2nd time replacing HR20 in 3 months

[Flyhigh]

I haven't used my HR20 in 5 days. When I went to use it today, I first noticed that the blue ring was not illuminated. The blue light in the power button was on but no other lights. Even though I leave the unit on, and the power button is illuminated, the unit would not turn on and would not respond. I tried both a red button reset and removing the power for 5 min. and plugging it back in. I got no response so I called D*. They couldn't diagnose anything on a unit that wouldn't respond so they're sending me a new unit.

I really want to like this DVR. I'm really trying. I haven't had this thing for more then 3 months and I've already had 2 replacements. I'm very frustrated.

I'm just curious what could have caused this to happen this time? The unit is in an air conditioned basement on an open rack by itself. I don't think heat was the cause. I'm actually hoping there is something that [I]I'm[I] doing wrong. I'd rather have to do something different then to believe that these things are just that prone to problems.

[Michael D'Angelo]

Try unplugging it again but leave it unplugged for about 15 minutes. Let me know if that work.

[Tom Robertson]

Also, when you plug it back in, watch the power light. Sometimes you need to push the power button right after the first blink of the power light.

Some other things: if you are using HDMI, switch to component or S-video/composite for a reboot.

Disconnect any network or phone cables.

After that, we have some more drastic things we can try: reformatting the disk, forcing a download, etc.

Good luck,
Tom

[Slip Jigs]

There have been at least a couple of times when I thought my unit was dead. Tried the unplugging thing, and finally I got it to come on but only via the power button on the unit itself.

What does unplugging it for 15 minutes do? I can see perhaps a minute to make sure the electronics are reset, but 15 minutes? Does it need to cool down? I've never owned a device of any kind that finicky.

[CCarncross]

This exact same scenario has happened to 100's or 1000's of people that purchase things like Dell or Gateway PCs. And then there are literally millions of happy Dell/Gateway customers. It is the nature of the beast with many home electronics these days. You just happen to get unlucky. Sorry, but it happens. There could be issues in your home causing it like power fluctuations, etc...but I dont see any info listed in your posts about that.

[CCarncross]

1 word

capacitors....almost all electronic devices today have them....

[Flyhigh]

Yep, I unplugged it for a half hour and then plugged it back in. Still the same thing. It just won't turn on to a point where I can do anything like a format. The power light stays illuminated blue, but that's all I get. There is no response from anything else I try. Oh well, I'll just have to wait for another replacement. I'm a little pissed about losing some of my recorded shows and of course the wasted time in setting up everything all over again. Maybe I'll get lucky with this new (probably older) unit and get to keep it for more then 3 months!

[veryoldschool]

Maybe I'll get lucky with this new (probably older) unit and get to keep it for more then 3 months!
I hope so for your sake. New things die, it's all part of the manufacturing game of numbers. Bot not all are this bad, so even with some bad luck, you should still get something to work for you.