showed how many hours are left (that would be something huh?)...but I really wish it showed the actual space in bytes or kilobytes or megabytes etc remaining.

[Duffinator]

Sure does....now I wish it showed how many hours are left (that would be something huh?)...but I really wish it showed the actual space in bytes or kilobytes or megabytes etc remaining.Yes that would be something. Add that to the wish list. ;)

[elixir26]

i mean for me it doesnt matter... i just want more then 750gbs... so i saw the drive i mentioned in my earlier post but i cant get that for under 300...i mean i dont want to build it myself because i am afraid i might break something

If you can remove 8 screws slide a hard drive into a slot an install 8 screws you can do this. It is REALLY that simple. Take your time, read the directions, ask some questions if you need to and enjoy a cheaper quieter eSATA solution. Plus it's a kick to do something you haven't done before and have it work. Give it a shot, you can do it.

[jangell2]

I was wondering what would happen if I had my HR20-100 running with an FAP, and the HR20 was replaced. I've seen it mentioned earlier that the FAP becomes married to the HR20 it was attached to.

When it's attached to the replacement HR20, will the HR20 format the FAP so that it can be used on the new HR20 or...?

[Michael D'Angelo]

I was wondering what would happen if I had my HR20-100 running with an FAP, and the HR20 was replaced. I've seen it mentioned earlier that the FAP becomes married to the HR20 it was attached to.

When it's attached to the replacement HR20, will the HR20 format the FAP so that it can be used on the new HR20 or...?

Yes you can move it over to the replacement and it will work.

But your recordings will not work and you will have to re-setup all series links and things like that.

[jangell2]

Yes you can move it over to the replacement and it will work.

But your recordings will not work and you will have to re-setup all series links and things like that.By not working, do you mean the drive will be reformatted and the space available, or are they going to be sitting there taking up space? If the latter, will I be able to access them and delete them?

[Michael D'Angelo]

By not working, do you mean the drive will be reformatted and the space available, or are they going to be sitting there taking up space? If the latter, will I be able to access them and delete them?

You will see them but not be able to play them.

All you have to do is a reset everything or reformat and it will delete all of them. You may even be able to just delete them but not sure about that. So if anyone knows for sure please let us know.

[jeffshoaf]

By not working, do you mean the drive will be reformatted and the space available, or are they going to be sitting there taking up space? If the latter, will I be able to access them and delete them?

The recordings will be there, but they won't play - you get a message saying something like "Searching for authorized content..." You can delete them the same as you would delete any recording.

Season links and other scheduled recordings stay intact and will record w/o any action on your part.

[jangell2]

I forgot to ask, from the moment I power on the R20 (or do a menu restart) how long should it take for the new drive to be formatted and the HR20 up and ready?

[harsh]

I forgot to ask, from the moment I power on the R20 (or do a menu restart) how long should it take for the new drive to be formatted and the HR20 up and ready?eSATA is not a "hot swap". You're supposed to unplug the HR20.

Format time depends somewhat on the drive size and performance.

[jangell2]

Ok, that was too easy, what did I do wrong?:D I connected the FAP via esata cable, plugged in the FAP and let it run a couple of minutes, then did a menu reset. The program I previously recorded was gone (the list is empty) and I'm recording a program now and it says 99% available. Even a short recording in HD on the smaller drive would read less available, I would think.

[elixir26]

eSATA is not a "hot swap". You're supposed to unplug the HR20.

Format time depends somewhat on the drive size and performance.

I've used both the unplug and menu reset method successfully. I use menu reset exclusively at this point. I see no need to unplug the HR20 at all. Can you give me a reason I'm suppose to unplug it?

[Rich]

I've used both the unplug and menu reset method successfully. I use menu reset exclusively at this point. I see no need to unplug the HR20 at all. Can you give me a reason I'm suppose to unplug it?

Been my experience that any method that starts the eSATA before the HR20 will work. Even after a complete power loss, the eSATA becomes the active HD.

[Rich]

You will see them but not be able to play them.

All you have to do is a reset everything or reformat and it will delete all of them. You may even be able to just delete them but not sure about that. So if anyone knows for sure please let us know.

Something really has to be done about this. I have 4 eSATAs hooked up and if any HR20 goes down, I lose those recordings. I have programs backed up on TiVos and other HR20s so I won't lose the actual programs, but it would be nice to be able to play programs on an eSATA on any HR20.

Is there a rational reason for this situation? Can't be that hard to fix.

[venuslight]

Hi guys,

I apologize if this question has been asked before, I tried to look through the 75 pages of this thread, but couldn't find a concrete answer.

If I attach an esata drive and boot, format, etc, it becomes the main (only) HD for the HR20. If I power down, unplug the external drive, and boot back to the original (internal) drive, will all of my pre-existing recordings remain on the original HD?

Also, has there been a way discovered to transfer existing recordings to the external drives when initially connecting it? I doubt it.

Thanks a bunch for any help and/or insight...

[funhouse69]

Hi guys,

I apologize if this question has been asked before, I tried to look through the 75 pages of this thread, but couldn't find a concrete answer.

If I attach an esata drive and boot, format, etc, it becomes the main (only) HD for the HR20. If I power down, unplug the external drive, and boot back to the original (internal) drive, will all of my pre-existing recordings remain on the original HD?

Also, has there been a way discovered to transfer existing recordings to the external drives when initially connecting it? I doubt it.

Thanks a bunch for any help and/or insight...

You can switch between internal and external drives whenever you want without loosing content. There isn't a way yet (maybe in the future) to transfer recordings between drives at this point.

Some people here have drives that they fill up then add another one and switch between them. The only thing you can't do is move drives between different HR20's without reformatting. Actually you can but you can't play any content that was recorded on another HR20.

[jeffshoaf]

Hi guys,

I apologize if this question has been asked before, I tried to look through the 75 pages of this thread, but couldn't find a concrete answer.

If I attach an esata drive and boot, format, etc, it becomes the main (only) HD for the HR20. If I power down, unplug the external drive, and boot back to the original (internal) drive, will all of my pre-existing recordings remain on the original HD?

Also, has there been a way discovered to transfer existing recordings to the external drives when initially connecting it? I doubt it.

Thanks a bunch for any help and/or insight...

Recordings stay on whichever drive they were recorded on and stay there until deleted, regardless of how many times a drive is connected, disconnected, and re-connected. They will only play on the HR-20 on which they were recorded.

Nobody has reported a way to transfer recordings from one drive to another.

[venuslight]

That's what I thought.

Thanks a bunch for the quick replies.

[chris_h]

I am only up to page 32 of the thread, but I don't yet see anyone posting today about this. Best buy (both online and B&M) has the Seagate FAP 750GB on sale for $195. The 500 GB version is $135.

Fry's online (outpost) will not price match, but Fry's B&M will (with a hardcopy of the add).

[elixir26]

That's what I thought.

Thanks a bunch for the quick replies.

Check out this link http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=100894 It has been done and hence is possible. After the transfer install the new hd into a enclosure, plug it in and enjoy.

[Miamilaw]

I have just upgraded my system. I basically have the HD receiver in our bedroom, a hd dvr HR20, and in the family room an upgraded HR-20 with the Western Digital 1 Terabyte Hdd and the Antec MX -1 Enclosure recommended a few pages back. Easy install works so far great. It seems to be saying that I have about 110 hours of capacity. I also followed the instructions on connecting multiple tvs to the hr20 also works great. I can now send the video from the fam room hr20 to four other tvs in the house. Picture quality was pretty good also.

Question about the hr-20 receiver and remote control. Can the receiver be set to accept a rf signal and also the ir signal. I want to have the ability to control the hd dvr in the family room from the other rooms when we watch it in there. I have the remote that came with the machine available since we had another remote for the family room that controls everything. It came with a rf antenna to plug in the back. If so then I can use the remote in any other room. If not what other options do I have to control this from the other rooms.

Also what is the reason to network the 2 hr20s. I see lots of threads about how to network and also which program to use to send your music or videos to the HR-20. Other than music and videos what else do I get to do with it. Would they see the other HR-20s hard drive and access the recordings. I can go with the wireless router and hook into my home network. What else do I gain.

[jangell2]

I have noticed the FAP runs hot. Not so hot it hurts your hand, but I've never felt a HD this hot. Anyone else experiencing this? What will this do to the life of the drive?

When the HR20 is powered down and not recording anything, do the drives spin down and take a rest?

[funhouse69]

Question about the hr-20 receiver and remote control. Can the receiver be set to accept a rf signal and also the ir signal. I want to have the ability to control the hd dvr in the family room from the other rooms when we watch it in there. I have the remote that came with the machine available since we had another remote for the family room that controls everything. It came with a rf antenna to plug in the back. If so then I can use the remote in any other room. If not what other options do I have to control this from the other rooms. .

While this is a little off topic for this thread, you can only have one Remote Mode set at a time, I would also love to be able to use both IR and RF at the same time but that isn't the way that they are designed. I'm not sure if this is something that could be enabled through software but it seems like it could be. Maybe sometime down the road.

As for networking in the hopefully not so distant future you will be able to utilize both Video On Demand and The Remote Booking confirmation feature as well (but Remote Booking itself will not require a network connection from what I've read). VOD is being tested by some of us now and Remote Booking will be coming hopefully soon as well.

[harsh]

I've used both the unplug and menu reset method successfully. I use menu reset exclusively at this point. I see no need to unplug the HR20 at all. Can you give me a reason I'm suppose to unplug it?Check the first message in this thread; step three.

[fochs13]

I have an 750 gb external seagate drive that started making a strange noise recently. It is almost like a high pitched squeeling / buzzing noise. I'm wondering if the fan is starting to go out and if I should return it for another one. The first 3 weeks I had it, it was fine. It started making this noise about a week ago. The strange thing is when I tilt it at a 45 degree angle, the noise goes away. Anyone else experience this?

[elixir26]

Check the first message in this thread; step three.

I see step 3 that was written 11 months ago. I can't help but wonder if the menu reset method is not at least AS safe as the unplug method. I know it's a lot more convenient. For the folks that still have programming on their internal drives that they want to watch and save, simply turning off the eSATA drive and rebooting makes switching back and forth much easier.

Any thoughts on this Earl?

Thanks

[P Smith]

Safe to use menu - then Linux will know what you want ( shutdown system, ie flush cache, etc );
in case pulling plug you will force restart Linux with a status 'after crash'.

[elixir26]

Safe to use menu - then Linux will know what you want ( shutdown system, ie flush cache, etc );
in case pulling plug you will force restart Linux with a status 'after crash'.

Thanks for the quick clarification.

Cheers

[Rich]

That's what I thought.

Thanks a bunch for the quick replies.

With all due respect: Does anybody read Consumer Reports? Why would you purchase anything from BB, CC or Fry's? I can understand it if you can't get an item anywhere else, but that happens only rarely if at all. CC gives you a 14 day return policy, BB is 30 days, don't know how long Fry's is. Walmart has a 90 day return policy. If you can get the same item at each retailer, why wouldn't you buy it from the one with the longest return policy? This is simple logic.

[Michael D'Angelo]

With all due respect: Does anybody read Consumer Reports? Why would you purchase anything from BB, CC or Fry's? I can understand it if you can't get an item anywhere else, but that happens only rarely if at all. CC gives you a 14 day return policy, BB is 30 days, don't know how long Fry's is. Walmart has a 90 day return policy. If you can get the same item at each retailer, why wouldn't you buy it from the one with the longest return policy? This is simple logic.

Some times it is all about price. I just bought a raid enclosure from Fry's that was on sale for $99. Newegg.com sells it for $229. Normally I buy everything like that from Newegg.com because I have never had a problem with them and their customer service is great. But I just saved $130.

[Rich]

Some times it is all about price. I just bought a raid enclosure from Fry's that was on sale for $99. Newegg.com sells it for $229. Normally I buy everything like that from Newegg.com because I have never had a problem with them and their customer service is great. But I just saved $130.

I can understand that and agree with you in this instance. What I had in mind was other items. I am going to send you a PM and explain.

[elixir26]

I can understand that and agree with you in this instance. What I had in mind was other items. I am going to send you a PM and explain.

Would you cc me on that as well please?

[P Smith]

Fry's have 30 days return policies.

[chris_h]

OT: I hereby grant myself the "I read the whole darn thread" award. :)

[anubys]

OT: I hereby grant myself the "I read the whole darn thread" award. :)

pop quiz time! :D

[elixir26]

OT: I hereby grant myself the "I read the whole darn thread" award. :)

Now I know who to direct my questions to....:eek2:

[macmikey]

Just bought a FAP from Ebay, 750 GB, 215.00. My new HD DVR will be here Sunday and drive sometime next week. Will post my experiences as well after I try it out.
Mike

update...
I got my FAP 750 and cable today. Hooked them up, turned on drive, waited, plugged in HR20, waited turned on tv and HR20, waited.
It acted like it was a new unit, acquiring data from satellites and all. Guide was nearly empty when it came up and my to-do's, 2 of them. were gone.

What I want to see is how much drive is left. How do I see remaining storage? How do I test the drive?

Looks cool though.

[lucky13]

update...
I got my FAP 750 and cable today. Hooked them up, turned on drive, waited, plugged in HR20, waited turned on tv and HR20, waited.
It acted like it was a new unit, acquiring data from satellites and all. Guide was nearly empty when it came up and my to-do's, 2 of them. were gone.

What I want to see is how much drive is left. How do I see remaining storage? How do I test the drive?

Looks cool though.

Test the drive by recording something, and scheduling more recordings.
The playlist list will show % available.

If you're adventurous, when you're back on "live" TV (make sure you're out of the buffer by changing channels), unplug the ESATA cable (I prefer to unplug from the drive end), and do a menu restart. You should see your internal drive settings when the HR20 starts up. Then plug the ESATA cable back in, and Menu Restart. Your external drive recordings should be back.

[macmikey]

Test the drive by recording something, and scheduling more recordings.
The playlist list will show % available.

If you're adventurous, when you're back on "live" TV (make sure you're out of the buffer by changing channels), unplug the ESATA cable (I prefer to unplug from the drive end), and do a menu restart. You should see your internal drive settings when the HR20 starts up. Then plug the ESATA cable back in, and Menu Restart. Your external drive recordings should be back.

Thanks, will do!!

[Lord Vader]

Hi Everyone,

Unfortunately the Best Buy website is down for maintenance now but I just purchased the Western Digital 1 Terabyte HDD (SATA) and an Antec MX-1 enclosure.

The setup was extremely simple...simply unpack both packages...slap the HDD in the Antec case...use the enclosed eSATA cable and hook up to the HR20-700 following the steps illustrated earlier in the thread. Here is what I did....

1. Once assembled turn off the HR20-700 via the remote then unplug the HR20-700
2. Connect the eSATA cable to the Antec Case and then the HR20-700
3. Apply power to the Antec case (I waited all of 20 seconds before step 4)
4. Apply power to the HR20-700
5. Checked my "List" on the HR20-700 and it was blank (I had a few programs on the internal drive...this was to check if the HR was using the eSATA drive)
6. Started recording EVERYTHING in HD I could get my hands on.
7. Cross checked with my other HR20-700.
8. After a few hours of both HR's recording....97% on the HR with the 1 Terabyte HDD and 75% remaining on the NON eSATA HR!

The drive is working flawlessly so far.....I have scheduled tons of recordings in HD from the various movie channels and the new HD channels.

The Western Digital 1 TB drive was $259 at BB and the case was $49.99 IRRC.

I love the Antec case.....it came with an eSATA cable and some other things for computers but the eSATA cable works just fine (no trimming or other mods) and plugs right into the HR20-700. The case also has a fan built in for cooling and runs very quietly (in my opinion). The case is black with a blue led on the front to match the HR20-700's lights!

Overall I am very pleased with the setup and couldnt have been easier to setup and get running....10 minutes from unpacking to recording! Not bad if you ask me!

Regards,

:D

Guttboy,

I got my 1TB drive and Antec enclosure today, put the drive and enclosure together, and am ready to roll. However, one question: I've still got some recordings I wish to watch on my current drive, so if I connect the new eSata drive, about how long will it take to format and be ready to program, and if I switch back to the internal drive to watch some recorded shows, how long does it take to go back to that one?

I assume the original drive, being already formatted, won't take much time to be recognized and used when I switch back and forth. Am I correct?

[Rich]

Guttboy,

I got my 1TB drive and Antec enclosure today, put the drive and enclosure together, and am ready to roll. However, one question: I've still got some recordings I wish to watch on my current drive, so if I connect the new eSata drive, about how long will it take to format and be ready to program, and if I switch back to the internal drive to watch some recorded shows, how long does it take to go back to that one?

I assume the original drive, being already formatted, won't take much time to be recognized and used when I switch back and forth. Am I correct?

The time it takes to reboot.

[schuang]

Guttboy,

I got my 1TB drive and Antec enclosure today, put the drive and enclosure together, and am ready to roll. However, one question: I've still got some recordings I wish to watch on my current drive, so if I connect the new eSata drive, about how long will it take to format and be ready to program, and if I switch back to the internal drive to watch some recorded shows, how long does it take to go back to that one?

I assume the original drive, being already formatted, won't take much time to be recognized and used when I switch back and forth. Am I correct?

I upgraded my service today and got both of my H20's installed. Thank you to everyone here for helping me prepair. After I found out that the H20's could be upgraded with an eSATA hard drive, I went ahead and bought 2 Hitachi 1TB drives and 2 nice and simple AiZO eSATA/USB2 enclosures.

I put both drives together. After the technician installed and activated the H20, i went ahead and attached the 1TB drives and reset both DVR's. After a few minutes everything was up and running beautifully.

For those who may wonder if their drives are really being used or not, the easiset way is too look at the activity light on your hard drive enclosure (assuming the one you have, has one that is). Prior to reseting the H20 the activity light on the drive was solid, and I didn't get any drive noise (spin up and down etc.). After resetting the H20, you should notice the drive being accessed by the H20, and durring normal operation, the drive activily lights should continually flash. Also you should get the normal hard drive noises as well.

Anyhow thanks again! That was the easist DVR upgrade I have done yet (Had SD DTivo's prior).

[SubSolar]

Has anyone used the MicroNet SR4 SR42000E or Cavalry CADA002SA4 2 terabyte external drives successfully yet? Newegg has them for $699.99 and $676.99 respectively. This is the cheapest way to get 2 terabytes, correct? I built a 1 terabyte RAID system with two 500 giggers last year but now it seems it's cheaper to buy it already built. I'm constantly having to delete shows now and I'm afraid when CNBC and Fox Business Channel come out in HD I'm going to be screwed!

[Guttboy]

Guttboy,

I got my 1TB drive and Antec enclosure today, put the drive and enclosure together, and am ready to roll. However, one question: I've still got some recordings I wish to watch on my current drive, so if I connect the new eSata drive, about how long will it take to format and be ready to program, and if I switch back to the internal drive to watch some recorded shows, how long does it take to go back to that one?

I assume the original drive, being already formatted, won't take much time to be recognized and used when I switch back and forth. Am I correct?

Sorry for the delay in posting but have been "netless" so to speak for a couple of days.

Lord Vader It shouldnt take ANY time...just reboot time it is very quick.

[Lord Vader]

Cool. BTW, because access to my HR20-700's back side isn't exactly easy, I was also wondering if I switch back to that unit's internal drive, can I just turn the switch on the eSata drive to off, then reboot, watch the HR20-700's drive, and when done go back to the eSata?

[Guttboy]

Not really sure on that one Lord Vader...I havent tried it....I dont think it would be an issue though.....anyone else know?

[jconinc]

Have a question about the Free Agent Pro.

I decided to start up the FAP on my computer to see what software came with it before hooking it up to the HR20. There are options in the software to set drive "sleep" times - how long before the drive goes to sleep if no activity. The default was set for 15 minutes.

Does it make any difference what these settings are once you connect the drive to the HR20?

Thanks.

[P Smith]

Cool. BTW, because access to my HR20-700's back side isn't exactly easy, I was also wondering if I switch back to that unit's internal drive, can I just turn the switch on the eSata drive to off, then reboot, watch the HR20-700's drive, and when done go back to the eSata?

Search around - we discussed safe way to do that; using RBR.

[Cyrus]

Cool. BTW, because access to my HR20-700's back side isn't exactly easy, I was also wondering if I switch back to that unit's internal drive, can I just turn the switch on the eSata drive to off, then reboot, watch the HR20-700's drive, and when done go back to the eSata?

That's what I always do, except I reboot HR20 first and then turn the drive off to make sure HR20 is not accessing the hard disk. I never ever mess around with the esata cable. When wanting to go to the internal drive I just do a menu reset on HR20 and when the lights go out on the HR20 front panel (which means it has started to reboot) I switch the power off on the eSATA drive.

[Lord Vader]

You know, I got to wondering...if one has an eSata connected and powered on and reboots the unit, does the receiver by default boot up on its internal drive? I was kinda curious if it did this or defaults to the external drive that it recognizes on reboot? Considering there would then be two drives connected and operational, I was wondering which it boots from.

[empire_of_one]

i've had a lot of trouble getting the seagate 750gb drive to work with my HR20, but i seem to have finally found one that works. third time's a charm, maybe?

1st seagate didn't work straight out of the box. wouldn't even connect to my computer via USB, so i exchanged it for a new one.

2nd one gave me a bunch of problems the first few days, seeming to lose the connection and causing the HR20 to reboot periodically and bring up the internal HDD. it seemed to all get ironed out after i shaved down the cable but then after a couple weeks, recordings would freeze up any time i tried to play them back and lock up the unit.

i've had this, my 3rd one, for a few weeks now, and so far i haven't had a single problem. i've recorded a lot more to this one than i ever had on the previous one, and so far everything has played back with no reboots, freezes, lockups, or any problem. it's unfortunate i had to go through so much trouble to finally get a drive that worked, but i'm glad i have it now especially with all the new HD channels and new fall tv shows starting up.

[elixir26]

You know, I got to wondering...if one has an eSata connected and powered on and reboots the unit, does the receiver by default boot up on its internal drive? I was kinda curious if it did this or defaults to the external drive that it recognizes on reboot? Considering there would then be two drives connected and operational, I was wondering which it boots from.

If the eSATA is on and connected it will boot to the eSATA. For example after a power failure it boots back to the eSATA as long as the eSATA powered up when the power comes back on. When I switch back to the internal drive I simply turn off the eSATA and do a menu reboot. I don't disconect the cables.It then boots to the internal drive (and updates software if needed). I watch what I want to watch then turn on the eSATA and do a menu reboot and the HR20 goes back to using the eSATA drive.

[Lord Vader]

Cool. Sounds pretty easy. Now, DirecTV can make it even easier for us couch potatoes if we never had to uncable or turn off the eSata drive! :D

[elixir26]

Cool. Sounds pretty easy. Now, DirecTV can make it even easier for us couch potatoes if we never had to uncable or turn off the eSata drive! :D

Your preachin to the choir here. I wish they would allow the eSATA to just be an addition to the internal. But that would be too easy.

[Lord Vader]

I heard that's coming when they implement DLB. :p

[leww37334]

I tried switching between external and internal using the reset receiver option in the menu, just power down the esata drive when you see the lights go off on the HR-20. works good.

[elixir26]

I heard that's coming when they implement DLB. :p

I'm not holding my breath!!

[elixir26]

I tried switching between external and internal using the reset receiver option in the menu, just power down the esata drive when you see the lights go off on the HR-20. works good.

And it's been OK'd buy a CE as safe. So I won't be pullin any plugs anymore!

[freshone]

Hey, uhh, what exactly is a DLB????

[anubys]

Hey, uhh, what exactly is a DLB????

Dual Live Buffers

it's the ability (on the HD-Tivo, for example) to watch two live shows at the same time. Pause one show, switch to the other tuner, then watch the other show...you can switch back and forth between them as long as one buffer is not longer than 30 minutes (the length of the live buffer)...

it's a great way to watch two football games at once, for example...

the HR20 does not have DLB...

[oenophile]

Hey, uhh, what exactly is a DLB????Here's a pretty good thread on it: http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=62118

[raven56706]

i got the fap 750 from best buy and now i need the cable.... which cable do i have to get?

[raven56706]

any other cables from amazon that works?

[elixir26]

any other cables from amazon that works?

Look at my signature. The cable came from Newegg. Under 10 bucks delivered.

[Steve Rhodes]

If the eSATA is on and connected it will boot to the eSATA. For example after a power failure it boots back to the eSATA as long as the eSATA powered up when the power comes back on. When I switch back to the internal drive I simply turn off the eSATA and do a menu reboot. I don't disconect the cables.It then boots to the internal drive (and updates software if needed). I watch what I want to watch then turn on the eSATA and do a menu reboot and the HR20 goes back to using the eSATA drive.

Everytime (being 2 or 3 times in total) that we've had a power glitch, our FreeAgent 750 External was not recognized in time and it went instead to the internal, where we had no season passes set.

[elixir26]

Everytime (being 2 or 3 times in total) that we've had a power glitch, our FreeAgent 750 External was not recognized in time and it went instead to the internal, where we had no season passes set.

It is dependent on the drive booting in time. My AzIO has. I haven't had and outage with my FAP or My Sans. The AzIO is the oldest of my eSATA setups. You just have to reboot from the menu to get back to the external. If your having that many power glitches you might want to consider a battery backup.

[raven56706]

well did anyone find any luck with amazon.com.... i only ask because newegg doesnt do saturday delivery and amazon does....

[elixir26]

well did anyone find any luck with amazon.com.... i only ask because newegg doesnt do saturday delivery and amazon does....

There is one made by Siig. I think I read a successful review in here somewhere about Siig cables. But make sure you check it out, I haven't used it.

[raven56706]

what are the approximate numbers for how much we can record... i saw the chart somewhere but i cant find it again

[jangell2]

My FAP just failed and frankly, I don't like how hot it's running. I've got it back up now, but I've just requested a return to Amazon.

Is this the WD drive that people have been ordering to use with the Antec enclosure?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136151

[Rich]

My FAP just failed and frankly, I don't like how hot it's running. I've got it back up now, but I've just requested a return to Amazon.

Is this the WD drive that people have been ordering to use with the Antec enclosure?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136151

The FAP should run between 37-39 degrees C. In an enclosure they get a little warmer. Nothing to worry about according to the Seagate tech I talked to.

[Rich]

My FAP just failed and frankly, I don't like how hot it's running. I've got it back up now, but I've just requested a return to Amazon.

Is this the WD drive that people have been ordering to use with the Antec enclosure?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136151

The "FAP" is an eSATA. Full name is Seagate Free Agent Pro 750 Gig eSATA. You seem to be talking about a HD that fits into a RAID enclosure.

[jangell2]

The "FAP" is an eSATA. Full name is Seagate Free Agent Pro 750 Gig eSATA. You seem to be talking about a HD that fits into a RAID enclosure.I have been using the FAP and it runs hot and has failed once and I don't want to wait for it to go out again. I was asking about the WD HD because other people in the thread have been using the WD HD and the Antec enclosure as an alternative to the FAP, not as a RAID. I just want to be sure which drive they are writing about.

[redram38]

Everytime (being 2 or 3 times in total) that we've had a power glitch, our FreeAgent 750 External was not recognized in time and it went instead to the internal, where we had no season passes set.

Good point I think I will set my SL on internal as well as the Esata that way if that happens when I am not home I MAY not lose the recording.

[Rich]

I have been using the FAP and it runs hot and has failed once and I don't want to wait for it to go out again. I was asking about the WD HD because other people in the thread have been using the WD HD and the Antec enclosure as an alternative to the FAP, not as a RAID. I just want to be sure which drive they are writing about.

37-39 C is 102 F. About the temperature of the average hot tub. Is the FAP hotter than that? I purchased a food thermometer, digital readout and probe, cost 15 bucks, just to check my FAPs and they all run in the proper range. I have one FAP in an entertainment cabinet and that runs a little hotter.

By the way, I have no idea what a RAID enclosure thingee is. I gather the enclosure you are talking about contains a couple of HDs. You get a lot more bang for your buck using eSATAs.

[Rich]

Good point I think I will set my SL on internal as well as the Esata that way if that happens when I am not home I MAY not lose the recording.

It is illogical to assume that the eSATA will not take control of the HR20 after a power loss. The eSATA powers up instantly, and while the HR20 also receives power instantly upon the power being restored, the HR20 should still recognize the eSATA rather than the internal drive. I have never had the internal take over when an eSATA was properly hooked up to the HR20. It's during that brief amount of time that the HR20 takes to begin it's reboot that it recognizes the eSATA.

[jangell2]

By the way, I have no idea what a RAID enclosure thingee is. I gather the enclosure you are talking about contains a couple of HDs. You get a lot more bang for your buck using eSATAs.Nope, no RAID. That Antec is an enclosure for a single sata drive which allows it to be used as an esata drive, just like the FAP. The FAP is a drive that already comes packaged in an external case instead of buying them separately.

As far as temp, goes, I haven't measured it, but I've never had one feel so hot, and as I said, it has failed once already. I just wanted to verify what drive that people like Guttboy were buying.

[elixir26]

Nope, no RAID. That Antec is an enclosure for a single sata drive which allows it to be used as an esata drive, just like the FAP. The FAP is a drive that already comes packaged in an external case instead of buying them separately.

As far as temp, goes, I haven't measured it, but I've never had one feel so hot, and as I said, it has failed once already. I just wanted to verify what drive that people like Guttboy were buying.

If your going the enclosure hard drive route why not go with a 1tb. We all know D* nicks 100 or so mb from any drive you use. Expanding from 750 to 1 tb gives you a real 250 mb gain. Just a thought. I have to put in a plug for my AZiO enclosure. It's silent, cool, comes with a cable that works and has been working great since March.

[jangell2]

If your going the enclosure hard drive route why not go with a 1tb. We all know D* nicks 100 or so mb from any drive you use. Expanding from 750 to 1 tb gives you a real 250 mb gain. Just a thought. I have to put in a plug for my AZiO enclosure. It's silent, cool, comes with a cable that works and has been working great since March.I agree. The drive I pointed to in my earlier post is 1 TB. I was just wondering if it's the same drive others are using. Here it is again:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136151

[elixir26]

I agree. The drive I pointed to in my earlier post is 1 TB. I was just wondering if it's the same drive others are using. Here it is again:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136151

I don't know what the others are using but it's the only WD hard drive I see in the 1tb range. It's also the only one with 16 mb of cache instead of 32 mb. I like the whole look and feel of the Seagate ns series. They say upfront it's designed for 24x7 use. I'd rather pay a little more now and increase my odds of longevity. Seagate also makes a DB 35 series that is designed for dvr's. Seagate says on the web site that they offer up to 1tb but I haven't found one yet retail. So I took the ns route in March then added a second ns in Sept into the Sans RAID. No complaints.

[curlynerd]

After the new channels were added to my HR20-700, my E-Sata connection seems to be dead. I've tried a new cable and a new ESata drive, to no avail!

Any ideas will be very welcome.

Chris

HR20-700
FAP 750 GB E-Sata
Samsung 56" DLP connected via HDMI

[jangell2]

I like the whole look and feel of the Seagate ns series. They say upfront it's designed for 24x7 use. I'd rather pay a little more now and increase my odds of longevity....So I took the ns route in March then added a second ns in Sept into the Sans RAID. No complaints.Is this the one you're talking about:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148278

I do see some complains on NewEgg about it.

[jangell2]

The largest DB35 on Seagate's site is 750gb and it has a 8-mb cache buffer.

[VVV]

After the new channels were added to my HR20-700, my E-Sata connection seems to be dead. I've tried a new cable and a new ESata drive, to no avail!

Any ideas will be very welcome.

Chris

HR20-700
FAP 750 GB E-Sata
Samsung 56" DLP connected via HDMI

I have found the same thing too. What is going on here? Can I detach the internal drive cable and force the machine to use the external drive? I have a lot of programs recorded on the estata box and hate to loose them. Thanks,

-VVV

[elixir26]

Is this the one you're talking about:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148278

I do see some complains on NewEgg about it.

Yes I'm using that one in the AZiO enclosure. It worked perfect the fist time right out of the box.

As far as complaints, there will always be a few and yes you could get a bad drive, but that could happen with any manufacturer or drive.

[elixir26]

The largest DB35 on Seagate's site is 750gb and it has a 8-mb cache buffer.

DB35.4 series

"Broad range of capacities—from 80 GB to 1 TB"

But I haven't seen one retail.

[DubMarc]

I have found the same thing too. What is going on here? Can I detach the internal drive cable and force the machine to use the external drive? I have a lot of programs recorded on the estata box and hate to loose them. Thanks,

-VVV

Wow, I noticed the same thing. I assumed it was just coincidence, but maybe not, with at least 3 of us having the same behavior at the same time that the new channels came out. I have no idea what would cause that, but I'm no expert here, so maybe there is something in the way that the new channels get processed.

[jangell2]

Yes I'm using that one in the AZiO enclosure. It worked perfect the fist time right out of the box.

As far as complaints, there will always be a few and yes you could get a bad drive, but that could happen with any manufacturer or drive.One person on Newegg did say You have to initialize this darn drive!! You have to download the utility from Seagate and "prepare" this drive before you start an Installation. Else your BIOS will report 31~33MB! How can Seagate ship their flagship HDD like this? It's just an extra step and you have to 'figure it out'.

I presume that was for use on a pc. You didn't have to do that for use on the HR20 did you? Just plug it in, power it up, and restart the HR20, right?

[jangell2]

The Antec enclosure is out of stock, so I'm thinking of trying this one from Rosewill: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817173042 with the Seagate.

elixr, have you noticed whether the power cord is loose fitting on your Azio, there are numerous mentions of that on Newegg?

[VVV]

Wow, I noticed the same thing. I assumed it was just coincidence, but maybe not, with at least 3 of us having the same behavior at the same time that the new channels came out. I have no idea what would cause that, but I'm no expert here, so maybe there is something in the way that the new channels get processed.

Thank you for your third post. I was beginning to think I had a hardrive fail on my dual drive array. It is hard to test for this.

I have started a new thread to get the attention of more people since this has the potential to be a HUGE issue.

I have followed curlynerds lead and called it:

"Esata Dead After New HD Channels!!! "

DBSTALK won't let me post the URL in this message since I am a newby here.

[elixir26]

One person on Newegg did say
I presume that was for use on a pc. You didn't have to do that for use on the HR20 did you? Just plug it in, power it up, and restart the HR20, right?

Just slap it in the enclosure and power it up. I didn't have to do anything else.

[elixir26]

The Antec enclosure is out of stock, so I'm thinking of trying this one from Rosewill: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817173042 with the Seagate.

elixr, have you noticed whether the power cord is loose fitting on your Azio, there are numerous mentions of that on Newegg?

Power cord is tight and fine. Again NO complaints with this unit. My son has one as well for his computer and he has NO problems either.

[lovswr]

Got a Free Agent Pro 750GB at BB a few hours ago. Since I had 15 bucks in Reward Zone coupons the price was nice.


Now here is a silly question.


How does one know if the HR20 & the FAP see each other?

I have reset, unplugged my HR20, plugged in the FAP, powered up the HR20 3 times to no avail. I have an 10 dollar e-SATA to e-SATA (it says 3GB transfer on the package) type I-I cable from Fry's. I tried plugging in the opposite ends of the cable to see if that made a difference but no dice.

Does the orange light on the FAP just stay on all the time? It looks like there is a marking that looks like a switch on the FAP, but it is just hard black plastic. When the FAP is being used/accessed is there any kind of indication at all?

When does the HR20 format the FAP? Before or after downloading the satellite info? (1 & 2). Each time I get a very brief message saying rebuilding the list after step 2 is completed.

I see upthread that a few people who already had a FAP, had it stop working. Is there some kind of strange compatibility issue?

This is very vexing as with all the new HD, I was down to 3% disk space just since this past Monday. TIA :)




edit: Ok the 4th time it works. Just had to push the cable all the way in :D :D

[elixir26]

"edit: Ok the 4th time it works. Just had to push the cable all the way in"

The Devil is in the details, as they say.:hurah:

[TWJR]

I see BB has the 1TB My Book Studio external HD. Has anyone had any experience with this?

[TWJR]

I want to upgrade to 1TB. I'm thinking that it makes more sense to go with a 1TB
interior drive with an enclosure. I'm assuming that down the road I can use this drive again as part of a RAID 0 configuration when I want to expand beyond 1TB.

[elixir26]

I want to upgrade to 1TB. I'm thinking that it makes more sense to go with a 1TB
interior drive with an enclosure. I'm assuming that down the road I can use this drive again as part of a RAID 0 configuration when I want to expand beyond 1TB.

I agree with your thinking. I used a 750gb in a enclosure for a few months then added a identical 750gb and put them both in a RAID.

[raven56706]

i added the FAP and it works like a charm

[jeff125va]

I've been doing a lot of switching back and forth between my eSATA and internal drive, since I had a lot of recordings on my internal drives before adding the eSATAs. I have been doing the menu reset to go from internal to external (after connecting the eSATA, obviously) but I've been unplugging, then disconnecting the eSATA to go from external to internal. I've heard that the menu restart is recommended over unplugging, but is it ok to disconnect the eSATA drive while the unit is on?

[elixir26]

I've been doing a lot of switching back and forth between my eSATA and internal drive, since I had a lot of recordings on my internal drives before adding the eSATAs. I have been doing the menu reset to go from internal to external (after connecting the eSATA, obviously) but I've been unplugging, then disconnecting the eSATA to go from external to internal. I've heard that the menu restart is recommended over unplugging, but is it ok to disconnect the eSATA drive while the unit is on?

I don't unplug my eSATA drive. I simply turn it off then reboot.

[jeff125va]

I don't unplug my eSATA drive. I simply turn it off then reboot.
Ok, thanks. Either way though, the HR20 would be running without a hard drive, and that just seemed like something that could cause a problem somehow.

[jeff125va]

It is illogical to assume that the eSATA will not take control of the HR20 after a power loss. The eSATA powers up instantly, and while the HR20 also receives power instantly upon the power being restored, the HR20 should still recognize the eSATA rather than the internal drive. I have never had the internal take over when an eSATA was properly hooked up to the HR20. It's during that brief amount of time that the HR20 takes to begin it's reboot that it recognizes the eSATA.
My eSATAs - I have concluded it's because of the enclosures - will not work unless I turn on the drive before connecting the eSATA cable to the enclosure. I have tried restarting the HR20 with the eSATA connected and it came back with the eSATA connected. But I spent months trying to figure out why my HR20 wouldn't boot to my eSATA. It had worked for a few days and I can only conclude that I just happened to get lucky the first time starting it up before connecting the cable. Then it stopped working one day when I know there was an overnight software update and system restart. I spent months trying to figure it out and eventually just happened to turn it on without the data cable connected and it started humming.

So, while I think mine would probably reboot to the eSATA after a momentary power loss, I'm pretty sure that it would revert to the internal if the eSATA were off long enough to power down completely.

Besides, I switch back and forth between my external and my internal (where I have recorded a bunch of movies), so I'd like to have my SL's there in case I forget to switch back.

[Cyrus]

I don't unplug my eSATA drive. I simply turn it off then reboot.


I would recommend rebooting HR20 and then turning off the eSATA. HR20 is always writing to the disk (except when it's unplugged or being rebooted), so turning the disk off when it's writing to it could cause corruption of data. The best way to do it is to do a menu reset on HR20 and when the front panel lights go off (thanks to P.Smith for suggesting this) then turn the eSATA off.

[apmadoc]

Early on there was mention of the Sata Beast.

I checked it out, though it takes sata drives internally - from what I read on their datasheet it only outputs in fibre channel or iSCSI, not eSATA

[elixir26]

I would recommend rebooting HR20 and then turning off the eSATA. HR20 is always writing to the disk (except when it's unplugged or being rebooted), so turning the disk off when it's writing to it could cause corruption of data. The best way to do it is to do a menu reset on HR20 and when the front panel lights go off (thanks to P.Smith for suggesting this) then turn the eSATA off.

I've done it successfully before the reset. I do see the logic to taking that safety precaution and will use that method in the future. Thanks for the tip.

[raven56706]

does the FAP turn off by itself when the receiver turns off or do you have to set the FAp to sleep when idle

[Michael D'Angelo]

does the FAP turn off by itself when the receiver turns off or do you have to set the FAp to sleep when idle

The HR20 only goes into standby unless you pull the power cord. When you hit the power button all it does is turn the front panel lights off and the A/V outputs off.

The HR20 will still be fully operational to record and the eSATA drive will continue to buffer all the time.

[jondiehl]

Anyone taking advantage of the BB sale this week for the Seagate 500GB SATA's for $99?

I'm thinking of buying two (pricing matching at another store to get another 10% off :D ) and then using a RAID configuration.

However, I haven't found a cheap eSATA dual-bay external enclosure to put them in.

Would I be better of snapping up one of these 750GB drives for $180-200 (or a 1TB drive for $300-320) and then adding the much cheaper single bay external enclosure (typically $15-25)?

I'd rather get a full 1TB for my $200 of hard drive cost, but the dual-bay/RAID enclosure to do it seems to be the sticking point as most of them are considerably more expensive than the single bay ones.

Any suggestions for a dual-drive enclosure that's affordable that would make a 500GB+500GB solution more affordable than a 1TB standalone setup?

Thanks

[tombet]

I'm thinking of buying two (pricing matching at another store to get another 10% off :D ) and then using a RAID configuration.


I don't think you'll get the economics on a Raid enclosure for two 500GB drives, which presumably you will use for Raid-0. IMHO using a Raid enclosure is only appealing if you plan to make a huge storage array (well over 1TB), or if you plan to use Raid-1 for disaster protection.

A good Raid enclosure with all the electronics on board will be pricey. (I haven't researched them all - but I'll be surprised if you find one for under $200, or at least $150. You need one with the Raid controller on board so it looks to the HR20 like a single drive.) So there goes your savings over just buying one really good 1TB drive. And don't forget, with Raid-0, if you lose either drive, you have lost all your data. Lets say you have a 3% risk in any year of having a drive failure. Then the risk that 1 of your 2 drives will fail is double that, or 6%. And if either drive fails, you've lost all your recordings (though the surviving drive can be reformatted and reused.) Though the "R" in Raid stands for Redundant, there is really nothing redundant about simple Raid-0. It adds to your risk of data loss, it does not reduce it. (And that does not even take into account the added complexity of the Raid enclosure with onboard controller itself, which could fail.)

Given the price of the enclosure, increased complexity, and increased risk of failure, I think you are better off with a single 1TB drive (or 750GB if thats all you really need), then a Raid-0 with two 500's. Use Raid if you need a huge array (say 2TB or more), or if you need Raid-1. (But I dont even think Raid-1 is worth it since if the HR20 fails for any other reason, your recordings are still going to be unuseable. I'd be a fan of Raid-1 if it could survive a failed HR20, but it cannot.)

Just my opinion - others may disagree.

[anubys]

a good sale on 750 GB would be around $110 to $120...an enclosure with RAID 0 would be another $110...so you could have 1.5 TB for about $350 to $400

[jondiehl]

a good sale on 750 GB would be around $110 to $120...an enclosure with RAID 0 would be another $110...so you could have 1.5 TB for about $350 to $400

If that could be had, I'd be all over it, but I haven't found prices anywhere near that in the past couple of months of looking (at least for a new, non-refurb drive).

At $110 for a 750GB SATA drive, I'd be tempted to just stop there and figure that's enough space.

tombet - thanks for the advice, I had forgotten about the limitations of parlaying both drive failures together in Raid 0 configurations. If one goes, the data is toast.

I think I'll try and hold off adding the external drive until Black Friday and hopefully scoop up a blow out price on a 1TB drive and be done with it.

[rcoleman111]

Anyone taking advantage of the BB sale this week for the Seagate 500GB SATA's for $99?

I'm thinking of buying two (pricing matching at another store to get another 10% off :D ) and then using a RAID configuration.

However, I haven't found a cheap eSATA dual-bay external enclosure to put them in.

Would I be better of snapping up one of these 750GB drives for $180-200 (or a 1TB drive for $300-320) and then adding the much cheaper single bay external enclosure (typically $15-25)?

I'd rather get a full 1TB for my $200 of hard drive cost, but the dual-bay/RAID enclosure to do it seems to be the sticking point as most of them are considerably more expensive than the single bay ones.

Any suggestions for a dual-drive enclosure that's affordable that would make a 500GB+500GB solution more affordable than a 1TB standalone setup?

Thanks

Go with the Thecus storage enclosure. You can get it for $130 from NewEgg. Set it for RAID0 and you'll have 1TB of storage.

[rcoleman111]

I don't think you'll get the economics on a Raid enclosure for two 500GB drives, which presumably you will use for Raid-0. IMHO using a Raid enclosure is only appealing if you plan to make a huge storage array (well over 1TB), or if you plan to use Raid-1 for disaster protection.


Two-drive storage enclosures are inexpensive - $130 for the Thecus, $110 for whatever storage system Anubys is recommending.

[rcoleman111]

a good sale on 750 GB would be around $110 to $120...an enclosure with RAID 0 would be another $110...so you could have 1.5 TB for about $350 to $400

Just curious - what RAID system are talking about for $110? I'm using the Thecus, but it only supports 1TB of storage.

[daggo]

could you please tell me the proven esata drives/enclosures/ cables that are proven to work. I am coming from Tivo and have never used the HR20 before. I have pickedthrought the site but I am looking for the quick answers. I will be buying a 1 TB drive.

TIA

daggo

[jangell2]

I just installed this drive and enclosure yesterday and they are working just fine.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817121021
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817121021

Check out this thread for more configurations:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=92029

[tripperc]

Anyone know when will e-sata be officially supported by DirecTV support?

[brownram]

Just curious - what RAID system are talking about for $110? I'm using the Thecus, but it only supports 1TB of storage.

i have the Thecus N2050 and have 2 750gb drives in it and have had no problems with it i would suspect it would hold 2 of the new 1tb drives

[tombet]

I am interested in what the long term results are with the Thecus. (Some mixed reviews of it online.) How long have you had it ?

[DubMarc]

i have the Thecus N2050 and have 2 750gb drives in it and have had no problems with it i would suspect it would hold 2 of the new 1tb drives

Not sure how long you've had it. My eSATA setup (N2050 w/2 WD 500GB drives set to RAID-0) failed after 5 months. I believe that the Thecus ran too hot and fried one of the drives. It had shut itself down before and run very hot. I should have drilled some holes or replaced the fan, but sadly for me, it never moved to the top of my to-do list.

YMMV, but I will not use the Thecus again when I move back to eSATA. I am leaning towards the Antec MX-1 enclosure and a 750 GB or 1 TB drive, depending on which deals pop up in the near future.

[brownram]

when i hear about a hard drive failure and the enclosure gets the blame i wonder what kind of hard drive was in it. most people think a hard drive is a one type fits all applications. most of the time i see hard drives being used that are for your computer. in a dvr application you are talking about a drive that runs 24/7 like a server with large amounts of data going in and coming out. even when you power down the dvr the live buffer is still working. you need a hard drive made to work in that environment. you may save a few bucks going with a drive made for a computer but it will be stressed running in a 24/7 environment. as a example i will talk about segate drives i see alot of [ AS ] drives wene they should of bought a [ NS ] drive

[anubys]

sorry for not answering sooner...

here's the enclosure I got...I waited for it to go on sale...I got it for $120...it supports RAID 0, can take two 750 GB drives, and comes with its own eSATA cable that you don't need to cut up to fit it into the HR20

http://shop1.outpost.com/product/5251837?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

[hdtvfan0001]

Anyone know when will e-sata be officially supported by DirecTV support?

I think its safe to say that it will not be "officially supported" by D*TV in 2007. Beyond that, a specific time is speculation at best.

[jangell2]

I just installed this drive and enclosure yesterday and they are working just fine.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817121021
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817121021

Check out this thread for more configurations:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=92029I just noticed that one of the links was incorrect. The correct one is below:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148278

[tripperc]

I think its safe to say that it will not be "officially supported" by D*TV in 2007. Beyond that, a specific time is speculation at best.


OK. Thanks for the response.

[aolbites]

A couple questions. I have an HR20, not sure if it's the 100 or the 700.

When buying an eSATA drive, is there any point in buying the type II, or is it not possible for that to be utilized due to the controller limitations?

Second, is it possible to use a drive copying program, and mount both hard drives on a pc and copy the content from the internal to the external? I just don't want to have to redo all the settings and current recordings, or have to unplug and replug in the external drive to access it's content or the internal drive's content alternatively?

Thanks

[Cyberleader]

Hello,

I'm trying to implement the extra storage option via the eSATA port on the HD DVR. I bought the Antec MX-1 enclosure with the Western Digital Caviar GP WD10EACS 1TB 5400 to 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive. I plugged the enclosure in and turned it on then plugged the eSATA cable to the enclosure then to the HD DVR. Then did the reset option via the menu. Didn't work. Then did the reboot by pulling plug on reciever and rebooting. Didn't work. Unplugged the cable and reversed the connection ends. Then reboot via menu-reset option.. didn't work. Tried to shove it in as far as possible on the reciever. Reset...didn't work....

Any ideas what's wrong here? Is there a special software update for the reciever needed to implement this eSATA port?

Thanks.
Robert

[Lord Vader]

Try this...

Unplug the DVR. Connect the eSATA drive to it. Turn on the eSATA drive and let it run for 20 seconds or so. Now plug in your DVR and it'll boot up. Pop back in here and let us know if anything happens.

[Cyberleader]

Hello,

Tried that and that also didn't work.

Robert

[hdtvfan0001]

I plugged the enclosure in and turned it on then plugged the eSATA cable to the enclosure then to the HD DVR.
Your sequence to this process was incorrect.

You should:

1) Power down (unplug) the HR20
2) Completely connect the external Sata drive with its eSata cable
3) Turn on the external drive
4) Plug the HR20 back in and wait for it to start up with the new external drive

[Lord Vader]

Did you use the cable that came with the Antec enclosure? If so, I find it difficult to figure out just why your unit isn't taking the eSATA drive. Just checking--what model receiver do you have?

[Lord Vader]

Your sequence to this process was incorrect.

You should:

1) Power down (unplug) the HR20
2) Completely connect the external Sata drive with its eSata cable
3) Turn on the external drive
4) Plug the HR20 back in and wait for it to start up with the new external drive

It sounds like he tried this after my last post to him, hdtvfan. If so, I'm not sure what else to suggest, other than he verify the model # of the receiver (to make sure it's an HR20-100 or HR20-700).

[Cyberleader]

Did you use the cable that came with the Antec enclosure?

Yes.


If so, I find it difficult to figure out just why your unit isn't taking the eSATA drive. Just checking--what model receiver do you have?

HR20-100S

I even tried to cut away some of the plastic to make sure the cable was going in all the way into the receiver.

This is really disappointing if this doesn't work.

Robert

[Cyberleader]

Do i have to have any of the jumpers set on the hard drive or just straight out of the box without any in?

Robert

[Lord Vader]

I just plugged and played mine, cyber. I have the same enclosure

What I'd do, though, is make sure you that inside the enclosure unit you reconnect the internal two cables that you had to disconnect in order to install the drive. I noticed that they're tough to disconnect and are even tougher to tightly reseat.

[hdtvfan0001]

Do i have to have any of the jumpers set on the hard drive or just straight out of the box without any in?

Robert
AAAAhhhh....yes, you should set the jumpers to the 1.5, not the 3.0 rate that comes out of the box...that could be your problem...

[Lord Vader]

I didn't set anything, hdtv, and mine works just fine, though I've heard one has to change the jumpers if the drive is first connected to a PC to set up or something.

[hdtvfan0001]

I didn't set anything, hdtv, and mine works just fine, though I've heard one has to change the jumpers if the drive is first connected to a PC to set up or something.

That's true...but its important that its NOT set at 3.0, and sometimes that's the way they come out of the box - mine did.

[Cyberleader]

I just plugged and played mine, cyber. I have the same enclosure

What I'd do, though, is make sure you that inside the enclosure unit you reconnect the internal two cables that you had to disconnect in order to install the drive. I noticed that they're tough to disconnect and are even tougher to tightly reseat.

I did not disconnect both those connectors just the one that goes to the LED lights on the front and those are working so i re-connected that correctly.

I will try to change the jumper to 1.5 and try again ... will post back soon.

Robert

[Cyberleader]

That's true...but its important that its NOT set at 3.0, and sometimes that's the way they come out of the box - mine did.


Well if that is true then maybe that is the problem because mine was also an OEM without any jumpers set which makes it 3.0 out of the box and if it is important that it is 1.5 then that could be it....unfortunately Survivor is on right now and the wife is watching it so I have to wait to try again until after that is over..will report back in about 45 mins.

Robert

[Lord Vader]

That's true...but its important that its NOT set at 3.0, and sometimes that's the way they come out of the box - mine did.

Well, you know, I didn't even check what mine was set at! I was reading the directions on how to set this whole thing up based on another forum poster here, and nothing was said about that. I just plugged and played and so far, everything's fine. :)

[hdtvfan0001]

Well if that is true then maybe that is the problem because mine was also an OEM without any jumpers set which makes it 3.0 out of the box and if it is important that it is 1.5 then that could be it....unfortunately Survivor is on right now and the wife is watching it so I have to wait to try again until after that is over..will report back in about 45 mins.

Robert
Priorities !!! :lol:

It is absolutely required for the data rate to be set to 1.5, as 3.0 is not supported for eSata.

[Cyberleader]

Hello,

Well was about to try again and realized it was recording The Office... so I am going to try it at 9:00 PM CST....:)

But if this reveals that the jumper is indeed the problem maybe we could right up a sticky how to for this particular set up including that step...?


:)

Thanks for everyone's help it's much appreciated. Will write back when try it with the jumper set to 1.5

Thanks.

Cyber

[Lord Vader]

I sure hope you can resolve this dilemma, cyber, because it really shouldn't be this difficult. eSATA truly IS simple. If a dummy like me could do it... :D

[Simpleton24]

Priorities !!! :lol:

It is absolutely required for the data rate to be set to 1.5, as 3.0 is not supported for eSata.

I have been using my Seagate drive set at 3.0 for over a month now with no problems. Does it still default to 1.5 then?

[hdtvfan0001]

I have been using my Seagate drive set at 3.0 for over a month now with no problems. Does it still default to 1.5 then?
Hard to believe it has worked with no problems, as that rate is absolutely not supported.

Read through this previous thread on the topic...

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=70355

[Simpleton24]

Hard to believe it has worked with no problems, as that rate is absolutely not supported.

Read through this previous thread on the topic...

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=70355

When I set up the drive I set the jumpers to 3.0 figuring that the faster the throughput the better the performance.
If I have a problem then I know where to look first. Thanks for the info.

[elixir26]

Hard to believe it has worked with no problems, as that rate is absolutely not supported.

Read through this previous thread on the topic...

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=70355

I've had 1 seagate drive set at 3 running problem free for 7+ months. The 2 new drives are set at 3 and have been running problem free for the last month.