eSATA - Has been enabled, but....

[Cyberleader]

Hello,

Well after taking the enclosure apart and setting the jumper on the hard drive to 1.5 and putting all back together. I did this in the following order:

unplugged DVR HR20-100S

Plugged in the esata cable to HDDVR and enclosure

powered on the enclosure

waited a minute

plugged in the HD DVR

powered up waited until fully booted up and tuned to a channel

went to the list menu

and still the stuff on the internal drive that i recorded keeps showing up not the external drive.....


Any other ideas guys? This seems to not be working... any idea if this is a software upgrade issue with the DVR maybe it's not implemented or something on my receiver?

Help.
Cyber

[hdtvfan0001]

See comments below highlighted...

Hello,

Well after taking the enclosure apart and setting the jumper on the hard drive to 1.5 and putting all back together. I did this in the following order:

unplugged DVR HR20-100S

Plugged in the esata cable to HDDVR and enclosure

powered on the enclosure

waited a minute

plugged in the HD DVR

These steps should be done in the reverse order, otherwise the H2R20 won't recognized that the eSata drive exists. You must connect everything for the drive to the HR20 first, then turn it on, then power up the HR20...

powered up waited until fully booted up and tuned to a channel

went to the list menu

and still the stuff on the internal drive that i recorded keeps showing up not the external drive.....


Any other ideas guys? This seems to not be working... any idea if this is a software upgrade issue with the DVR maybe it's not implemented or something on my receiver?

Help.
Cyber

[Cyberleader]

Hello,

I think what you are trying to say is what i did in fact do about 10 times now:

HDDVR is not plugged in

the hard drive enclosure is OFF

connected the eSATA cable from enclosure to the HDDVR

powered on the hard drive enclosure

waited a minute...

plugged in the HDDVR

DVR powered up went through all the booting up sequence then when it finally tuned into a channel and gave video

went to the LIST

and everything there is the stuff I recorded on the internal drive showing up

still doesn't work

help

Cyberleader

[Cyberleader]

Can anything go wrong if i plug this into my PC just to check if it even works with the PC maybe I got a DEAD hard drive or the enclosure is DOA... i haven't checked any of these items since they arrived in the mail. I put the enclosure together and tried it in the HR20 right away.


Cyber

[hdtvfan0001]

Can anything go wrong if i plug this into my PC just to check if it even works with the PC maybe I got a DEAD hard drive or the enclosure is DOA... i haven't checked any of these items since they arrived in the mail. I put the enclosure together and tried it in the HR20 right away.


Cyber
Not wrong, but you won't be able to read anything, since the HR20 drive is not in a Windows operating system format. You'd also have to have a Sata port in your PC to use it .

If you followed that sequence as stated in your last post, and it still did nothing, try starting it up without the drive connected at all (back to where it was. If it starts up fine, then most likely you have a problem with the cable or drive.

[Cyberleader]

I don't want to see if it formated or not i just want to see if the drive even works correctly? it may be that there is something wrong with the hard drive or the enclosure... if those both work fine in a PC then I can focus on the DVR as the problem....


Cyber

[hdtvfan0001]

I don't want to see if it formated or not i just want to see if the drive even works correctly? it may be that there is something wrong with the hard drive or the enclosure... if those both work fine in a PC then I can focus on the DVR as the problem....


Cyber
True - so you have a Sata port in/on your PC...?

[Cyberleader]

True - so you have a Sata port in/on your PC...?

yes i do

[Cyberleader]

Well when i plugged into PC doesn't do anything either...but when i plug it in using the USB cable it works... so it is either the cable or the connection for eSATA on the enclosure itself....

will keep you posted...

Cyber

[hdtvfan0001]

Well when i plugged into PC doesn't do anything either...but when i plug it in using the USB cable it works... so it is either the cable or the connection for eSATA on the enclosure itself....

will keep you posted...

Cyber
Progress.

I got a different eSata cable than the one that came with my drive - about $8.00...just because the one that came with it was a cheapee and I didn't trust it...so that is a prime candidate at this point.

[Cyberleader]

Progress.

I got a different eSata cable than the one that came with my drive - about $8.00...just because the one that came with it was a cheapee and I didn't trust it...so that is a prime candidate at this point.

Well I'm going to return the enclosure because it is either the cable that came with it or the enclosure itself.. and order another cable as well...and hopefully that should help my odds a bit... just hoping i can actually do all this in person instead of having to mail it all back and get another which can take some days....annoying really ....


Cyber

[Robert Norman]

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

I recently went through this problem with a HR20-100. I had another HR20-100 that work correctly with the eSATA Seagate Free Agent drive and cable. After much discussion with DIRECTV customer telephone agent they agreed to ship me another HR20. This one was a HR20-700 and it worked with the eSATA drive. However it had other problems and DIRECTV had a technician bring out another HR20-100 and it worked with the external eSATA drive but had other problems. DIRECTV set up another appointment and had the technician bring out another HR20-700 and everything worked on it. Took a month to get one that everything worked.
Call your DIRECTV telephone agent and after she or he goes through there check list have them schedule an appointment with the technician in your area. When they call make positive that they have a replacement HR20 on their truck in case they find that your external drive does not work on it. The technician told me they were having real problems with the HR20-100 and DIRECTV had recalled all of theirs. I now have one HR20-100 and one HR20-700 each working with the external Seagate 750 Free Agent eSATA drive.
If you go through the procedures with DIRECTV they will send or have the technician in your area bring out and hook up another HR20. Checked it out completely before you let the technician leave. When the technician activates the drive with DIRECTV have him asked for a recover box to be sent to you. Do Not let the technician take the old drive with him. It is your responsibility to return the lease HR20. DIRECTV will send you a prepaid recover box that you take to your local Federal Express to send the old HR20 back to them.
Not having a second working HR20 will make your life more difficult for you cannot know if it is the eSATA cable, disk drive or the HR20 that is bad. I even bought two spare eSATA cables just in case I needed one to prove that it was not the eSATA cable.
Mike

[brownram]

when you are doing research online don't believe everything posted. some think they know but they dont. your only option is to read, read, read and read more until your eyes bleed. then after absorbing all that information you should see by the preponderance of the evidence the answer. this is in response to the post that you have to set your hard drive to 1.5 with jumpers. i took off the jumpers on the 2 750gb hard drives i have in a raid 0 set up works great. my only problem setting mine up was the esata cable. bought one online and could not get it to run. got another cable and started to work like a charm. if you esata cable fits loose you need to try another. it should be very tight

[jbart1965]

I did a few searches but havent found a precise answer yet. If I hook up a drive via esata, can I connect that drive, with its recordings, to a second HR20 on my downstairs TV. I get the sense that I cannot do this, but trying to find out for sure. Would be nice someday if DTV would allow us whole-house DVR access, just like Verizon.

[Michael D'Angelo]

I did a few searches but havent found a precise answer yet. If I hook up a drive via esata, can I connect that drive, with its recordings, to a second HR20 on my downstairs TV. I get the sense that I cannot do this, but trying to find out for sure. Would be nice someday if DTV would allow us whole-house DVR access, just like Verizon.

No a eSATA drive will only work with one HR20 at a time.

And if you disconnect it and move it to another HR20 you will be able to see the records programs in your playlist but you will not be able to play them.

[Cyberleader]

Hello,

Well took the enclosure back to best buy (drove 140 miles) got an exchange also picked up another eSATA cable just in case because I did not know if it was the cable or the enclosure itself. Anyway long story short it now works.

Thanks for all help.

cyberleader

[Lord Vader]

Good to hear it. Enjoy it.

[hdtvfan0001]

Hello,

Well took the enclosure back to best buy (drove 140 miles) got an exchange also picked up another eSATA cable just in case because I did not know if it was the cable or the enclosure itself. Anyway long story short it now works.

Thanks for all help.

cyberleader
YES!!!

Glad it's working for you. :)

[jagrim]

Was it the cable or the enclosure?

[Sirshagg]

Fry's have 30 days return policies.

Fry's is the absolute worst store of this kind to return something to.

[Lord Vader]

There's a Fry's near my home, and I must admit, even though I don't shop there that often (no need to, but I have in the past quite often), it's far superior to Worst Buy! I even like the restaurant in the middle of the store. :p

[Simpleton24]

Hello,

Well took the enclosure back to best buy (drove 140 miles) got an exchange also picked up another eSATA cable just in case because I did not know if it was the cable or the enclosure itself. Anyway long story short it now works.

Thanks for all help.

cyberleader

What setting did you put the drive at, 1.5 or 3.0?

[Cyberleader]

What setting did you put the drive at, 1.5 or 3.0?

It was set at 1.5 as I had already set the jumper. So i left it at 1.5.

cyberleader

[Simpleton24]

It was set at 1.5 as I had already set the jumper. So i left it at 1.5.

cyberleader

I was just curious to see if you set it at 3.0 and it worked. I have mine set at 3.0 and have no problems.

Glad to see you got it working though:biggthump

[Hoxxx]

[QUOTE=Earl Bonovich;676204]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.


It is amazing over 1 year has lapsed since this post. and I have been loving it ever since.

thanks D*

[putalydonit]

can any one recommend the largest storage, most compatible and reliable drive that is available to add to a hr20-100. Also best fitting cable. All equipment is racked in enclosure so access is limited to re boot and hit power buttons.
thanks
chip

[tombet]

can any one recommend the largest storage, most compatible and reliable drive that is available to add to a hr20-100. Also best fitting cable. All equipment is racked in enclosure so access is limited to re boot and hit power buttons.
thanks
chip

Check the thread titled "Working eSata setups." I don't think you'll find a consensus for what is "best" - but there are a lot of good, working setups and you'll get good ideas.

[Lord Vader]

can any one recommend the largest storage, most compatible and reliable drive that is available to add to a hr20-100. Also best fitting cable. All equipment is racked in enclosure so access is limited to re boot and hit power buttons.
thanks
chip

The largest single drive without going RAID is a 1TB drive. Currently several people here, myself included, have purchased a 1TB drive and an enclosure like the Antex MX-1. The 1TB drive I got was the Hitachi. I put it in the fan-cooled enclosure and it was literally plug and play! It was that easy--and reliable.

[Guttboy]

The largest single drive without going RAID is a 1TB drive. Currently several people here, myself included, have purchased a 1TB drive and an enclosure like the Antex MX-1. The 1TB drive I got was the Hitachi. I put it in the fan-cooled enclosure and it was literally plug and play! It was that easy--and reliable.

X2!

Worked great for me as well!:)

[Sirshagg]

The largest single drive without going RAID is a 1TB drive. Currently several people here, myself included, have purchased a 1TB drive and an enclosure like the Antex MX-1. The 1TB drive I got was the Hitachi. I put it in the fan-cooled enclosure and it was literally plug and play! It was that easy--and reliable.

X3
I used the WD drive though.

[mikeny]

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.

It is somewhat disappointing.

I got a replacement unit installed today and I did expect the e-SATA drive to be reformatted. When it wasn't and you see all the shows there, it's such a tease!

We've got all 6 Star Wars movies in HD there, among other things. I have to delete everything. Wow!

It's cool that the SL's, etc remain.

[Sirshagg]

It is somewhat disappointing.

I got a replacement unit installed today and I did expect the e-SATA drive to be reformatted. When it wasn't and you see all the shows there, it's such a tease!

We've got all 6 Star Wars movies in HD there, among other things. I have to delete everything. Wow!

It's cool that the SL's, etc remain.

I wonder if you could convince them to use the same access card on the new receiver if the shows would play.

[Lord Vader]

The access card has nothing to do with it.

[mikeny]

I wonder if you could convince them to use the same access card on the new receiver if the shows would play.It's probably been posted in this thread somewhere but I just found out that my OTA recordings still play when connected to a new unit. Everything else comes up, "Searching for authorized content".


I deleted a group of OTA recording before trying to play another group. Of course I deleted Desperate Housewives. I already saved the one episode to a DVD that isn't also recorded on the other HR20 so it's ok.

I will now reconsider some of my SL's.

[jeffshoaf]

It is somewhat disappointing.

I got a replacement unit installed today and I did expect the e-SATA drive to be reformatted. When it wasn't and you see all the shows there, it's such a tease!

We've got all 6 Star Wars movies in HD there, among other things. I have to delete everything. Wow!

It's cool that the SL's, etc remain.

I guess it comes down to the idea that a DVR is for time-shifting, not building a library. I guess I can understand that - the studios would prefer that you buy the DVDs. :raspberry

[Rich]

I guess it comes down to the idea that a DVR is for time-shifting, not building a library. I guess I can understand that - the studios would prefer that you buy the DVDs. :raspberry

Suppose you have four HR20s and each has an eSATA. Suddenly, an HR20 goes berserk and commits suicide. Now you are left with an eSATA with programs that you cannot access.

Now, let's go forward in time, oh, say a month. The Person Who Matters (hereafter called PWM) has an epiphany and sees that the more flexible you make the usage of the HR20 and the eSATA within an account, the more units you sell and because of the large, secure within an account, storage capability, you actually get more new subscribers.

Now you can archive whatever you want, securely. And who would care? Who would be against it? Why would anyone bother? If we can use one eSATA now, if we can use even just a plain old HR20 to copy material to whatever medium we choose now, what difference does it make if we have four or five eSATAs in an account that we can use with ANY HR20 in that account? Certainly doesn't seem to be copyright infringement. What else is there?

[Rich]

It is somewhat disappointing.

I got a replacement unit installed today and I did expect the e-SATA drive to be reformatted. When it wasn't and you see all the shows there, it's such a tease!

We've got all 6 Star Wars movies in HD there, among other things. I have to delete everything. Wow!

It's cool that the SL's, etc remain.

And to top everything off, it's not your fault. All they have to do is allow the HR20s and the eSATAs to work with any combination within the account.

[jayerndl]

And to top everything off, it's not your fault. All they have to do is allow the HR20s and the eSATAs to work with any combination within the account.That's the way it works with E* DVRs (vip622,722). It seems trivial to implement. If E* can do it why not D*?

Jay

[Rich]

I did a few searches but havent found a precise answer yet. If I hook up a drive via esata, can I connect that drive, with its recordings, to a second HR20 on my downstairs TV. I get the sense that I cannot do this, but trying to find out for sure. Would be nice someday if DTV would allow us whole-house DVR access, just like Verizon.

I feel like a rant:

Verizon, Verizon has whole house access? That is exactly what I want. Why does Verizon have it and D* doesn't? And see post #2038. Are we the only ones, we must be. Copyright infringements my foot.

[mikeny]

I feel like a rant:

Verizon, Verizon has whole house access? That is exactly what I want. Why does Verizon have it and D* doesn't? And see post #2038. Are we the only ones, we must be. Copyright infringements my foot.
Imagine if you couldn't bring a DVD to another player in your house..? It's obviously diffferent but not that much.

I suppose it's DirecTV hasn't gotten around to fixing this. I guess they could. It's just extra work, and programming. They've been focusing on other features, such as DOD, Remote Booking, and MediaShare as opposed to MRV, "simultaneous e-SATA/internal use", or even supporting a physical recombination of e-SATA to HR20s within accounts.

[funhouse69]

I thought I would throw out there...

Remember that eSATA is something that IS enabled on the HR20's but is NOT currently supported by D*.

That means that D* is still working on this and what options will be available when it is officially released / supported remains to be seen.

I don't think that anyone would disagree that having the ability to move the shows over to another unit on your account or a replacement in the case of a failure is a bad idea.

Keep posting your wish lists and hopefully D* will address it in time.

[cartrivision]

I thought I would throw out there...

Remember that eSATA is something that IS enabled on the HR20's but is NOT currently supported by D*.

That means that D* is still working on this and what options will be available when it is officially released / supported remains to be seen.

I don't think that anyone would disagree that having the ability to move the shows over to another unit on your account or a replacement in the case of a failure is a bad idea.

Keep posting your wish lists and hopefully D* will address it in time.

All I have to say is that since it's been more than one year since eSATA was enabled as an unsupported feature, it's about time that D* starts supporting it. As it has been pointed out over and over, the internal disk space shouldn't be lost when an external disk is connected, and locking recorded programs to a specific receiver is a horrible limitation. It's about time that D* addressed these two "bugs" that are more than a year old.

[Sirshagg]

It's about time that D* addressed these two "bugs" that are more than a year old.

Too many times people like to jump on the "bug" bandwaggon. Bugs are when something does not work as designed. I strongly suspect the two issues you bring up were by design and as such can't be called bugs. Instead they would be bad degign or design flaws. It can sometimes seem like splitting hairs but it is an important distinction.

I absolutely agree that these two things need to be addressed.

[GAM]

I have seen conflicting posts on Series Links and settings. Are those retained when switching between the internal and external drive or do they need to be setup in both places?

[Michael D'Angelo]

I have seen conflicting posts on Series Links and settings. Are those retained when switching between the internal and external drive or do they need to be setup in both places?

:welcome_s to DBSTalk

They need to be setup on both the internal and external drive.

But they will only work and record on whatever drive you are currently using. So if you are using the external drive the internal drive will not do anything unless you disconnect the external and reboot the HR20/HR21.

[GAM]

Thanks for the quick reply and the excellent welcome! :D

[Rich]

All I have to say is that since it's been more than one year since eSATA was enabled as an unsupported feature, it's about time that D* starts supporting it. As it has been pointed out over and over, the internal disk space shouldn't be lost when an external disk is connected, and locking recorded programs to a specific receiver is a horrible limitation. It's about time that D* addressed these two "bugs" that are more than a year old.

I have very little knowledge of programming, actually none. That said, I have a feeling that enabling the internal drive to work while the eSATA is active would cause conflicts between the two HDs. I would rather be able to "daisy chain" eSATAs.

Macintosh computers used "scuzzy" technology which allowed you to "daisy chain" devices, so the technology to do the eSATAs is out there, but that would probably cause more problems.

[cartrivision]

Too many times people like to jump on the "bug" bandwaggon. Bugs are when something does not work as designed. I strongly suspect the two issues you bring up were by design and as such can't be called bugs. Instead they would be bad degign or design flaws. It can sometimes seem like splitting hairs but it is an important distinction.

I absolutely agree that these two things need to be addressed.

I know that they are not technically bugs, that's why I put the word in quotes, but nonetheless, after more than a year of leaving eSATA as an unsupported feature, it's about time that they start supporting it and address the two fundamental shortcommings of the feature.

I suspect that "fixing" at least one and maybe both of the two main issues with eSATA is going to render any programming that was written to an external disk under the currently unsupported implementation unwatchable once the fix has been made, so each day of delay in deploying the fixes in means more and more recordings that will be lost when they finally get around to putting the fixes in.

It's been unsupported for more than a year, and now with all the new HD channels, it's important to start correctly supporting the only sanctioned way of expanding the recording capacity of their DVRs.

[cartrivision]

I have very little knowledge of programming, actually none. That said, I have a feeling that enabling the internal drive to work while the eSATA is active would cause conflicts between the two HDs. I would rather be able to "daisy chain" eSATAs.

Macintosh computers used "scuzzy" technology which allowed you to "daisy chain" devices, so the technology to do the eSATAs is out there, but that would probably cause more problems.

It's my understanding that some of the current cable DVR boxes do it, so hopefully soon the D* DVRs will also be able to use the internal disk combined with an external disk.

[cineplex1]

I have a drive on order to upgrade my hr20. Can someone post the link that gives the detailed instructions on how to install the new drive.

What are the steps to adding the drive and getting the HR20 to format and use it?

Thank you

[Michael D'Angelo]

I have a drive on order to upgrade my hr20. Can someone post the link that gives the detailed instructions on how to install the new drive.

What are the steps to adding the drive and getting the HR20 to format and use it?

Thank you

Are you adding an external drive or internal drive?

If you are adding an internal drive you will void your lease agreement.

If you are adding an external drive do a menu restart recorder on the HR20. When the front panel lights go off the unit is actually off for a few seconds. Pull the power cord. Then connect the eSATA cable to the eSATA drive and then to the HR20. Plug in the eSATA drive and let that start all the way up. After it does plug in the HR20 and it will start up and set everything up for you.

[cineplex1]

I am using the ESATA arrangement described here. Do I need to do a forced download of the software?

[Michael D'Angelo]

I am using the ESATA arrangement described here. Do I need to do a forced download of the software?

No, the software is stored on a chip on the motherboard not the hard drive.

[bozzaj]

I have very little knowledge of programming, actually none. That said, I have a feeling that enabling the internal drive to work while the eSATA is active would cause conflicts between the two HDs. I would rather be able to "daisy chain" eSATAs.

Macintosh computers used "scuzzy" technology which allowed you to "daisy chain" devices, so the technology to do the eSATAs is out there, but that would probably cause more problems.

It's SCSI actually, and the SCSI standard allowed you to daisy chain devices - originally up to 7 then expanded to 15 - and not just hard drives. This isn't just a Mac standard - SCSI drives were typically used in server systems as well since the interface design was better than the old PATA standard. Apple just decided to also use that interface.

The eSATA standard does not offer any type of daisy-chaining capability, though I've seen some port multipliers that would allow multiple drives. I think the standard allows for up to 15 drives sharing the same port/bandwidth. I wonder what the HR20 would do if you hooked a port multiplier up to it.

[cdma engineer]

[anyone been able to figure out where and how to get VIIV sopftware and how to use the HR20 as a remote server player from your pc?

[Rich]

It's SCSI actually, and the SCSI standard allowed you to daisy chain devices - originally up to 7 then expanded to 15 - and not just hard drives. This isn't just a Mac standard - SCSI drives were typically used in server systems as well since the interface design was better than the old PATA standard. Apple just decided to also use that interface.

The eSATA standard does not offer any type of daisy-chaining capability, though I've seen some port multipliers that would allow multiple drives. I think the standard allows for up to 15 drives sharing the same port/bandwidth. I wonder what the HR20 would do if you hooked a port multiplier up to it.

I have a friend that I have known for 40 years. Crazy Charlie. About 20 years ago he got married to a "female dog" who promptly told me that henceforth he would be called "Chuck". Never stopped calling him Charlie. Used to drive the "female dog" crazy. I deeply resented her for correcting my use of his name. Ten years ago, she went berserk and gambled all their money away and they got divorced. Made me happy and eventually Crazy Charlie (one of the last of the true hippies) saw the light and is a happy single man now. And she smoked. Phew.

I started using Apples in the early 80s and progressed to Macs. I was there when they started to use the scuzzy technology and like Charlie, they will always be scuzzy to me. But thanks for clarifying my terminology for those that didn't know what the proper acronym was. I did. People tend to remember euphemisms more than proper names or acronyms and I tend to use euphemisms a lot. I would have used the proper euphemism for "female dog", but the context in which I would have used it would not have been proper.

Unless D* does a massive change in their technology, we will never see a scuzzy setup, whether between the internal drive and the eSATA or multiple eSATAs.

[harsh]

Unless D* does a massive change in their technology, we will never see a scuzzy setup, whether between the internal drive and the eSATA or multiple eSATAs.D* doesn't have to do anything. Large storage requirements can be met now with RAID technology. Aside from the fact that the controllers cost more than the drives (as it does with SCSI), you can add several drives together to appear like one large drive.

[harsh]

[anyone been able to figure out where and how to get VIIV sopftware and how to use the HR20 as a remote server player from your pc?You need to use the search function to look for ViiV threads.

If you're looking for the HR2x to serve content to other devices, its not gonna happen.

[Rich]

D* doesn't have to do anything. Large storage requirements can be met now with RAID technology. Aside from the fact that the controllers cost more than the drives (as it does with SCSI), you can add several drives together to appear like one large drive.

But you still have to pay for equipment that will be obsolete and unwanted in a year or two if not less. Now if you could just string a bunch of eSATAs together...

[bozzaj]

Unless D* does a massive change in their technology, we will never see a scuzzy setup, whether between the internal drive and the eSATA or multiple eSATAs.

You won't ever see SCSI used in a consumer device anymore. It's basically old technology. Theoretically, the fastest version of SCSI is about the same speed as eSATA, but there are other drawbacks such as requiring large connectors and cables and dealing with SCSI IDs and termination. Older SCSI was more forgiving with those things, but to achieve the higher speeds you really need to have those things working perfectly. This would defeat the purpose of an easy plug and play setup.

SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) is the new technology that basically replaces SCSI and offers the same speed and ease of connection as eSATA. Again, I doubt you'll see them in consumer devices since the drives are significantly more expensive. Even your MACs have all eliminated SCSI and have moved over to SATA.

Regardless, and getting a bit off topic. eSATA is the best interface for an external drive that is still fairly easy to connect and still offers the same speed as an internal drive. If you want more space, the best thing would be to use a box that allows you to configure multiple drives as a single "drive" (RAID) that the HR20 would see. Of course, my previous thought with a port replicator would be handy as well, but the HR20 would need to support multiple drives.

[harsh]

But you still have to pay for equipment that will be obsolete and unwanted in a year or two if not less. Now if you could just string a bunch of eSATAs together...SATA, by definition, doesn't allow "stringing together". RAIDs will probably never go out of style as long as really large storage is a necessity. Having a bunch of single drives plugged into eSATA or USB ports is not an answer to any large storage question.

[hdtvfan0001]

SATA, by definition, doesn't allow "stringing together". RAIDs will probably never go out of style as long as really large storage is a necessity. Having a bunch of single drives plugged into eSATA or USB ports is not an answer to any large storage question.
Agree. eSata and RAID will be around for quite some time. With costs of drives at an all time low, I suspect they'll both only grow in popularity.

[Button Pusher]

I hooked up my external esata unit last night to my HR20-100. I used a raid 0 configuration wih two 750gb WD hard drives. So far so good. The guide was repopulating quickly last night. Now to set-up the SL's again. I used a Sans Digital MS2UT enclosure.

[Alan Gordon]

Pretty soon, I intend on adding a eSATA drive to my HR20-700, but I have a bit of a conundrum regarding how I'm going to do that.

I really want to get a Thecus N2050 and ONE (1) 500GB hard drive, and add another 500GB later down the line.

My question is, can I do this, or will I mess up my recordings when I add the second drive to the Thecus?

Has anyone done this before?

~Alan

[Rich]

Good reply, clear and easy to understand. Stick around! My problem with the RAID setup is the total loss of money.

You won't ever see SCSI used in a consumer device anymore. It's basically old technology. Theoretically, the fastest version of SCSI is about the same speed as eSATA, but there are other drawbacks such as requiring large connectors and cables and dealing with SCSI IDs and termination. Older SCSI was more forgiving with those things, but to achieve the higher speeds you really need to have those things working perfectly. This would defeat the purpose of an easy plug and play setup.

SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) is the new technology that basically replaces SCSI and offers the same speed and ease of connection as eSATA. Again, I doubt you'll see them in consumer devices since the drives are significantly more expensive. Even your MACs have all eliminated SCSI and have moved over to SATA.

Regardless, and getting a bit off topic. eSATA is the best interface for an external drive that is still fairly easy to connect and still offers the same speed as an internal drive. If you want more space, the best thing would be to use a box that allows you to configure multiple drives as a single "drive" (RAID) that the HR20 would see. Of course, my previous thought with a port replicator would be handy as well, but the HR20 would need to support multiple drives.

[jjmmcc]

Thanks Earl, so happens I'm getting my second HR20-700 installed today.
So after it downloads the new software, and since the internal drive has no recordings, I'm going to hook up the eSata.

I have a 500GB MaxtorQuickview Hardrive just waiting to be hooked up.
I estimate since the 300GB gets 50 Hrs MPEG-4 then my 500GB should get me a bit over 80 hrs MPEG-4.

I already have a enclosure but I cant remember where I got it online
I was using it for over a year with my Explorer 8300HD with no problems, so it should work just fine with the HR20!!

I cant wait to give this a try....

I will keep you posted

It's been a while, did this work?

[pjpete]

Was wondering if someone could let me know if the Western Digital Mybook Home Edition WDH1CS10000 External Hard Drive 1 TB ( USB 2.0, FireWire 400, eSATA). would work ok? I did a search and couldn't find anything on the site about it.

Thanks

[Michael D'Angelo]

Was wondering if someone could let me know if the Western Digital Mybook Home Edition WDH1CS10000 External Hard Drive 1 TB ( USB 2.0, FireWire 400, eSATA). would work ok? I did a search and couldn't find anything on the site about it.

Thanks

Any eSATA drive will work.

[pjpete]

Thanks Mike - I hadn't seen an external 1TB before. I think I will pick one up.

Thanks

Pete

[sbmiami]

can you use any external esata drive? or does it have to be a specific drive to HD and DVR programing (i.e. av drive)?

the HR20 uses a seagate DS drive (specific for HD recordings)

Will the quality change if you use any external drive?

[sbmiami]

Is there anyway to transfer data from internal drive to external drive?

[lucky13]

Was wondering if someone could let me know if the Western Digital Mybook Home Edition WDH1CS10000 External Hard Drive 1 TB ( USB 2.0, FireWire 400, eSATA). would work ok? I did a search and couldn't find anything on the site about it.

Thanks

Thanks Mike - I hadn't seen an external 1TB before. I think I will pick one up.

Thanks

Pete

On sale at CC for $279. Free shipping. I ordered two. They haven't arrived yet. Don't know how long they'll be on sale, but if you want to wait, I'll hook one up when I get them, and post the results.

This was a prospective purchase for additonal HR20s, so I'll hook it up to test but probably not keep it in 24/7 use. Of course, if someone would send me a SWM, I'd be happy to get another DVR or two right away. ;)

[lucky13]

can you use any external esata drive? or does it have to be a specific drive to HD and DVR programing (i.e. av drive)?

the HR20 uses a seagate DS drive (specific for HD recordings)

Will the quality change if you use any external drive?

Some have had problems with assorted brands/models, but there doesn't seem to be a pattern; at least, none that I've discerned in close to 2100 posts.

I have a Seagate 500 (thought that was huge at the time) and a SG FreeAgent 750 hooked up to my two HR20s. I just ordered two of the WD 1TBs.

No quality change, but wouldn't expect one. The drives are recording data streams, not audio and video. The HR20 decodes the data when you play back the recordings.

[Rich]

Was wondering if someone could let me know if the Western Digital Mybook Home Edition WDH1CS10000 External Hard Drive 1 TB ( USB 2.0, FireWire 400, eSATA). would work ok? I did a search and couldn't find anything on the site about it.

Thanks

I just bought one and will install it tomorrow if my new refurbished 100 lives thru the night. Will let you know how it works tomorrow night with any luck.

[Rich]

I had a lot of trouble with Cavalry eSATAs. Eight of them. Took them all back and now have four FAPs hooked up.

Some have had problems with assorted brands/models, but there doesn't seem to be a pattern; at least, none that I've discerned in close to 2100 posts.

I have a Seagate 500 (thought that was huge at the time) and a SG FreeAgent 750 hooked up to my two HR20s. I just ordered two of the WD 1TBs.

No quality change, but wouldn't expect one. The drives are recording data streams, not audio and video. The HR20 decodes the data when you play back the recordings.

[cbeckner80]

I just added a 750gb Cavalry eSATA to my HR20-700. All went well, including the media share showing up etc., until I looked for my VOD. I did the "IWANTMYVOD" search.

Does this take an extended period of time to show up. It was almost immediate the first time I did the CE and added VOD.

Thanks for you help.

[Pluvious]

Took mine a few hours.

[cbeckner80]

Took mine a few hours.

Thanks

[headcase]

Was wondering if someone could let me know if the Western Digital Mybook Home Edition WDH1CS10000 External Hard Drive 1 TB ( USB 2.0, FireWire 400, eSATA). would work ok? I did a search and couldn't find anything on the site about it.

Thanks

I picked one up from Costco today, and it's not working for me -- the HR20 keeps trying to boot up, and re-boots after a minute or so. I'm not sure if its the eSATA to eSATA cable from PNY (purchased the cable at Best Buy).

Anyone having success with this drive?

[Rich]

It is not the cables or the DVR. I called WD and found out that they will NOT work on a DVR, but they have 500 Gig "DVR Extenders" that are made for DVRs.

I spent all morning trouble shooting and gave up and called for help. Went to my local Costco and told the manager. He was grateful for the head's up and put a sign on the WD eSATAs. What he was concerned about was the FAPs since he had been selling a lot of them based on my advice. Assured him that the FAPs were fine.

Let me make this clear:

The Western Digital My Book eSATA 1TB is not made for DVRs. Based on my experience this morning, it will not work with an HR20. I tried to get it to work with four of them and the same thing happened, either not recognizing the eSATA or constant rebooting.

I picked one up from Costco today, and it's not working for me -- the HR20 keeps trying to boot up, and re-boots after a minute or so. I'm not sure if its the eSATA to eSATA cable from PNY (purchased the cable at Best Buy).

Anyone having success with this drive?

[Rich]

On sale at CC for $279. Free shipping. I ordered two. They haven't arrived yet. Don't know how long they'll be on sale, but if you want to wait, I'll hook one up when I get them, and post the results.

This was a prospective purchase for additonal HR20s, so I'll hook it up to test but probably not keep it in 24/7 use. Of course, if someone would send me a SWM, I'd be happy to get another DVR or two right away. ;)

See post #2080.

[Rich]

Hey Mike,

See post 2080 on this thread. So much for another paradigm.

Rich

Any eSATA drive will work.

[Sirshagg]

The Western Digital My Book eSATA 1TB is not made for DVRs. Based on my experience this morning, it will not work with an HR20. I tried to get it to work with four of them and the same thing happened, either not recognizing the eSATA or constant rebooting.

I'll take your word on it, but how and why would they make it incompatable with a DVR?

[Rich]

Cancel that order if you can. They will not work with the HR20.

Some have had problems with assorted brands/models, but there doesn't seem to be a pattern; at least, none that I've discerned in close to 2100 posts.

I have a Seagate 500 (thought that was huge at the time) and a SG FreeAgent 750 hooked up to my two HR20s. I just ordered two of the WD 1TBs.

No quality change, but wouldn't expect one. The drives are recording data streams, not audio and video. The HR20 decodes the data when you play back the recordings.

[Rich]

Can't answer your question, but apparently they are making units that will work with HR20s and are made specifically for DVRs. Largest of the "DVR extenders" is 500 Gigs at the moment.

Really an aggravating experience this morning. I knew the eSATA function was OK because the FAPs worked. Thought it must be the cord, so I trimmed one. Same result.

Just another bad business decision.

The WD tech knew right away what the problem was. They are made for PCs, period.

I'll take your word on it, but how and why would they make it incompatable with a DVR?

[Michael54017]

Hi,
I've been watching the posts to see how to connect an eSATA to my HR20, I think I have it right but could someone verify this for me? I have an eSATA Free Agent Pro, 500GB and the HR20. So here's the steps, I think:

1. Shut down the HR 20 and unplug it.
2. Plug in the FA Pro to the eSATA port on the back of the HR20.
3. Power up the FA Pro, let it go for a minute or two.
4. Then plug in and turn on the HR20.

So do I have it right or did I miss a step?

Thanks,

Mike

[Michael D'Angelo]

Hi,
I've been watching the posts to see how to connect an eSATA to my HR20, I think I have it right but could someone verify this for me? I have an eSATA Free Agent Pro, 500GB and the HR20. So here's the steps, I think:

1. Shut down the HR 20 and unplug it.
2. Plug in the FA Pro to the eSATA port on the back of the HR20.
3. Power up the FA Pro, let it go for a minute or two.
4. Then plug in and turn on the HR20.

So do I have it right or did I miss a step?

Thanks,

Mike

Welcome to DBSTalk

Yes

[cbeckner80]

Well, i't been over 24 hours and I still don't have my VOD back after adding my eSATA. (See post #2076).

Any suggestions.

Thanks

[SyberWizard]

I am still checking this thread for similar experiences, but will post mine anyway. I ordered an internal WD 1TB drive and put it into an Antec external case. Great combination, by the way. The case really masks the noise from the drive and still gives me a cooling fan. Good looks also always helps!

Anyway, first time I tried it, everytime I tried to access the guide I got some old notice about new fonts or some such from way back. Yesterday, I got an early start and did a full reset, back to original. After going through the entire setup, things seemed to have been working fine. However, when I try to watch anything that was recorded, I just get a black screen. Forward buttons do not work. If I try to watch something that is currently being recorded from the beginning, the screen instead shows the live picture with no sound. I am not sure where to go from here, but shall try something ...

[Sirshagg]

I am still checking this thread for similar experiences, but will post mine anyway. I ordered an internal WD 1TB drive and put it into an Antec external case. Great combination, by the way. The case really masks the noise from the drive and still gives me a cooling fan. Good looks also always helps!

Anyway, first time I tried it, everytime I tried to access the guide I got some old notice about new fonts or some such from way back. Yesterday, I got an early start and did a full reset, back to original. After going through the entire setup, things seemed to have been working fine. However, when I try to watch anything that was recorded, I just get a black screen. Forward buttons do not work. If I try to watch something that is currently being recorded from the beginning, the screen instead shows the live picture with no sound. I am not sure where to go from here, but shall try something ...

I've got two HR20's setup with the 1tb WD hard drive and Antec cases - no issues. I did set the jumper (5-6 I think) to disable the 3gb speed which the HR20 apparently can't handle.

[turfster]

Well after following this thread, literally reading all 80+ pages and reading through several other threads on DBS, I finally took the plunge and purchased a 1tb Western Digital internal HD and a Kingwin external enclosure. Both seemed like the most reliable and most used within this thread. Hooked it up this morning and everything worked the first time around.

I did a Menu, Setup, Restart and than powered down the HR20 when all the lights went out on front panel. Than, on the advice from several people on this forum, I plugged in both ends of the SATA cable, than powered the external enclosure/HD, waited one minute and finally plugged in the HR20.

System fired up on first try and the guide repopulated rather quickly. I recorded over 8 hrs of HD programming on channel 70 HBOHD and I am at 96% available space. The jury is obviously still out since it has literally only been hours not days of operations, but I will keep all abreast if something comes up.

I was spoiled in my other life with my HR10-250 Tivo based receivers, I installed a second internal 500gb hard drive on my main receiver and had literally hours upon hours of recording time. When I went to the HR20 due to the D* HD channel upgrade I was amazed at how little recording time I had and could not go another day without upgrading. Still miss my Tivo based unit, but I have to say outside of the Dual Buffer I really like some of the features of this DVR. Not totally pleased, but I can honestly say I can get used to it.

BTW: I too tried the Western Digital 1tb My Book external hard drive and I can attest that it did not work on all three of my receivers either, so I would recommend against them and keep with the internal drives with an external enclosure.

I know this is my first post on this site, but I am a frequent user on two other forums within my profession and I am not a lurker on forums. I want to tip my hat to ALL the people that make this forum tick and being with D* since 1996 I can empathize with all the customer service issues, etc. My most recent upgrade on the HR20 COULD NOT have been possible if it was not for many people on this site and the valued input within this thread/topic. I want to thank all again and I hope my experience can help others the way you all have helped me recently.

I'll keep you all posted if something comes up with my most recent upgrade,
Tony

[Sirshagg]

Well after following this thread, literally reading all 80+ pages and reading through several other threads on DBS, I finally took the plunge and purchased a 1tb Western Digital internal HD and a Kingwin external enclosure. Both seemed like the most reliable and most used within this thread. Hooked it up this morning and everything worked the first time around.

I did a Menu, Setup, Restart and than powered down the HR20 when all the lights went out on front panel. Than, on the advice from several people on this forum, I plugged in both ends of the SATA cable, than powered the external enclosure/HD, waited one minute and finally plugged in the HR20.

System fired up on first try and the guide repopulated rather quickly. I recorded over 8 hrs of HD programming on channel 70 HBOHD and I am at 96% available space. The jury is obviously still out since it has literally only been hours not days of operations, but I will keep all abreast if something comes up.

I was spoiled in my other life with my HR10-250 Tivo based receivers, I installed a second internal 500gb hard drive on my main receiver and had literally hours upon hours of recording time. When I went to the HR20 due to the D* HD channel upgrade I was amazed at how little recording time I had and could not go another day without upgrading. Still miss my Tivo based unit, but I have to say outside of the Dual Buffer I really like some of the features of this DVR. Not totally pleased, but I can honestly say I can get used to it.

BTW: I too tried the Western Digital 1tb My Book external hard drive and I can attest that it did not work on all three of my receivers either, so I would recommend against them and keep with the internal drives with an external enclosure.

I know this is my first post on this site, but I am a frequent user on two other forums within my profession and I am not a lurker on forums. I want to tip my hat to ALL the people that make this forum tick and being with D* since 1996 I can empathize with all the customer service issues, etc. My most recent upgrade on the HR20 COULD NOT have been possible if it was not for many people on this site and the valued input within this thread/topic. I want to thank all again and I hope my experience can help others the way you all have helped me recently.

I'll keep you all posted if something comes up with my most recent upgrade,
Tony

It's been a while since I've gotten the opportunity to hand one of these out...:welcome_s

[Lord Vader]

turf, keep us posted on your WD 1TB drive, because word has it that these drives don't work for DVRs.

[turfster]

turf, keep us posted on your WD 1TB drive, because word has it that these drives don't work for DVRs.

I purchased the WD 1tb WD10EACS (it is their newer 'green' drive) from New Egg and so far so good. I just entered in all my shows to begin recording my favorites, etc. As mentioned, I'll keep you posted if it goes down, but I have my fingers crossed.

BTW: I have not updated my profile so I'll simply post it here for now: I have (3) HR20's; my main one HR20-100 with the new drive is hooked up to a 50" Pioneer Elite, one HR20-700 hooked up to a 32" Sharp Aquos LCD and the third one HR20-100 hooked up to a Sony Wega in my bedroom.

Tony

[huh?]

I'm new and want to thank everyone that has posted on here. Great info. I've been reading the previous posts for the past hour and I am overwhelmed by the info and confused. I have a HR20-700 and want to add a eSATA external drive like everyone else here.
Two questions:

1) outside of Western Digital, which mfg can I use?

2) can i now move saved media from the internal drive to the external drive, or will i lose it once i move to the external drive?

The possibility in losing the media from the internal drive is my biggest concern and is keeping me from trying this.

[Lord Vader]

I'm new and want to thank everyone that has posted on here. Great info. I've been reading the previous posts for the past hour and I am overwhelmed by the info and confused. I have a HR20-700 and want to add a eSATA external drive like everyone else here.
Two questions:

1) outside of Western Digital, which mfg can I use?

The most common ones used are the Seagate Free Agent Pro 750GB and the Hitachi 1TB. I have the latter in an Antec MX-1 enclosure.


2) can i now move saved media from the internal drive to the external drive, or will i lose it once i move to the external drive?

The possibility in losing the media from the internal drive is my biggest concern and is keeping me from trying this.

You cannot move recordings or settings from your internal to eSATA drive; however, you won't lose anything on your internal drive. That stuff stays put. You will need to set up Series Links and all on your eSATA once you get it up and running. The eSATA drive is not a supplement but a replacement. BTW, you can switch between the two whenever you wish.

[Sirshagg]

I'm new and want to thank everyone that has posted on here. Great info. I've been reading the previous posts for the past hour and I am overwhelmed by the info and confused. I have a HR20-700 and want to add a eSATA external drive like everyone else here.
Two questions:

1) outside of Western Digital, which mfg can I use?

2) can i now move saved media from the internal drive to the external drive, or will i lose it once i move to the external drive?

The possibility in losing the media from the internal drive is my biggest concern and is keeping me from trying this.

1. you should be able to use any unternal sata drive in an external cases that provides an esata output. You can also use the all in one units like the Seagate Free Agent Pro (many people here have those). The only one I've seen that we know does not work is the all in one WD 1tb (mybook?) drive.

2. No you can not move shows back and forth between the internal drive and esata. If you plug in an esata drive thats all the HR20 will use. All the data on the internal drive will still be intact. If you later disconnect the esata drive you can then watch the shows still left on the internal drive.

[huh?]

The most common ones used are the Seagate Free Agent Pro 750GB and the Hitachi 1TB. I have the latter in an Antec MX-1 enclosure.



You cannot move recordings or settings from your internal to eSATA drive; however, you won't lose anything on your internal drive. That stuff stays put. You will need to set up Series Links and all on your eSATA once you get it up and running. The eSATA drive is not a supplement but a replacement. BTW, you can switch between the two whenever you wish.

Thank you, Lord Vader. But how exactly do you just switch between the two whenever you like?

[Lord Vader]

Just disconnect the eSATA and reboot. The receiver will boot off the internal drive. When going back to the eSATA, reconnect it and reboot.

[huh?]

1. you should be able to use any unternal sata drive in an external cases that provides an esata output. You can also use the all in one units like the Seagate Free Agent Pro (many people here have those). The only one I've seen that we know does not work is the all in one WD 1tb (mybook?) drive.

2. No you can not move shows back and forth between the internal drive and esata. If you plug in an esata drive thats all the HR20 will use. All the data on the internal drive will still be intact. If you later disconnect the esata drive you can then watch the shows still left on the internal drive.

Thanks for the info, Sirshagg

[huh?]

Just disconnect the eSATA and reboot. The receiver will boot off the internal drive. When going back to the eSATA, reconnect it and reboot.

Damn Lord Vader, you must have an "EASY" button. Thanks again.

[Rich]

Call WD's tech support. I bought their 1 TB eSATA and the same thing happened to me. I was told it would not work with a DVR.

I am still checking this thread for similar experiences, but will post mine anyway. I ordered an internal WD 1TB drive and put it into an Antec external case. Great combination, by the way. The case really masks the noise from the drive and still gives me a cooling fan. Good looks also always helps!

Anyway, first time I tried it, everytime I tried to access the guide I got some old notice about new fonts or some such from way back. Yesterday, I got an early start and did a full reset, back to original. After going through the entire setup, things seemed to have been working fine. However, when I try to watch anything that was recorded, I just get a black screen. Forward buttons do not work. If I try to watch something that is currently being recorded from the beginning, the screen instead shows the live picture with no sound. I am not sure where to go from here, but shall try something ...

[Rich]

turf, keep us posted on your WD 1TB drive, because word has it that these drives don't work for DVRs.

I posted about the WD My Book 1 TB eSATA, not internal drives.

[aleicgrant]

confirmed, 1tb mybook and mybook studio do not work.

[Rich]

confirmed, 1tb mybook and mybook studio do not work.

Get the Seagate Free Agent Pro 750 Gig eSATA. They work great.

[Lord Vader]

Or better yet, the Hitachi 1TB for even more space.

[lucky13]

See post #2080.


Thanks for the heads up. Just as well, because the CC sale item was only the USB version, despite the advertising that is was for the triple-interface model. I checked the model number in the ad against WD's website, and CC had it wrong.

Spent a frustrating yet amusing 30 minutes at CC trying to get the correct model (before I saw your post). Firedog tech "expert" was trying to explain to me that the reference to ESATA was only the drive's internal connection (as if it were speaking to itself), not the speed at which it would connect to your PC or DVR. While he was trying to find proof of this theory on the internet, I walked over to the drive display, and brought him a 500GB triple-interface box. So much for expert advice. Good thing for me they didn't have the 1TB version in stock, or I would have wasted more time.

Got a full refund.

[willardcpa]

See post #2080.


Thanks for the heads up. Just as well, because the CC sale item was only the USB version, despite the advertising that is was for the triple-interface model.....
re: "triple-interface model" I ran across a couple on line yesterday where they were USB and two different firewire speeds (terminology?) and they referred to it as "triple-interface" So it's not just CC that is deceptive on this.

[turfster]

QUOTE=rich584;1255922]See post #2080.[/QUOTE]


Thanks for the heads up. Just as well, because the CC sale item was only the USB version, despite the advertising that is was for the triple-interface model. I checked the model number in the ad against WD's website, and CC had it wrong.

Spent a frustrating yet amusing 30 minutes at CC trying to get the correct model (before I saw your post). Firedog tech "expert" was trying to explain to me that the reference to ESATA was only the drive's internal connection (as if it were speaking to itself), not the speed at which it would connect to your PC or DVR. While he was trying to find proof of this theory on the internet, I walked over to the drive display, and brought him a 500GB triple-interface box. So much for expert advice. Good thing for me they didn't have the 1TB version in stock, or I would have wasted more time.

Got a full refund.[/QUOTE]




Do not feel bad. I had two days and countless hours and miserable experiences at both BB and CC. BB sold me the Western Digital 1tb My Book for Mac:mad: and had to return for full credit. After that experience I went to CC and they tried to sell me the Western Digital that they thought had the triple interface. Like others on this thread I had to literally argue with the sales people there to get the correct information, etc.:mad:

Anyhow, to that end as I posted in an earlier post, I purchased a WD 1tb internal HD with a Kingwin enclosure online from New Egg and could not be happier. I think the total purchase price was $312 and the purchase from New Egg went extremely smooth, received it in three days. Assembly was fairly straightforward with the exception of the wiring harness on the Kingwin which was a bit of a problem hooking it up to the HD and routing it within the enclosure.

Is has been three days now since I booted it up on my HR20-100 and everything seems to be functioning great.

Hope this helps,
Tony

[Rich]

Or better yet, the Hitachi 1TB for even more space.

Haven't I sent you the message detailing how to purchase eSATAs?

[Lord Vader]

Yes, but I've already got my eSATAs.

[Rich]

Yes, but I've already got my eSATAs.

Thread seems to be dying out, finally. Lasted a long time and has lots of info. Good thread.

[SyberWizard]

Just to finish up my experience with the WD 1TB drive, I finally pulled it and took it back to the shop. On diagnostic testing with WD diagnostics, it immediately failed SMART test, and that is as far as you go! Drive was RMAd back to the distributor for credit and I poked a Seagate 750GB in its place. Worked perfectly.

[Rich]

Seeeeeeee!

[SuperW2]

Maybe a dumb question, but after reading 85 pages of replies to this thread, my head hurts...

Any changes to the eSata functionality, setup process, etc between the HR21 vs the HR20?

I got my HR21 Installed yesterday and was going to go ahead and toss on a 750 GB Seagate eSata drive that I happen to have laying arround already in an enclosure. I don't have anything setup yet, so really not much to lose.

SW2

[Michael D'Angelo]

Maybe a dumb question, but after reading 85 pages of replies to this thread, my head hurts...

Any changes to the eSata functionality, setup process, etc between the HR21 vs the HR20?

I got my HR21 Installed yesterday and was going to go ahead and toss on a 750 GB Seagate eSata drive that I happen to have laying arround already in an enclosure. I don't have anything setup yet, so really not much to lose.

SW2

Welcome to DBSTalk

Everything is the same between the HR20 and HR21 when adding an eSATA drive.

[SuperW2]

Welcome to DBSTalk

Everything is the same between the HR20 and HR21 when adding an eSATA drive.

Gracias!

[BigCat]

Could you post a link to the Hitachi model you are referring to?
Can someone post a link to the eSata cable needed please?

Here's the newegg link to 1TB drives.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2000150014+103530090&name=800GB+and+higher

I was checking the reviews at newegg for the seagate free ag. 750 and they are terrible, aren't people here having any of those issues w/ the seagate drive?

Or better yet, the Hitachi 1TB for even more space.

[BigCat]

which 1TB model did you get? thanks

X3
I used the WD drive though.

[SidneyGreenbaum]

Anyone seen a string for info on swapping out the drive on the HR20 or Hr21 or does anyone have a step by step. thanks

[tonyoci]

OK I am very late to the party here, I have not read the whole thread.

I understand the whole setup, and usage stuff but I have a couple of basic questions.

What size is the drive inside the existing systems (I have a 100 and 700)

How many hours extra MPEG2 can I get on a 750gb drive ???

Thanks

[Rich]

Maybe a dumb question, but after reading 85 pages of replies to this thread, my head hurts...

Any changes to the eSata functionality, setup process, etc between the HR21 vs the HR20?

I got my HR21 Installed yesterday and was going to go ahead and toss on a 750 GB Seagate eSata drive that I happen to have laying arround already in an enclosure. I don't have anything setup yet, so really not much to lose.

SW2

Best to let the HR21 sit for a day or two and then hook up the eSATA. Just an opinion based on experience.

[Sirshagg]

which 1TB model did you get? thanks

The best i can tell there is only one, sold under two model numbers (retail boxed vs OEM) I have one of each.

WD10EACS
WD10000CSRTL

[harsh]

How many hours extra MPEG2 can I get on a 750gb drive ???Understand that an external drive disables the internal drive. You'll get approximately 120-150 hours of HD.

[turfster]

The best i can tell there is only one, sold under two model numbers (retail boxed vs OEM) I have one of each.

WD10EACS
WD10000CSRTL

Just wanted to update everyone that I have been using/installed the WD10EACS for over a week now in a Kingwin enclosure and all is fine. The HR20-100 has been functioning perfectly and no issues to date. It is unbelievable quiet and runs cooler than I anticipated. Very happy so far.

Thanks DBS and this thread,
Tony

[rwarmels]

I've read all the posts and I bought a FAP 750 Gb drive and cable and the new drive never got recognized. I went and bought a WD eSata drive and the same thing happened. I returned both drives, bought two replacements, and ordered a SIIG cable. Same thing happened with both drives again. The HR20-700 booted off the internal drive and never recognized the new drive. I'd try an enclosure approach but don't want to spend the money if my DVR's eSata port is not working. Any ideas I can use to test my DVR before spending any more $. Any help would be appreciated. I'm now considering buying a new internal drive and voiding the warranty.

[Rich]

I've had a couple of HR20s that had no eSATA functionality. Sounds like you might be the proud owner of one. If a Seagate FAP won't work with it, I would suspect the HR20 and would get a replacement.

But first, one question. You did plug everything in except the HR20 and then plug the HR20 in last, right?

I've read all the posts and I bought a FAP 750 Gb drive and cable and the new drive never got recognized. I went and bought a WD eSata drive and the same thing happened. I returned both drives, bought two replacements, and ordered a SIIG cable. Same thing happened with both drives again. The HR20-700 booted off the internal drive and never recognized the new drive. I'd try an enclosure approach but don't want to spend the money if my DVR's eSata port is not working. Any ideas I can use to test my DVR before spending any more $. Any help would be appreciated. I'm now considering buying a new internal drive and voiding the warranty.

[rwarmels]

I've had a couple of HR20s that had no eSATA functionality. Sounds like you might be the proud owner of one. If a Seagate FAP won't work with it, I would suspect the HR20 and would get a replacement.

But first, one question. You did plug everything in except the HR20 and then plug the HR20 in last, right?

Thanks for your response. Yes, I unplugged the HR20, plugged in everything, turned on the FAP, let it cook for several minutes, then plugged in the HR20. Nothing.

As for getting a replacement, since "D" doesn't support the eSata feature, will they replace my unit if that's all that's wrong with it?

[Rich]

As for getting a replacement, since "D" doesn't support the eSata feature, will they replace my unit if that's all that's wrong with it?

Just tell them you have to reboot the unit every morning.

[rsblaski]

Just tell them you have to reboot the unit every morning.

Why are all manhole covers round? Please don't Google.

If you really want an answer.....
Because it is impossible to drop the cover into the manhole. A square one can be dropped if turned on edge and turned 45 degrees.

[Jagg]

I apologize for the newb question, but i just want confirmation before i buy. My HR20s keep dying. If i bought an external, would i still lose everything when i replace my HR20? I'm looking for a way not to lose all my saved programs everytime it dies :(

[greenraven]

Off topic but while true, its not just because a square cover can fall in. In fact, a circle is the only geometric shape that cannot fit through it own major dimension (diameter)


Why are all manhole covers round? Please don't Google.

If you really want an answer.....
Because it is impossible to drop the cover into the manhole. A square one can be dropped if turned on edge and turned 45 degrees.

[SirJW]

Hi – new the board and DirecTV.

I’ve read many threads here but I’m having trouble w/ something that hasn’t been covered or I just can’t find it. I hope someone can help me.

I’m having trouble getting my Seagate Free Agent Pro 750 GB and a new HR-21 700 to work together. I waited a few days before I hooked up the drive and the HR-21 seems fine. I connected the two but after about ten minutes of recording the HR-21 freezes. Several re-boots, different cables, I've updated the software to 018b and it still freezes the DirecTV Box. Could the HR-21 or hard drive need to be replaced?

These are the instructions I followed to hook up the drive:

>>>It is extremely easy to attach the eSATA drive. I would recommend you turn on the HR20 and use it for a day or two to make sure everything is working well. Also, you should have at least one program recorded on it for verification later that the eSATA drive is working:

1) Turn off the HR20 (pulling the plug is the only way to turn it off).

2) Attach your eSATA drive to the HR20, and power it up.

3) Plug the HR20 back in. It will recognize the drive, and format it.

4) Here is where having had one program recorded on the HR20 comes in. Go to the list of recorded shows. Your show should not be there, because you are now on the eSATA drive.

If that is the case, you have done everything correctly and you are good to go. There is also plenty of info regarding this at dbstalk.com.<<<

Any help to get this working properly would be greatly appreciated, I'd like to set up my season passes already and start filling up the drive...

Thanks in advance…

[Earl Bonovich]

The Seagate FAP is a troublesome little beast...

Either because of it's lower cost (hence more people trying to use it), it seems to be the one eSATA device out there that doesn't want to play nicely with the HR20/21 series.

DirecTV is working on identifying exactly models of "Off-The-Shelf" eSATA devices that are confirmed to work properly with the system.

[Sirshagg]

I apologize for the newb question, but i just want confirmation before i buy. My HR20s keep dying. If i bought an external, would i still lose everything when i replace my HR20? I'm looking for a way not to lose all my saved programs everytime it dies :(

The esata drive is tied to the specific HR20. Recordings on it will not play on another HR20. Some people have reported that OTA recordings will play on another HR20, but not sat recordings. YMMV

[cougar]

I apologize for the newb question, but i just want confirmation before i buy. My HR20s keep dying. If i bought an external, would i still lose everything when i replace my HR20? I'm looking for a way not to lose all my saved programs everytime it dies :(

Yes, you will lose access to the programs saved to your external hard drive if the hr20 fails. The external hard drive is "married" to a specific hr20. If you replace the hr20 you will be unable to view the programs recorded from the first hr20. To prevent the loss of any programs you absolutely want to keep you could invest in a dvd recorder.

Oops, Sirshagg beat me to it!

[SirJW]

The Seagate FAP is a troublesome little beast...

Either because of it's lower cost (hence more people trying to use it), it seems to be the one eSATA device out there that doesn't want to play nicely with the HR20/21 series.

DirecTV is working on identifying exactly models of "Off-The-Shelf" eSATA devices that are confirmed to work properly with the system.


Uggh, so I bought the wrong device, I was under the impression the SFAP was one of the hot drives to get.

Should I replace w/ a new one or go w/ a different product?

[noroll]

Earl certainly has more knowledge on the subject than me but I'd be interested in knowing the cable you are using.

I run two FAP's and have never had a problem yet.

I'm using SIIG eSATA to eSATA cables they fit very well.

[Jagg]

Yes, you will lose access to the programs saved to your external hard drive if the hr20 fails. The external hard drive is "married" to a specific hr20. If you replace the hr20 you will be unable to view the programs recorded from the first hr20. To prevent the loss of any programs you absolutely want to keep you could invest in a dvd recorder.

Oops, Sirshagg beat me to it!

Thanks guys. Too bad they can't be separated, but i guess that becomes a DRM nightmare. Maybe sometime in the future we'll be able to keep our shows when the DVRs die. So strange with these HR20s because my D* Tivo is still going strong and never failed once in years of continuous use.

[Earl Bonovich]

Uggh, so I bought the wrong device, I was under the impression the SFAP was one of the hot drives to get.

Should I replace w/ a new one or go w/ a different product?

Earl certainly has more knowledge on the subject than me but I'd be interested in knowing the cable you are using.

I run two FAP's and have never had a problem yet.

I'm using SIIG eSATA to eSATA cables they fit very well.

I can't say you bought the "wrong" device, but it is the device we hear the most about here... and that basically can be because of its popularity.

There have been others that have said they had an issue with the drive and the HR21, but others that have said it has worked.

So right now... I don't know.
As I said, DirecTV is going to be working on validating some of the "Off The Shelf" solutions, but I don't know when it is going to be completed.

[cougar]

Uggh, so I bought the wrong device, I was under the impression the SFAP was one of the hot drives to get.

Should I replace w/ a new one or go w/ a different product?

I've got 2 of the FreeAgent Pro's and they are working fine. There have been some posts that recommend trimming rubber from the end of the eSATA cable to insure a good connection, but I haven't had to do that. Go ahead and try it, it might work fine. :)

[SirJW]

But why would it work for a few minutes and then freeze? I think I'll try an exchange.

[cougar]

Sorry SirJW, I should have read back further in the posts :(

You're right, it shouldn't freeze. It looks like you've tried a number of different solutions, maybe someone with more experience can help you out. Good luck

[SirJW]

Thanks.

[rjf]

well, i came here just for info on adding the external drive, then checked prices to see if it was in my range and found what i think was a great deal on a Seagate Free Agent Pro 750 --- $139 + 14 s/h. so i went ahead and got it. hope this works!!

[MeSue]

great deal on a Seagate Free Agent Pro 750 --- $139 + 14 s/h.

Care to share where you found that deal?

[rjf]

Care to share where you found that deal?

sure -- i got it on ebay. some power seller had about 75 of them and people were snapping them up. quite a few bought multiples, up to 6. i just got the one. would've liked to get 2 or 3 at that price. but sorry to tell ya, they sold out of them last night. i figured as much, which is why i bought one before relly understanding how to do this. figured i could always use it as a backup drive if it doesn't work.

[rsblaski]

well, i came here just for info on adding the external drive, then checked prices to see if it was in my range and found what i think was a great deal on a Seagate Free Agent Pro 750 --- $139 + 14 s/h. so i went ahead and got it. hope this works!!

rjf,
I hope that you will get the FAP with an HDMI port. There are at least three different models of the FAP. One only has a USB port; another has a USB + HDMI; and the most expensive has USB, HDMI and Firewire.
If you get one without the HDMI port, you will not be able to use it with the DVR.
If you get one with the HDMI, you really got a good deal.
Good luck,
Rick

[BigCat]

first time I ever hear of a hard drive with HDMI ports :eek2:

rjf,
I hope that you will get the FAP with an HDMI port. There are at least three different models of the FAP. One only has a USB port; another has a USB + HDMI; and the most expensive has USB, HDMI and Firewire.
If you get one without the HDMI port, you will not be able to use it with the DVR.
If you get one with the HDMI, you really got a good deal.
Good luck,
Rick

[leww37334]

I'm sure rblaski meant esata, he was probably just another victim of acronym overload.


I am most interested on Earl's comment about Directv working to identify hard drives that work with the HR-20. I would love to see that list. I checked the Directv website and the Directv forum the only real references to esata (in the forum section) referred me back to dbstalk.

I sure would like to see Directv publish something somewhere about the capability.

I fear we are going to wake up after a national release and find no more esata. Then we will see the posts here stating that Directv never actually said there was an esata capability available.

[leww37334]

Happy belated birthday to this thread, it has been over a year since it was started,

I wonder if there has been any change to the esata implementation in that year?

[rjf]

rjf,
I hope that you will get the FAP with an HDMI port. There are at least three different models of the FAP. One only has a USB port; another has a USB + HDMI; and the most expensive has USB, HDMI and Firewire.
If you get one without the HDMI port, you will not be able to use it with the DVR.
If you get one with the HDMI, you really got a good deal.
Good luck,
Rick

ya, luckily i knew enough to make sure. supposedly the one i got has esata and usb. but i'm always suspicious of these 'too good to be true' deals. we'll see what happens

[cartrivision]

Why are all manhole covers round? Please don't Google.

If you really want an answer.....
Because it is impossible to drop the cover into the manhole. A square one can be dropped if turned on edge and turned 45 degrees.

That explains why they AREN'T square, not why they are round. There are other shapes besides round that also can't be dropped into the manhole when turned on edge, so why are they round?

[cartrivision]

Happy belated birthday to this thread, it has been over a year since it was started,

I wonder if there has been any change to the esata implementation in that year?

Nope. More than a year later, it's still an unsupported function. It would be nice if D* started supporting it and got rid of it's major shortcomings.... not using the internal disk space while an external disk is hooked up, and not being able to move the disk to another receiver on the same account without losing all of the recorded content on the disk.

[Rich]

Off topic but while true, its not just because a square cover can fall in. In fact, a circle is the only geometric shape that cannot fit through it own major dimension (diameter)

Very well put. Closer to Kiss than most replys.

[Rich]

I can't say you bought the "wrong" device, but it is the device we hear the most about here... and that basically can be because of its popularity.

There have been others that have said they had an issue with the drive and the HR21, but others that have said it has worked.

So right now... I don't know.
As I said, DirecTV is going to be working on validating some of the "Off The Shelf" solutions, but I don't know when it is going to be completed.

I've had 13 eSATAs. Eight Cavalry 750s, four FAP 750s and one My Book 750.
Seven of the Cavalrys were extremely noisy (took one apart and nothing was loose, had to be the HD) and I turned in the one Cavalry that did work for a couple months, for a cheaper FAP. I bought the My Book just out of lust and found out it was never intended to work with DVRs.

Have not had one problem with the FAPs. Had many HR20s go bad, all those Cavalry eSATAs that were bad, and absolutely no problem with an FAP. And they only have to last a year or so.

Is this an issue with the HR21 and the FAP? Never had an HR21.

[huh?]

Success with a Seagate FreeAgent Pro 750 GB on a HR20-700. Using a Link Depot 6ft eSATA to eSATA cable. Not sure if anyone else is having trouble going with an factory built external hard drive instead of a SATA drive and enclosure, but will do my best in sharing info:

1) Connected hard drive to DVR with eSATA cable, then wait about 2-3 min.
2) Power on hard drive.
3) Wait 2-3 min.
4) Plugged in DVR, BUT DO NOT MANUALLY TURN ON THE DVR. DVR will boot up on its own in less than 3 min.
5) As the DVR automatically powers on, the REC button should light up red for a short amount of time (10 sec - 1 min. or more). If it does, it means that the DVR recognizes the factory built external hard drive and you will be good to go after the DVR has gone through its normal start up process. If not, go back to step 1 and allow an additional minute or two between steps.

Hopefully, this process will work for any factory built external hard drive (remember YRMV).

PLEASE NOTE: I haven't had a chance to test the removal of the external hard drive to return to the contents of the internal hard drive as of yet. I'm confident that it will as stated in other people's post, but will post a correction if I find otherwise.

[rsblaski]

I'm sure rblaski meant esata, he was probably just another victim of acronym overload.


I am most interested on Earl's comment about Directv working to identify hard drives that work with the HR-20. I would love to see that list. I checked the Directv website and the Directv forum the only real references to esata (in the forum section) referred me back to dbstalk.

I sure would like to see Directv publish something somewhere about the capability.

I fear we are going to wake up after a national release and find no more esata. Then we will see the posts here stating that Directv never actually said there was an esata capability available.

Doh!
Yep. e-sata.
Still, I hope the OP gets one ASAP with E-SATA.
Did anyone ever publish a list of the acronyms we use on this site?

TTFN,
Rick

[inkahauts]

I have 3 FAP hooked up and have connected and disconnected them several times and have discovered that it works for me only if the esata cable is plugged into the drive and the hr20 with both powered off and unplugged. if the cable is plugged into the drive with its power plugged in even when its turned off, it doesn't connect....

[jangell2]

I'm wondering if the problem I'm having is related to having an esata drive. For the past week, there an been intermittent noise coming out of my speakers. It's a quick, loud, pop. If I go back in the buffer to the same point, the noise is repeated exactly, so it is being recorded.

During the day, CNN is tuned in a lot, but I've noticed it in other channels. I've checked my inputs into the HR20 and made sure they are tight.

Anyone else have this problem?

[freshone]

Well Johnny, not that problem but...I have all my stuff going into my DENON reveiver which does switching between components. All was fine. When I hooked up the THECUS I got for the esata (2 WD's, so far working flawlessly btw), suddenly when I switched over to the DVD from the DVR, the receiver flips out now...clicking like mad back and forth for some reason?? Now the funny part is, when I turn OFF the HR20, all is fine!! And from what I read, all it does is turn off the LED's on the front panel.

I'm at a loss for what the THECUS is doing to cause it. Interference maybe? I don't know. But, if anyone has any ideas, I would love to hear them.

Thanks!

[P Smith]

Doh!
Yep. e-sata.
Still, I hope the OP gets one ASAP with E-SATA.
Did anyone ever publish a list of the acronyms we use on this site?

TTFN,
Rick
Say "DUH!" one more time and start using STANDARDIZED acronym: eSATA.

[SirJW]

Has anyone here w/ an HR-21 sucessfully connected an external drive?

I've just spent almost an hour of time trying to get answers from advanced technical support and even though I know external drives are not supported by D* they don't even know what the SATA connection is or what it's for.

Should I just ask for an HR-20? What are the cons of going backwards, even though I know they are essentially the same, there has to be a reason for not giving me the box when I've asked for one numerous times.

Thank you all for your help...

[Rich]

I'm wondering if the problem I'm having is related to having an esata drive. For the past week, there an been intermittent noise coming out of my speakers. It's a quick, loud, pop. If I go back in the buffer to the same point, the noise is repeated exactly, so it is being recorded.

During the day, CNN is tuned in a lot, but I've noticed it in other channels. I've checked my inputs into the HR20 and made sure they are tight.

Anyone else have this problem?

I'm getting that on all my HR20s whether they are connected to an eSATA or not. I think we have to expect glitches as more and more HD channels are enabled. Hopefully when the dust settles, the glitches will go away.

[Rich]

May I be the first to welcome you to D*Hell. Don't count on D*'s CSRs to help you. Very few know what they are doing.

Has anyone here w/ an HR-21 sucessfully connected an external drive?

I've just spent almost an hour of time trying to get answers from advanced technical support and even though I know external drives are not supported by D* they don't even know what the SATA connection is or what it's for.

Should I just ask for an HR-20? What are the cons of going backwards, even though I know they are essentially the same, there has to be a reason for not giving me the box when I've asked for one numerous times.

Thank you all for your help...

[jangell2]

I'm getting that on all my HR20s whether they are connected to an eSATA or not. I think we have to expect glitches as more and more HD channels are enabled. Hopefully when the dust settles, the glitches will go away.Don't take this the wrong way, but I'm glad you can confirm it is a systemic problem and not something with the way I'm cabled up. It has been a while now, since it last occurred this morning.

[rjf]

May I be the first to welcome you to D*Hell. Don't count on D*'s CSRs to help you. Very few know what they are doing.

off topic -- i agree most CSRs don't know jack, but it's not as bad as DishN. i was with those guys 8 years and let me tell ya, for my experience with D*, they put Dish to shame on all counts -- service, product, customer appreciation. i've only been with D* since march so maybe others have had time for the novelty to wear off, but personally, i'd rather go back to basic cable than Dish. i'll be with D* for a long time and am very happy with them. not that you were making any comparisons, just saying, as someone who spent the last 8 years in Dish hell, D* is pretty awesome.

[jdeaton]

My 100 with 0x1be is spontaneously rebooting itself every so often. I have both a 100 and a 700 and recently swapped their locations as the 100 has a coaxial digital out and my purchase of a $99 HD DVD player necessitated the move. Previously the 700 was hooked up to a 750 GB Free Agent Pro and was locking up on a regular basis. When I unhooked the FAP and ran the 700 on the internal drive, it seemed all was fine. I then returned the FAP for a replacement and hooked the new FAP up to the relocated 100. All seemed fine for a week or so, now I'm getting the reboots. Maybe it’s the e-sata cable I got from Mono Price. I did have to trim the connectors to get a good fit. I’ve seen e-sata cables at Fry Electronics so maybe I’ll try one of theirs.

[P Smith]

"e-sata cables" must be eSATA cables;
a sata disk - must be SATA disk.

[jdeaton]

"e-sata cables" must be eSATA cables;
a sata disk - must be SATA disk.

Thank you P Smith, I appreciate your technical accuracy.
Ok, I made the trip to Fry’s and found a 1.5 Meter “i.Connect” brand eSATA to eSATA cable. The tips of the connectors were longer (no trimming required) than my original Mono Price cable.

When I arrived home this afternoon the blue lights on the 100 were spinning indicating it was going through yet another reboot.

I let the DVR finish its boot process and return to live TV. I powered down and unplugged the HR20 and then the Free Agent Pro. I replaced the old eSATA cable with the new and attempted to power up the FAP. It would not come on by touching the on/off indicator until I just touched the plug of the HR20 into the outlet of my power console for a fraction of a second. The FAP then came to life. I allowed the FAP to boot for 5 minutes or so then firmly plugged the 100 back in. After a minute or two, the blue lights started spinning and the DVR completed its boot process normally.

At the moment everything seems fine. All my recordings on the external drive are still there; Music & Photos, as well as DOD are all good. So… now we’ll see whether or not it continues is spontaneous rebooting.

I know its almost never the cable but, but in this case, seeing as I’ve had problems with 2 different external drives and 2 different HR20’s and the only common component has been the cable, maybe just maybe the new eSATA cable will do the trick.

[SirJW]

What drives work on the HR-21?

[Rich]

Don't take this the wrong way, but I'm glad you can confirm it is a systemic problem and not something with the way I'm cabled up. It has been a while now, since it last occurred this morning.

Doesn't seem to happen on the MPEG2 Hi Def channels. Been watching Californication (what a great show, been laughing my nether regions off for two days now, what a hoot!) on Showtime in the 70s and the sound problem hasn't occurred at all.

Like I said in the other post, we must have patience.

[Rich]

off topic -- i agree most CSRs don't know jack, but it's not as bad as DishN. i was with those guys 8 years and let me tell ya, for my experience with D*, they put Dish to shame on all counts -- service, product, customer appreciation. i've only been with D* since march so maybe others have had time for the novelty to wear off, but personally, i'd rather go back to basic cable than Dish. i'll be with D* for a long time and am very happy with them. not that you were making any comparisons, just saying, as someone who spent the last 8 years in Dish hell, D* is pretty awesome.

Speaks volumes for Dish, doesn't it? And getting off topic isn't bad as long as we learn something. I think the best definition of "intelligence" is "the ability to learn". And I've been debating that definition for years with really "intelligent" people. We've narrowed it down to the above definition. With provisos of course.

[Rich]

I powered down and unplugged the HR20 and then the Free Agent Pro. I replaced the old eSATA cable with the new and attempted to power up the FAP. It would not come on by touching the on/off indicator until I just touched the plug of the HR20 into the outlet of my power console for a fraction of a second. The FAP then came to life. I allowed the FAP to boot for 5 minutes or so

It is normal for the lights on the FAP to stay off until it senses the HR20. As soon as it senses the HR20 the lights will come on. Doesn't always happen, but it has occasionally with my eSATAs.

Just an observation, 100s do not seem to accept the eSATAs as readily as the 700s and it sounds like the HR21 has some issues with eSATAs and other drives.

[rjf]

Speaks volumes for Dish, doesn't it? And getting off topic isn't bad as long as we learn something. I think the best definition of "intelligence" is "the ability to learn". And I've been debating that definition for years with really "intelligent" people. We've narrowed it down to the above definition. With provisos of course.

that's what i like about this forum -- people willing to talk and help, or just point you to the right post without being an a**. a welcome change to the usual out there.

btw-- your signature -- i was behind the writers until they started picketing. no one's ever died of writer's cramp. they make it sound like they're Norma Rae, or working in sweatshps for 12cents. i'm an indie writer, so i know what their gripe is and agree with them, but this picketing thing just strikes me as absurd. the best hollywood comedy in a while. only sad thing is, the little people are going bankrupt because of it. they should've tried a better approach. after all, if the pen is mightier than the sword, then disgruntled writers have got the market on writing propaganda. sorry if i've offended any wga people out there, but if the job sucks that bad, quit. i'll take it and be happy; no complaints. ok, now that really was off topic!

[shendley]

I've read that in order to get the FAP to work with the HR21 it needs to operate at 3 rather than 1.5. But I've not seen anyone with a FAP and an HR21 comment on whether (and how) they've been able to make sure the FAP operates at 3 rather than 1.5. I've also just confirmed something that I read in a thread about this on the main HR20/21 forum that the FAP750 operates at 3 gigabytes per second over e-sata (http://www.seagate.com/docs/pdf/datasheet/disc/ds_fa_pro_us.pdf)Is this what people are referring to when they say the unit needs to operate at 3 rather than 1.5? So far, this information seems more confusing than helpful at this point.

I would also love to hear from someone with a FAP that actually works with an HR21. I believe Earl commented earlier in the thread that it's worked for some but not for others, but I've yet to hear from a soul who says it worked for them with the 21 (though I certainly could have missed someone's positive post). Now, I've had a FAP for a couple of months now with the HR20 and it's worked flawlessly. I'd hate to lose my Seagate if I moved to an HR21.

[Rich]

I've read an awful lot of posts that seem to suggest the 21s do not work well with eSATAs. I need the eSATAs. It's either that or put a larger HD in the unit itself. I don't really want to do that. Everything I want to watch is now in HD, why would anyone spend money on something with a tiny storage capacity that is leased and cannot be modified without repercussions from the leasing company?

I've read that in order to get the FAP to work with the HR21 it needs to operate at 3 rather than 1.5. But I've not seen anyone with a FAP and an HR21 comment on whether (and how) they've been able to make sure the FAP operates at 3 rather than 1.5. I've also just confirmed something that I read in a thread about this on the main HR20/21 forum that the FAP750 operates at 3 gigabytes per second over e-sata (http://www.seagate.com/docs/pdf/datasheet/disc/ds_fa_pro_us.pdf)Is this what people are referring to when they say the unit needs to operate at 3 rather than 1.5? So far, this information seems more confusing than helpful at this point.

I would also love to hear from someone with a FAP that actually works with an HR21. I believe Earl commented earlier in the thread that it's worked for some but not for others, but I've yet to hear from a soul who says it worked for them with the 21 (though I certainly could have missed someone's positive post). Now, I've had a FAP for a couple of months now with the HR20 and it's worked flawlessly. I'd hate to lose my Seagate if I moved to an HR21.

[Rich]

I've been asking for a while about problems with eSATAs and 100s. No answers. Curious.

I've read an awful lot of posts that seem to suggest the 21s do not work well with eSATAs. I need the eSATAs. It's either that or put a larger HD in the unit itself. I don't really want to do that. Everything I want to watch is now in HD, why would anyone spend money on something with a tiny storage capacity that is leased and cannot be modified without repercussions from the leasing company?

[jdeaton]

From July through the end of August my 750 GB Free Agent Pro worked flawlessly with my HR20-700. Since the 0x194 CE in early September, I have had problems. With the FAP connected to my HR20-700 I would often get a black screen with no audio when coming out of stand by or the picture would freeze with a loss of audio during live TV. I kept hoping each subsequent CE would cure the problem, but no luck. I eventually exchanged the FAP for another one, I replaced the eSATA cable for one that does not require trimming of the connector and finally swapped my 700 for my 100, and I continue to have eSATA related problems. In the case of eSATA and my 100 I encounter continual rebooting. In both cases, disconnecting the FAP from the 700 and the 100 resulted in normal/stable operation of my HR20’s. So… Two FAP’s, two HR20’s and two eSATA cables and problems since 0x194. Is it software or hardware?

[gimp]

I upgraded a few weeks ago from an HR10-250 to an HR20-700. I started right off with an esata and it has worked flawlessly. I'm using a WESTERN DIGITAL
WD10EACS 1TB SATA 7200 RPM 16MB Hard Drive in a ANTEC MX-1 Hard Drive Enclosure. Before assembling I added a jumper to the drive to enable OPT1, which locks it at a 150MB/s transfer rate. I wonder if this might be the reason some have difficulty getting their SATAII drives to work.

This drive/enclosure combo is very quiet and cool.

Hard to believe but I've already used up more than 70% of the available space.

Now if we could only get some HD content on DoD!

[Rich]

First step of troubleshooting: If it worked properly for a considerable amount of time, what happened to make it malfunction? What changed?

I know a guy who used to beta test mac products. He had an office crammed with hardware and software that Apple sent him to test and test he did and problems he had. And yet, we had a whole plant full of Macintoshes that were trouble free. The only mac he had in his office that he could count on to work properly was the one he did NO beta testing on. I have no problems with my four FAPs connected to 700s. And if someone offered to make me a beta tester, I would refuse the offer. Too much like work.

I have had six 100s since last November and hooked up an FAP to five of them. I still have the one I didn't hook up an eSATA to, my son uses it and says he has no problems with it. I am sorely tempted to hook up an FAP to it, but he doesn't screw around with my stuff and I don't screw around with his stuff. But I am sorely tempted. Oh, the other 5 100s failed for various reasons, some that could not be related to an eSATA.


From July through the end of August my 750 GB Free Agent Pro worked flawlessly with my HR20-700. Since the 0x194 CE in early September, I have had problems. With the FAP connected to my HR20-700 I would often get a black screen with no audio when coming out of stand by or the picture would freeze with a loss of audio during live TV. I kept hoping each subsequent CE would cure the problem, but no luck. I eventually exchanged the FAP for another one, I replaced the eSATA cable for one that does not require trimming of the connector and finally swapped my 700 for my 100, and I continue to have eSATA related problems. In the case of eSATA and my 100 I encounter continual rebooting. In both cases, disconnecting the FAP from the 700 and the 100 resulted in normal/stable operation of my HR20’s. So… Two FAP’s, two HR20’s and two eSATA cables and problems since 0x194. Is it software or hardware?

[jaime2221]

In use for 2 weeks:
- HITACHI Deskstar 1TB (0A35155) NewEgg $321 inc tax/shipping
- ANTEC VERIS MX-1 EBay $49 delivered

I got the drive 2 days before the enclosure so I hooked it up
to a PC and formatted NTSF (take a nap...) and copied and
deleted some files. Worked fine.

Installed in MX1, hooked to PC, still worked fine.

Hooked to HR20-700, reset via GUI, and it worked. No hickups so
far. Can't hear the disk spin but can hear the heads moving sometimes.
Not enough to be annoying.

Recorded OTA HD 3.5hr Nascar race last Sun. When I deleted it, space
available increased by 1%. Happy.

[rjf]

so far so good......

got my FAP/750 and SIIG cable yesterday. the drive turned out to be a great deal after all. it's a brand new sata/usb/1394 model for $139 off ebay. now i really wish i got more than one, but i'm happy to have one at all.

setup was simple. plugged it in, turned it on, then the hr20, and so far all is good. recorded a few shows. playback was fine. so hopefully all holds up. i've read about others where all was ok, then went south. hopefully all remains good. cautiously optimisitic


question though -- i've read about this "IWANTMYVOD" search but don't understand. do i have to do that to enable VOD? if yes, how/where do i do it? my menu does say "on demand" but nothing happens when i select it and the VOD channels don't appear in the guide yet. the hr20 is hooked up to the net and computer for media share, which works fine. so will the VOD enable itself or is there something i need to do?

also, i'm going to search the tips n tricks, but wondering if there's a way to get the guide to manually update to the full 14 days, or do i just have to wait for that to happen on its own?

thanks

[ragbirch]

I've read an awful lot of posts that seem to suggest the 21s do not work well with eSATAs. I need the eSATAs. It's either that or put a larger HD in the unit itself. I don't really want to do that. Everything I want to watch is now in HD, why would anyone spend money on something with a tiny storage capacity that is leased and cannot be modified without repercussions from the leasing company?

Well after numerous problems with external harddrive failures,noisey external fans and failed external enclosure boards I took the plunge and replaced the internal drive. The original drive was a seagate db35 300 gig. I ordered a seagate db35 750 gig installed this morning and everything works great. Wish I had known how easy this would be in the first place. The db35 series are made for this application and are very quiet. This is the ONLY way to go. That is if you can live with 100+hr hd capacity. Got the drive at CDW for $289 and it took all of 30 minutes to install. Go for it!!

[ragbirch]

What drives work on the HR-21?

If your going to build your own unit get the seagate db35 drives.

[BigCat]

I thought replacing the internal hdd wasn't possible for some reason... though I never asked :-( If that's possible then no doubt that's the way to go. Isn't there any software on the internal drive needed for DVR operation other than recordings? I thought maybe that was the case.

So you just opened the box and switched the drives? Was it painless?

Well after numerous problems with external harddrive failures,noisey external fans and failed external enclosure boards I took the plunge and replaced the internal drive. The original drive was a seagate db35 300 gig. I ordered a seagate db35 750 gig installed this morning and everything works great. Wish I had known how easy this would be in the first place. The db35 series are made for this application and are very quiet. This is the ONLY way to go. That is if you can live with 100+hr hd capacity. Got the drive at CDW for $289 and it took all of 30 minutes to install. Go for it!!

[BigCat]

also is the internal drive ATA or SATA, I see CDW has both versions, can you post a link to the one you got? thanks.

I thought replacing the internal hdd wasn't possible for some reason... though I never asked :-( If that's possible then no doubt that's the way to go. Isn't there any software on the internal drive needed for DVR operation other than recordings? I thought maybe that was the case.

So you just opened the box and switched the drives? Was it painless?

[ragbirch]

also is the internal drive ATA or SATA, I see CDW has both versions, can you post a link to the one you got? thanks.

Ok..Replacing the drive has always been possible, the problem is it voids your warranty. I bought my unit when they first came out at bb and there was no lease program. Keep this in mind. You need the sata drive. Works right out of the box. No need to format or change jumper settings. Matter of fact there are no jumpers. Putting the drive in is a breeze. The only problem is getting to it. Taking the box apart is a little more difficult. Keep in mind I am not a computer guru..I took my time and had the proper tools. You will need a set of security torx bits number one. You can get these at most home depots these days.These bits have a pin in the middle of the bit. Trust me it's worth the time and effort. Once you get it apart it's a piece of cake going back together. I sent a email to weakness.com over a year ago telling them they should do this. Well they are now. If you send them your unit they will upgrade it for $399. You also pay all the shipping costs. If you are good with your hands save $150 and do it yourself. Any other questions you know where to find me.

[pjo1966]

I currently have an HR20 with a 750gb FreeAngent Pro connected, which works great. I'm getting a second HR20 installed next week. Is there any potential problem with the installer seeing that I have an external drive connected? I don't know whether this is officially acknowledged by DirecTV.

Why they couldn't just ship the new HR20 is beyond me.

[ragbirch]

I currently have an HR20 with a 750gb FreeAngent Pro connected, which works great. I'm getting a second HR20 installed next week. Is there any potential problem with the installer seeing that I have an external drive connected? I don't know whether this is officially acknowledged by DirecTV.

Why they couldn't just ship the new HR20 is beyond me.

No problem with the external connected.

[Rich]

I currently have an HR20 with a 750gb FreeAngent Pro connected, which works great. I'm getting a second HR20 installed next week. Is there any potential problem with the installer seeing that I have an external drive connected? I don't know whether this is officially acknowledged by DirecTV.

Why they couldn't just ship the new HR20 is beyond me.

Just make sure you let the DVR sit for a day running with the internal drive and then switch to eSATA. Don't even mention the eSATA to the installer and don't let him install the new HR20. They (for the most part) know nothing. Just like D*'s CSRs. All the info and help is here in this forum.

[pjo1966]

Just make sure you let the DVR sit for a day running with the internal drive and then switch to eSATA. Don't even mention the eSATA to the installer and don't let him install the new HR20. They (for the most part) know nothing. Just like D*'s CSRs. All the info and help is here in this forum.


I'm planning on having all the cables hanging out of the cabinet, ready to go.

I'm just curious as to why I need to let it sit for a day before hooking up the eSATA. I kind of need to get my recordings set up ASAP, and there's no point doing that until I set up the eSATA. I'm pretty sure when I got my first HR20 I hooked up the drive right after I verified that it worked using the internal drive.

:confused:

[Lord Vader]

You don't need to let it sit for a day to work, but it will take time to populate the guide.

[hdtvfan0001]

You don't need to let it sit for a day to work, but it will take time to populate the guide.
Agreed - the guide will populate pretty well after about 8 hours in standby (but fully in about 24 hours).

[JorgeGVB]

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 couldn't have been easier to setup and get running....10 minutes from unpacking to recording! Not bad if you ask me!

Regards,

:D

I read through this thread since I was in great need of extra recording time. I went with this setup and everything started up just fine on the first try. I will give it a few days and report back if there are any problems.

[Rich]

Just seems to work better if you let it run for a day and have no problems. This has been my experience. Whether it continues to load info or whatever, I have had better luck with letting the things run on the internal drive overnight and then hooking up the eSATA the next day if everything works correctly. I have no idea other than my own experience why this works out better and I'm sure a lot of people have hooked up eSATAs immediately and had no problems.

And then there was that one posting by some guy who hooked up 50 20s and never had a bit of trouble with any of them...right. Bet he sells stock for bridges on the side too.

I'm planning on having all the cables hanging out of the cabinet, ready to go.

I'm just curious as to why I need to let it sit for a day before hooking up the eSATA. I kind of need to get my recordings set up ASAP, and there's no point doing that until I set up the eSATA. I'm pretty sure when I got my first HR20 I hooked up the drive right after I verified that it worked using the internal drive.

:confused:

[Rich]

You don't need to let it sit for a day to work, but it will take time to populate the guide.

I've had problems with DVRs when I immediately hooked up an eSATA after going thru the set up. Just my experience. But I have hooked up eSATAs to 20s about 20-30 times and now I always let them sit a day and get comfortable and adjusted to their new home. Of course I also believe in the Gods of Baseball, so ya gotta take my advice and opinions with a grain of salt.

[Rich]

Agreed - the guide will populate pretty well after about 8 hours in standby (but fully in about 24 hours).

But do we truly know what lurks in the chips and processors of computers?

[reubenray]

I am going to be out of town on vacation and am thinking of adding an additional hard drive to handle all of my recordings, but have a few questions.

1) Is there a list of what hard drives will work?
2) Will I be able to remove it at some point and revert back to the original hard drive?
3) Will I be able to install the external hard drive onto my HTPC if I am able to do #2 above?

[davemayo]

I am going to be out of town on vacation and am thinking of adding an additional hard drive to handle all of my recordings, but have a few questions.

1) Is there a list of what hard drives will work?
2) Will I be able to remove it at some point and revert back to the original hard drive?
3) Will I be able to install the external hard drive onto my HTPC if I am able to do #2 above?

This thread lists which drives/cables are working for folks.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=92029

You can remove the eSATA and reboot the HR20 to get back to the internal drive.

Don't know the answer to #3.

[leenanj]

I had a HR21-700 installed and the new dish about 3 weeks ago.

I soon noticed that after recording about 4 hd movies along with the other stuff we normally record that I was already out of hard drive space.

I went to Newegg and purchased the Hitachi 1T Deskstar 7K1000 sata2 and the Kingwin eSata enclosure that came with a eSata to eSata cable.

I ran this setup external for a week and everything ran perfect.

I did not want it external so I took the same drive and installed in HR21 case.

All info was left intact on drive after installing internal and it has been working perfectly.

I have not had any problems or lockups with the HR21 before or after adding the larger hard drive.

Wife is happy so I am also :)

[ragbirch]

I had a HR21-700 installed and the new dish about 3 weeks ago.

I soon noticed that after recording about 4 hd movies along with the other stuff we normally record that I was already out of hard drive space.

I went to Newegg and purchased the Hitachi 1T Deskstar 7K1000 sata2 and the Kingwin eSata enclosure that came with a eSata to eSata cable.

I ran this setup external for a week and everything ran perfect.

I did not want it external so I took the same drive and installed in HR21 case.

All info was left intact on drive after installing internal and it has been working perfectly.

I have not had any problems or lockups with the HR21 before or after adding the larger hard drive.

Wife is happy so I am also :)

let us know how that hitachi is working for you.

[Satflake]

What would really be nice is to tranfer recorded stuff to pc and be able to do whatever --- anyone working on this?

Will be trying external drive.

[d0ug]

let us know how that hitachi is working for you.

I have that same hitachi 1TB drive on my HR20. I also picked up an inexpensive rosewill esata enclosure for the drive. I got both from newegg.

I am thinking about cracking the HR20 open and installing the hitachi internally as well, once the 90day waranty is up.

I have had the hitachi for about 2 weeks. Sofar so good. I have also gone though 3 CE updates with the drive, with no data loss. I remember reading somewhere else on here that there were some people loosing their recordings when they downloaded a CE

I had the same problem with the internal drive. A few movie recordings, along with my normal series links, and the drive was already full. I was constantly worrying that something might get deleted before i got to watching it.

[Guttboy]

Doug,

I had the same worries.....deletion without me being home to watch programs....what is totally awesome about the 1 TB is that I can record anything I even remotely think would be interesting.

I dont know what I would do without the extended recording ability......movies galore, Discovery Channel stuff out the wazoo, and any and all sporting stuff I can get my hands on.....

Contemplating making another 1 TB for my other HR20 but 2 TB I cant imagine filling at this point!!!!

[rjf]

what's the downside to opening a HR20 and voiding the warranty? my FAP is working flawlessly so far, but i'd really rather have the drive inside the unit itself.

[leenanj]

what's the downside to opening a HR20 and voiding the warranty? my FAP is working flawlessly so far, but i'd really rather have the drive inside the unit itself.

The warr thing is probably the only downside but you can throw the original drive back in if need be.

The HR21 the drive sits right on top, three screws, two cables and it done, a no brainer.

I never owned a HR20 but a read its a little harder to get to, maybe someone else can chime in on how much harder.

[bllreed]

what's the downside to opening a HR20 and voiding the warranty? my FAP is working flawlessly so far, but i'd really rather have the drive inside the unit itself.

One of the downsides is that you're just leasing the box. If you drop the service you have to return the box. Or if it goes bad you'll need to exchange it, either one means you will need to open it up and swap drives again. Not that big a deal but it's about the main downside I see. The nice thing about externals is that you can have multiples, each with different programs recorded and you can swap them out as desired.

[leenanj]

I have that same hitachi 1TB drive on my HR20. I also picked up an inexpensive rosewill esata enclosure for the drive. I got both from newegg.

I am thinking about cracking the HR20 open and installing the hitachi internally as well, once the 90day waranty is up.

I have had the Hitachi for about 2 weeks. So far so good. I have also gone though 3 CE updates with the drive, with no data loss. I remember reading somewhere else on here that there were some people loosing their recordings when they downloaded a CE

I had the same problem with the internal drive. A few movie recordings, along with my normal series links, and the drive was already full. I was constantly worrying that something might get deleted before i got to watching it.

So far the Hitachi is working great. :)

The only problem I had with the HR21 when I first got it was I would have momentary audio drop outs on recorded movies, not enough to ruin the movie but annoying.

I have not had that happen once with the Hitachi 1TB drive. Makes me wonder if the original drive was not keeping up. The Hitachi has a 32m buffer as opposed to 16m I think for the WD.

the Hitachi is one fast drive, have you slowed the head seek down to quite mode on yours?

[rjf]

One of the downsides is that you're just leasing the box. If you drop the service you have to return the box. Or if it goes bad you'll need to exchange it, either one means you will need to open it up and swap drives again. Not that big a deal but it's about the main downside I see. The nice thing about externals is that you can have multiples, each with different programs recorded and you can swap them out as desired.

well, at this point, i'll just leave things as is until something makes me think otherwise. i try not to screw with things that work.

i don't mind about putting the drive in or swapping if i have to do an exchange. i've built plenty of computers so no big deal to me. my only concern is some sort of repercussions from DTV. i don't want to be charged anything if they find out or be forced to pay for a new unit or something like that. anyone know if that's a reality? if not, then why does it matter if we void the warranty?

[ragbirch]

The warr thing is probably the only downside but you can throw the original drive back in if need be.

The HR21 the drive sits right on top, three screws, two cables and it done, a no brainer.

I never owned a HR20 but a read its a little harder to get to, maybe someone else can chime in on how much harder.

Yea the hr20-700 has a couple of hidden screws on the front side of box. Need to take faceplate off to get to them. It's a bit of a pain, but other than that no big deal

[cartrivision]

The nice thing about externals is that you can have multiples, each with different programs recorded and you can swap them out as desired.

But that option is still available when you do the first one internal.

[cartrivision]

The warr thing is probably the only downside but you can throw the original drive back in if need be.

The HR21 the drive sits right on top, three screws, two cables and it done, a no brainer.

I never owned a HR20 but a read its a little harder to get to, maybe someone else can chime in on how much harder.


The HR20-100s are very easy to upgrade internally, the HR20-700s are just a littly bit harder, requiring the front panel to be removed.

[LlamaLarry]

I am a new convert to the HR20 after having 2 HR10's with 500GB drives in them. Having the % free is nice, but now gives me something to obsess about every day as I watch it spool down. ;) I am glad to see that after you get the external drive formatted/configured by the box that you can swap it inside; looks like I have some shopping to do and try to find some big SATA drives.

Any word if/when DirecTV will make the attached eSATA drives as additional storage instead of replacement?

[cartrivision]

Any word if/when DirecTV will make the attached eSATA drives as additional storage instead of replacement?

Nope, after more than a year, absolutely nothing has been done with the eSATA function and it's even still classified as an "unsupported function"... while DirecTV spends their development budget adding functions that far fewer people will ever use.

[Sirshagg]

Nope, after more than a year, absolutely nothing has been done with the eSATA function and it's even still classified as an "unsupported function"... while DirecTV spends their development budget adding functions that far fewer people will ever use.

It's like gmail - forever in beta

[d0ug]

So far the Hitachi is working great. :)

The only problem I had with the HR21 when I first got it was I would have momentary audio drop outs on recorded movies, not enough to ruin the movie but annoying.

I have not had that happen once with the Hitachi 1TB drive. Makes me wonder if the original drive was not keeping up. The Hitachi has a 32m buffer as opposed to 16m I think for the WD.

the Hitachi is one fast drive, have you slowed the head seek down to quite mode on yours?

I have not noticed any audio drop outs on my HR20-700 with either the internal HD or the external 1TB HD.

I have not changed the head seek on the drive. As it is now I can barely hear it. The sound from the motor driving the platters seems to be louder. The cooling fan in the enclosure I am using is still louder than the drive.

If anyone does get this drive, make sure you have an enclosure with good cooling. This drive has 5 platters in it spinning at 7200RPM. It gets HOT without good cooling. The cooling fan in the enclosure I have is ok, but not the greatest. I originally had the enclosure laying flat after a day I felt it was way too warm, I ended up putting it into its vertical stand to expose more of the enclosure to air to help cool it. It seems pretty good now that it is standing vertical. It is only moderately warm now.

If anyone is interested, Newegg has the drive on sale for about $10 less than I paid for it about 2 weeks ago.

This is the drive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145167

[TexARC]

Once installed, is there a way to display the actual time capacity achieved with a new external eSata drive? I put a 1tb drive on, but all I can find is a % display. I expected there to be some way to show how many hrs of HD/SD capacity the system now has, but dang if I can figger out how to make it cough it up for me....

[P Smith]

Once installed, is there a way to display the actual time capacity achieved with a new external eSata drive? I put a 1tb drive on, but all I can find is a % display. I expected there to be some way to show how many hrs of HD/SD capacity the system now has, but dang if I can figger out how to make it cough it up for me....

Just spend a few second for use Search and you'll know the answer ;).

[ragbirch]

Once installed, is there a way to display the actual time capacity achieved with a new external eSata drive? I put a 1tb drive on, but all I can find is a % display. I expected there to be some way to show how many hrs of HD/SD capacity the system now has, but dang if I can figger out how to make it cough it up for me....

No way to do that. The reason is that mpeg 2 and mpeg 4 use different compression. Even the % figure will not be totaly accurate.

[MeSue]

I bought these two items from Newegg:
KINGWIN JT-35E-BK 3.5" eSATA External Enclosure w/ Fan
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD7500AAKS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

Installed the drive in the case and followed the instructions in this thread, but my HR20-100 will not use the external drive. I also tried jumpering pins 5&6 on the hard drive and it still does not work. Any suggestions?

[oenophile]

No way to do that. The reason is that mpeg 2 and mpeg 4 use different compression. Even the % figure will not be totaly accurate.Why wouldn't the % figure be accurate? (Or by "totally accurate" did you mean to say exact?)

[Rich]

Once installed, is there a way to display the actual time capacity achieved with a new external eSata drive? I put a 1tb drive on, but all I can find is a % display. I expected there to be some way to show how many hrs of HD/SD capacity the system now has, but dang if I can figger out how to make it cough it up for me....

We've never been able to figure out the hours left. If you find a way, please let us know. On a TB drive you have about 900 Gigs to record on and the mixture of MPEG2 and MPEG4 makes it difficult to get an accurate figure. Also, the recording capacity seems to be governed by the complexity of the content.

I had an HR20 700 that I got about 50 hours of MPEG2 recorded on the interior HD at one point. Too many variables. But keep trying, let us know if you figure out a way.

Couldn't do it on a TiVo either, could you?

[Rich]

Why wouldn't the % figure be accurate? (Or by "totally accurate" did you mean to say exact?)

Accurate and exact are synonymous, no?

[redwoode]

I bought these two items from Newegg:
KINGWIN JT-35E-BK 3.5" eSATA External Enclosure w/ Fan
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD7500AAKS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

Installed the drive in the case and followed the instructions in this thread, but my HR20-100 will not use the external drive. I also tried jumpering pins 5&6 on the hard drive and it still does not work. Any suggestions?

How are you starting the whole thing up? This is what works for me:

1- remove dvr power cord on back
2- plug external hd power pack in and connect to enclosure
3- connect esata data cable to external hd
4- connect esata data cable to dvr
5- replace dvr power cord on back

It should then boot-up on external hd..mine does

[Sirshagg]

I've calculated my 1tb drives to hold approx 205 hours each on average. Actually one comes in at roughly 190 and the other about 220. Just shows how much it can fluctuate depending on what is recorded. Both are roughly 70% full.

[MeSue]

How are you starting the whole thing up? This is what works for me:

1- remove dvr power cord on back
2- plug external hd power pack in and connect to enclosure
3- connect esata data cable to external hd
4- connect esata data cable to dvr
5- replace dvr power cord on back

It should then boot-up on external hd..mine does

Thanks for the response. That is what I did several times. So after several failed attempts, I connected the drive to my computer and was able to format it, so I knew the drive way okay. I was out today and found the Antec MX-1 enclosure at Staples. Tried the Antec cable with the Kingwin case, but still no joy. So I swapped the drive to the Antec enclosure, and it worked first time. Hooray! No jumper either. Now I'm waiting for the Guide to populate for setting up the rest of my series links.

I have used a lot of drive enclosures, but that Antec one is the most convoluted design I have ever seen for getting the drive in and out. But I do prefer the light on it over the Kingwin. Wish it wasn't $32 more, but at least it works... and it comes with an eSATA bracket for a PC case, so that might be useful one day.

[ADBjester]

Just bought a 750 GB eSata WD MyBook. Hooked it up to an original HR20-250 like so:

1) Power all down
2) Connect drive (PNY eSata cable from Best Buy)
3) Power drive up
4) Power HR20 up

I get, ad infinitum, a cycling pattern of:

"Your DirecTV receiver is starting up."

"Almost there, just a few more seconds, please...."

"Your DirecTV receiver is starting up."

"Almost there, just a few more seconds, please...."

"Your DirecTV receiver is starting up."

"Almost there, just a few more seconds, please...."

"Your DirecTV receiver is starting up."

"Almost there, just a few more seconds, please...."

i.e. the system continually reboots, but never accesses the external drive. The system DOES see the external drive in some way, since I hear the heads "park" at the moment of reboot (when it steps "backwards" to "is starting up"), and the eSata HD lights change from in motion to static.

Has anyone seen this before, and is there an easy solution?

Thanks!

Jeff Woods
Reading, PA

[MeSue]

Just bought a 750 GB eSata WD MyBook.

There have been posts in either this thread or others saying that the MyBook drives will not work with DVRs.

[bozzaj]

Just bought a 750 GB eSata WD MyBook.

WD actually has a specific model for DVRs (My DVR Expander - 500GB drive), so I suspect that they're doing something with their regular external units to make them NOT work with DVRs.

[Rich]

Hi Shaggy,

I tried for months to figure it out and came up with different answers each time. I do have a 750 that is getting close to full with only MPEG4 programming, but even then the variable of content won't give me a true answer, but it will be a "heck" of a lot closer than any guesstimate I have made so far.

I've calculated my 1tb drives to hold approx 205 hours each on average. Actually one comes in at roughly 190 and the other about 220. Just shows how much it can fluctuate depending on what is recorded. Both are roughly 70% full.

[Rich]

There have been posts in either this thread or others saying that the MyBook drives will not work with DVRs.

Some of those posts were mine. I called WD and was told that the MY Book drives will not work with a DVR. PM'd Earl and he was incredulous. Said if it is an eSATA it should work. Never heard back from him on this topic.

[Rich]

WD actually has a specific model for DVRs (My DVR Expander - 500GB drive), so I suspect that they're doing something with their regular external units to make them NOT work with DVRs.

But why? The trick to staying is business is to generate as many sales as possible. What would cause a company to deliberately disable a product that many people would buy? And the WD guy told me the DVR expanders are cheaper. Is there no place on this Earth that logic applies? I asked the WD guy these questions and he could not answer them.

[Rich]

Just bought a 750 GB eSata WD MyBook. Hooked it up to an original HR20-250. Has anyone seen this before, and is there an easy solution?

Thanks!

Jeff Woods
Reading, PA

Take it back and get a Seagate Free Agent Pro 750 Gig eSATA. That will work perfectly on an HR20. The My Book series eSATAs do not work with DVRs for some really stupid reason.

What is an HR20-250?

[Rich]

WD actually has a specific model for DVRs (My DVR Expander - 500GB drive), so I suspect that they're doing something with their regular external units to make them NOT work with DVRs.

See my posts on this thread below this post. Your suspicions are correct and a WD guy confirmed it right away. As soon as I told him I couldn't get the 1 TB model to work with a DVR he said they won't. Knew right away.

[tlopes]

I am currently using a Free Agent Pro 750, but now wanting more space. If I purchase a 1.5 TB eSata enclosure with drives, can I then copy the content from the FAP to the new drive using my computer and be recognized by the HR20-700? I would use some sort of disk-to-disk copy program doing an "image" copy.

Secondly, would this same trick work if I used a 1TB replacement internal drive?

Thanks
Tony

[bozzaj]

But why? The trick to staying is business is to generate as many sales as possible. What would cause a company to deliberately disable a product that many people would buy? And the WD guy told me the DVR expanders are cheaper. Is there no place on this Earth that logic applies? I asked the WD guy these questions and he could not answer them.

The only reason I can think is possibly the 150/300 difference in SATA specs. I know that newer drives have a major problem with older SATA chipsets. I had a problem putting a 320G SATA drive in a older system that had SATA. Turned out it was a SATA II drive and the SATA I chipset just didn't like it.

Perhaps the DVR expander is locked at the slower speed and (to save money) they don't auto-negotiate with the other ones?

Sometimes manufacturers don't make sense to the normal person. :)

[Sirshagg]

But why? The trick to staying is business is to generate as many sales as possible. What would cause a company to deliberately disable a product that many people would buy? And the WD guy told me the DVR expanders are cheaper. Is there no place on this Earth that logic applies? I asked the WD guy these questions and he could not answer them.

They are secretly trying to help out Seagate.

[ADBjester]

Take it back and get a Seagate Free Agent Pro 750 Gig eSATA. That will work perfectly on an HR20. The My Book series eSATAs do not work with DVRs for some really stupid reason.

I did exactly that. The Seagate works wonderfully. Thanks!

What is an HR20-250?

Sorry for the incorrect model number. It's an HR20 with the original 250 GB HD. Probably known better here as an HR20-700.

Jester

[Rich]

I did exactly that. The Seagate works wonderfully. Thanks!



Sorry for the incorrect model number. It's an HR20 with the original 250 GB HD. Probably known better here as an HR20-700.

Jester

Glad to be of help. And thanx for unconfusing me.

Be aware that the HR21 seems to be having problems with the FAPs.

[Rich]

They are secretly trying to help out Seagate.

A conspiracy, Shaggy? I like the sound of that. Just as logical as making an eSATA that doesn't work with DVRs.

[Sirshagg]

Hi Shaggy,

I tried for months to figure it out and came up with different answers each time. I do have a 750 that is getting close to full with only MPEG4 programming, but even then the variable of content won't give me a true answer, but it will be a "heck" of a lot closer than any guesstimate I have made so far.
For me the one that I calculated at 190 hours has MUCH more OTA stuff than the other and both have HD exclusively. I figure the best estimate is based on your own viewing and since my drives are 70% full this is a good estimate for me. Truth be told I probably have to adjust it down a bit because i generally watch the OTA stuff quicker and store the other content longer.

[Rich]

For me the one that I calculated at 190 hours has MUCH more OTA stuff than the other and both have HD exclusively. I figure the best estimate is based on your own viewing and since my drives are 70% full this is a good estimate for me. Truth be told I probably have to adjust it down a bit because i generally watch the OTA stuff quicker and store the other content longer.

I've never used an antenna. MPEG 2or4? Advantages? I live in the NYC area and haven't noticed anyone from this area posting about OTA. Am I missing anything?

[Sirshagg]

I've never used an antenna. MPEG 2or4? Advantages? I live in the NYC area and haven't noticed anyone from this area posting about OTA. Am I missing anything?

I use OTA, which is mpeg2, primarilly because the HD locals here in Phoenix were having too many breakup (mostly audio, but some video too) issues over SAT. The added benefit is that I now get the CW too. Unfortunately It cost me one sat input as I only ran four cables to my family room and I have 2 HR20's there.

[leenanj]

But why? The trick to staying is business is to generate as many sales as possible. What would cause a company to deliberately disable a product that many people would buy? And the WD guy told me the DVR expanders are cheaper. Is there no place on this Earth that logic applies? I asked the WD guy these questions and he could not answer them.

I have been staying away from WD drive even on the computer.

They don't even make a utility that works with Vista yet.

Seems like they just don't care anymore. Probably out sourcing and will go belly up soon.

[TexARC]

I had an HR20 700 that I got about 50 hours of MPEG2 recorded on the interior HD at one point. Too many variables. But keep trying, let us know if you figure out a way.

Couldn't do it on a TiVo either, could you? um, yes, the Tivo (HR10-250, which in my case has a 1 year old 750 gig drive in it) gives you the capacity in both SD hours and HD hours....
in system information: "Variable, up to 96 HD or 637 SD hours"
admittedly, just a ball park estimate, but more informative than nothing... :) or % used. Once I have a boatload of recordings, I will have a better feel for it I guess...

[pjo1966]

I just picked up a 750gb FAP. I didn't realize until I got home that it had been opened. Everything is in the box that's supposed to be.

I wish I had remembered that this came with every cable imaginable except the eSATA.

[ddruker]

I have three HR20-700's, each with a 750GB Seagate Freeagent Pro attached.

On one of them, the drive appears to be being reformatted every week or so. I lose all recording, season passes, etc. There are no error messages, just periodically the drive becomes completely empty. I can go ahead and redo all my season passes, and then it works fine for a week or so, and then poof all gone again. My presumption is the drive is glitching or getting corrupted and the HR-20 is noticing this and reformatting it. Brings up the need for a log and better error reporting to help debug issues like this.

I had first thought this might be heat related because both devices were in the same closed cabinet and the drive in particular did get warm, but I since have installed a fan and put them in different cabinets and no change in behavior.

My first thought is to return the Freeagent Pro for a warranty replacement, but I wondered if anyone had seen similar before - could this be the HR20 causing the problem or is it more likely to be a bad drive.

[berryb]

Just bought a 750 GB eSata WD MyBook. Hooked it up to an original HR20-250 like so:

1) Power all down
2) Connect drive (PNY eSata cable from Best Buy)
3) Power drive up
4) Power HR20 up

I get, ad infinitum, a cycling pattern of:

"Your DirecTV receiver is starting up."

"Almost there, just a few more seconds, please...."


Has anyone seen this before, and is there an easy solution?

Thanks!

Jeff Woods
Reading, PA

For you Jeff, and others who've tried the My Book series drives, a possible solution.

I've been interested in the My Book drives since I found their 1TB "Home Edition" on sale recently at Costco for only $299. If this would work, I hated to settle for a 750Gb FAP. I bought that 1TB drive two days ago.

I may've hit on why they won't work 'straight out of the box.' I've reformatted my drive and now I'd like to see if it works.

Here is the logic behind this possible solution:


WD supplies the drive, in their words, "Pre-formatted as a single FAT32 partition for compatibility with all updated Windows and Macintosh operating systems." They do explain how to reformat the drive for Windows 2000 and up, as NTFS, which I did on a Win XP machine.

My Seagate Free Agent (USB) backup drive came with NTFS formatting. I can’t seem to determine from the Seagate web site just what format the FAP model initially comes with but I'm willing to bet that it's also NTFS.

That suggests to me that if an HR20/21 can 'reformat' a Free Agent Pro then it should also be able to reformat my WD My Book 1TB Home Edition drive, which I've reformatted from FAT32 to NTFS.

My problem is this: In the past I've added bigger internal drives to three other DirecTiVo's and used TiVo's "System Information" to read the new "Recording Capacity." (I already miss TiVo on my two-week old HR21!)

Today I wanted to know where my HR21's existing capacity is shown. I know what DTV says it is, but is it detailed on the HR20/21 system somewhere like the old TiVo System Info?

If not, can anyone tell me how the new recording capacity is determined? If this actually works, I'll be back on SOON to pass along the good news!

(If it doesn't, I guess I'll otherwise be battling new blankety-blank #$%&^$#@ VISTA problems, trying to use it in my Vista box!)

Thanks, Bert :D

P.S. I'm soooooooo sorry I mentioned Vista in this thread - It was only a joke about the other problem in my life.

Now if I could only get some help on this one!!! Where are all the HR20/21 eSATA recording capacity Guru's when I need them?

[Rich]

I have been staying away from WD drive even on the computer.

They don't even make a utility that works with Vista yet.

Seems like they just don't care anymore. Probably out sourcing and will go belly up soon.

The guy I talked to was in downtown India. But the same thing happens with HP computers. You buy from a native born American, but when you want tech help, you get India. And can't understand them. I called up the sales people and asked why, and they said the best way to communicate with their outsourced tech center was to do a live chat. Seems they can understand written and spoken English, but speak with such a strong accent I could not understand a word they said. And that's Hewlett Packard!

I've also had a lot of bad WD HDs on TiVos over the years.