Ah, fair enough. I know of at least two first-generation PVRs that didn't work like that however (have a friend who is forever tinkering with such things); neither of them was a topfield, and I can't think for the life of me what brand(s) they were. There was one that needed a pre-formatted drive with particular partitions in order to work, but it seems most modern PVRs have donw away with that. Which is very handy indeed.

Yes I'm sorry you are correct, I recall having to deal with 1 of those too, I'd have to go back through my accounts to find the brand also, however I haven't seen another requiring preformating.

A previous post asked about changing the defalt record time - during a manual record.

Just to be clear - I start to watch something, hit the record button - it will record 2 hours (I can change this default) but I know that I want 2.5 hours for this particular session.

The answer suggested was to use the arrow keys.

But call me thick - I can't get this to work.

Can any one confirm it does works - and explain really slowly for me how to do it.

If I can solve the above - I'd be really happy with this unit.

Thanks Heaps

Hi there Lamby. I'm the one who asked about this and a BIG thank-you to Scotty who pointed out the answer.

While watching the show you want to record, press the RECORD button. Then use the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to adjust the time in five minute increments. This refers to the LEFT < and RIGHT > keys on either side of the OK button, not the fast forward buttons << >>. Watch the figure in the top right of the transport bar (in the dark blue section). It will be 2 hours by default and will then change as you press < >.

I just picked up one of these PVRs from DSE, it is on sale for $349. This is my first PVR and for the current price you can't go wrong. It seems very good so far, easy to use, quick channel changes and seems reliable. Time will tell I suppose.

I bought one $329 (they took a bit off for the extended warraty) So all up 3 years under $380 which is good IMO.

So VERY easy to use. It is all I would need except for the antenna problem. I think.

At this stage there is no way for me to know if all the jumps/pauses/freezes which take about 20 seconds to get out of that I'm getting in the playback is the machine or the antenna. Only way to test it is to pay more money and get an outside one I guess.

I have some time to play around with it and figure things out.

I'm a bit iffy on it in my situation in that as annoying as the old STB box was to pixelate a (tiny little bit on movement) this one will simply not pick up the picture at times. It takes ages to pick up a signal when turned on say no video but on pressing up/down you eventually get a channel. The picture is not as sharp as the el cheapo DSE STB. And the signal is not as strong as the old STB.

I am a bit hesitant to outrightly say it but I may have the issue that when recording on one tuner the other isn't as strong a signal.

For the machine itself - the actual use/programming is SO SIMPLE TO USE/LEARN and I'm not the sharpest tool...

So basically at this point if I could be garanteed an outside antenna will fix it I'll keep it. If not then I'll keep the simple stb.

Thanks digiterati

The note to look in the top right of the transport bar was the help I needed.

In my opinion, great value for money.

I have no signal issues with my unit, even when recording the other tuner displays fine with no freezing at all. The only issue I have noticed is that if I am recording something and watching a pre-recorded show at the same time it doesn't display the correct program name that I am watching, sometimes it shows the wrong name. It's not a big deal though.

Anyone else notice this? This issue is not a deal breaker for me however.

Getting on great with this device, just one issue;

If I am watching an existing recording from the HD and a new recording starts, often the new recording messes up. Either is only 2 minutes long or misses the middle. The icons on the PVR software indicate that the unit is recording, but only from looking at the List menu can you see that the recording is only 2 minutes long and takes up 64 Mb....

If I leave the box alone or am using it as a STB, it works beautifully, two channels at once is bliss... The problem is only caused if I am watching an existing recording.

Any ideas?

This has never happened to me - and I'm often watching a recorded show when a timer fires (watching live TV is just so 1990s!) If I go into the recorded program list, I see see the new recording listed in red (meaning it's still recording) and the file size constantly increasing, not static at 64Mb.

It sounds like you've got a faulty unit - I'd take it back and get another one. Alternatively, if you're already past the two week trial/can't be bothered, try reformatting the hard disk - that might fix the issue in the same way that it's fixed other users' problems on this forum. But I'd suggest getting a brand new unit if you can, to be on the safe side. Don't forget to download the shows you want to keep, first!

Must be something wrong with your unit, mine doesn't do that. I would try re-formatting first to see if that fixes things.

Another problem I have noticed is that during playback of a pre-recorded show, the sound seems to stutter a bit after fast forwarding and rewinding. So far this has only happened on channel 7 programs, very strange. Anyone else have this problem?

Can someone tell me what sort of fast forward/rewind speeds this unit has?

One of the downsides of the unit, the ff speeds are quite poor. From memory they are x 2, x 4 and x 8 with this being the maximum!! I am pretty sure the rewind speed is the same. It does have percentage skip though, which is handy, and if you bring up the time bar you can skip a small amount of time, say one minute or so, depending on how long the recording is, I think someone put the formula up previously of how this works. This is handy for skipping ads but the time bar stays on which is annoying, you have to press exit button for it to disappear. There is also a star button on the remote that lets you skip back in time.

Other than that it has never missed a recording and has been very reliable in the 5 months we have had it. For the current price ($349) it is a good unit esp. as it is a true twin tuner.

It has 2x, 4x and 8x.

I'm really loving the skip function, which is 1/120 of the recording length. Basically, it means 30 seconds per hour of recording (1hr=30 secs skip, 2hrs=60 sec skip, etc.). I love it because no matter what I've recorded, I can usually use just the skip function to skip commercials, only it takes a few more presses for shorter recordings.

Hi, I have just bought the DSE PVR,Model ID: 10002003, H/W: 1.00, S/W 1.03.2A

Is this what your software version was prior to the update?
Mine seems to have problems with audio stuttering abit after rewind/fforwrd with 4X and 8X on pre-recording shows.
Curious to know if the 1040A version fixes this. I'm reluctant to do an upgrade on a unit that I may return to Dick Smith.

Thanks.

Hi we have never had this problem at all with this unit, using the original software, and the pvr was bought at the end of last year.

Hi, with a USB-serial cable, I presume the USB side connect to the PC and the serial to the PVR?

That's correct, and you may need a female-female serial adapter to plug it into the PVR, since most usb-serial adaptors only have male plugs at the end (the PVR needs a female end to plug it in).

Cool that means I can use my laptop (USB) to do the upgrade.


Instructions on upgrading the software is a bit vague from Homecast site.
When it says turn machine off and on is it referring to standby or power switch on the back?

Would you mind posting the upgrade instructions here for easy reading without the vagueness?

Thanks heaps.

I experience the same issue with mine. The audio stutters briefly 2-3 times after FF. Just thought this was the norm and is not a big issue for me. Just got used to it I guess.

If you dont have many programs to worry about losing I would try the reformat option (only takes a couple of seconds - but you then need to setup your channels again etc but this is also a good opportunity to order/configure them the way you want).

I had bigger issues when using the optical out. I Originally had it setup this way but sometimes after FF or RW would have no sound at all and would need to RW a couple of seconds and then play and sound would return. This issue was corrected after changing the connection to my receiver to rca.

Overall, after 5 months of use I am very happy with the performance. The lack of EPG and other limitations mentioned are not an issue for me.

I originally purchased this unit to replace the VCR (my other half used to tape 10-12 hours of tv a week and the management of those tapes is something I wont miss in a hurry). So this unit fulfilled my fairly simple needs perfectly.

Get the outside antenna. All the symptoms you mention are certain to be based on signal strength. You cant expect this device will function correctly with the low signal put out by your rabit ears.

My signal strenth is high with an outdoor antenna and picture is perfect.

Seems like we both bought the unit for the same reasons. My VCR stopped accepting timer recordings after the year 2006 so it was due for a change. I think the problem can be lived with but just a shame cause it does everything else very well.

I use the SCART connection for video and audio. The audio problem is not a huge issue for me but it is the only annoying 'feature' it has for me. I have re-formated and set to default already but it made no difference. Also it seems channel 7 has this problem. The other channels are fine?

What S/W version is your box?

If your using rabbit ears, have a read of this for correct installation:

http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=32846

I had exactly the same problem, it's not my antenna, something to do with the box itself. I've used the exact same antenna for two other brands of STB as well as a DVB card for my HTPC.

Swapped the box with a new one, exactly the same problem. Also tried a HD format, no change.
Firmware is at 1040A (it was shipped with that version).

Have tried disabling the timeshift function, to no avail. It is definitely something to do with the playback of the unit (rather than a dodge recording) because when the playback restarts after the freeze, it plays through no worries and doesn't show any signs of pixellataion which would suggest corrupt data on the HD.

When the picture freezes you can hear the hard drive seeking like crazy (that's why I got a replacement thinking the HD in my first box was dodge).

This is a big deal breaker for me, big shame because every other aspect of the machine is perfect for the price.

If I can't figure it out in the next few days (been experimenting over the past week and a bit), I'm taking back under the 14 day satisfaction warranty.

Hope this helps some of you out there
bdl

[quote name='hodge06' date='May 11 2007, 11:30 AM' post='662763']
I experience the same issue with mine. The audio stutters briefly 2-3 times after FF. Just thought this was the norm and is not a big issue for me. Just got used to it I guess.

Just a suggestion re this audio glitch. As I do not own the DSE PVR (I have a Wintal PVRx10), I am not aware of the audio options available in its menu. However, the Wintal audio options include PCM, AC-3, and dts. I have found if only PCM is selected, the audio works fine, however if either AC-3 or dts are selected, the Wintal displays similar stuttering after FF/REW as you describe. Just a thought...

I'm going back to DSE to check out the 6200 on display and test it for the fast forward/rew audio problem, if it is ok then i'll ask to change my PVR for another one and hope I get one without the problem (and no other new problems).
I'll also check the S/W version on the stores 6200 as well.

Seems like not everyone is having this audio stutter problem. FYI I use the RGB via scart for both audio and sound. I trying using the RCAs instead of SCART to see if the audio problem would be fixed but it made no difference (besides giving a crappy composite image of course!)

My PVR is still under the 14 day trial so I can still return for a full refund. It's a pity because for my use it does everying else very well and it's very easy to use (consdiering it's my first PVR), it would be a shame if I had to return it because of a slight audio problem. Maybe I can learn to live with it like the others with this problem.

I know I could get a Toppy/Mediastar/Arion and it would probably be better, but the DSE6200 is just at the right price for me.

I'll report back my findings, off to DSE now.

Curious to know if the PVR banner (the one that comes up at the bottom of the screen when you press < or > to skip, ie not the ff,rw buttons) disappears after a few seconds when no remote button is pressed with your S/W version 1040A.

Nope, you have to manually 'clear' it by pressing 'exit'.

Not to worry, the DSE box is disappering in a few seconds/minutes/hours when I take it back. Still freezes for about 40 seconds when playing back a recording. Going to go the Arion instead.

bdl

Ok, just got back. The 6200 at DSE had the same problem so I didn't exchange my unit for another. The S/W version was the same as mine. Seems like version 1040A does not fix this issue either but I may still upgrade the version if it fixes the PVR Banner not dissapearing 'feature'.

I've still got a week to return the unit but I think I may just keep it. I hope this issue can be fixed with a future firmware fix.

I really want to know why channel 10 NEVER has the audio stutter issue after ff/rw, channel 9 does it occasionally but channel 7 seems the worst. Using the 2X ff/rw does not cause the audio glitch, 4X and 8X does.

Please note that my signal quality and strength is not contributing to this problem. Reception is extremely good.

Well 6 months on and my unit is still performing like a trooper using the original firmware.

2 timers every night at the same time for the last 6 months and not 1 missed recording!

I'll try to remember exactly what I did here for you:
1. Turn on PC and PVR
2. Attach a usb-to-serial cable from computer to PVR
3. Open firmware software on PC - make sure you download the very latest software (2.24) on the Homecast site, since it supports USB-serial cables. You should get a driver disc with your cable, you need to install it (I found with mine you need to plug the cable in BEFORE you install the driver).
4. Ensure that COM port is correct - it needs to be the same that your cable is set to (the drivers that come with the cable should give you the option of what com port to use, it will need to be COM1 or COM2 for the upgrade software. You may need to go to the Device Manager in Windows to change the setting - finding the driver for your cable under COM and LPT ports). You may need to go to the Device Manager in Windows to change the setting (finding the driver for your cable under COM and LPT ports).
To change the COM port in the upgrade software you may need to click PORT CLOSE first, then change the COM port.
5. Click on BROWSE and find the 1040a upgrade file you downloaded
6. Click START
7. Turn the PVR off and on (I seem to remember using the Hard-power switch on the back of the PVR, you could try the standby on the front as well)
IF everything is fine, the software should now indicate the update is taking place, and the PVR will show a rising number on the display (I believe it's a percentage complete display)
8. When it finishes, the PVR will reboot and then the software should state that it is finished (this may take a minute or two after PVR reaches 100 percent)
9. Disconnect cables
10. Use your upgraded PVR!

Hope this isn't too confusing for you!

This worked fine first time for me, hope it does for you as well.

Thanks for that. Still undecided whether I will do the upgrade because unless I am mistaken it doesn't fix the audo stutter after ff/rew at 4X and 8X and using the skip button. So not sure what this version actually does.

EXACTLY THE SAME as above for me.

I got the outside antenna the picture is now perfect. Went to DSE to take back something else and I asked about it. The person there said they had one return due to the same problem - but that the replacement is OK cause that person didn't take it back (OTHER STORE PERHAPS??).

It's strange cause the pic freezes and after 30 secs (or so) it pays again normally.

I'll replace the unit and ask for another 14 days. It's a pity cause I'm 'used' to it already.

I'll go so far as to say I can only find ONE thing about it (besides the freezes off course ;-) that I don't like - The lack of MON-FRI recording. Currently to get Oprah/Dr Phil I also need to 'tape' Sat + Sun 12-2. For the price I can live with it.

I am always searching for The Cheap (but not-so nasty) but I am NOT willing to get something mail/internet order. I want a 3 year warranty. If anyone has any suggestions of something similar I can buy in Tassie I am interested.

I've managed to download files from the PVR to PC and the files can be opened and converted to other formats in MPEG Streamclip - apparently same format as the Homecast devices with .TP0 file extension. However, I haven't been able to convert files back to the TP0 format for uploading to the PVR. I only spent an hour on it the other night and couldn't find any more information so before I go off on some wild goose-chase, I thought I should see if anyone else has been successful with this.

I recently bought one of the DSE PVR's at the Mum's Day special price of $349, and so far I'm very happy with it. In terms of value for money, it's hard to argue against it.

There are a few shortcomings, but generally it works well and is easy to drive. In fact the subject of mother's day – she's a self-confessed and proud Luddite – is having no trouble using it. Phew…

Some observations:
1. I had experienced the picture freezing mentioned here, but performing a system reset and formatting the HDD appears to have cured the problem – so far.

2. The fact that the replay banner bar thingo (sorry, can't remember what it's called) does not automatically go away is annoying. I imagine the remote's Exit button will be worn out way ahead of the rest. I'll hope for a firmware update down the track.

3. The Manual is lousy. If were not for this Forum, I would still be randomly hitting the remote's buttons trying figure out some of the functions.

4. For me, the file transfer program HC_USB was awful. It would only randomly recognise the PVR's drive, had to be opened twice in succession before it even recognised it in the first place, and would crash (and reboot the laptop) in the middle of a file transfer – could be anywhere between 30 seconds and 20 minutes. Frustrating.

I do however have a solution. Download and install 'hc_xdrive_usb_101' from the German Homecast website: www.homecast.de It's in the downloads area.
This updated version of the transfer program is much, much better that the original (v1.0 or v1.1). Better interface, more information, and importantly, reliable operation. Still only 1.9MB/s transfer rate though.

NOTE that you need to uninstall the old driver, so follow the instructions included with the software (in German, but you'll get the idea). The instructions are also on the associated forum. Best to throw the home page address at Google's German-English translator, then go from there.
And one last thing, along with the old driver uninstall instructions, you should also follow the new driver install instructions (it's a two step process).

With those two problems sorted out (picture freezing and file transfer crashing) I'm very happy with the DSE unit. I've found this Forum very helpful, so I hope someone else will benefit from the information I've provided here.

Replaced it. The new one has the freeze issue BUT not as often. During the first few hours playback it had the odd pixelate-run fine problem. It was so fast I wasn't worried. Then the freezing started.

It's on playback and has nothing to do with the show saved - watch it again no freeze at the same point. I don't know if it happens more/less when other recorder is on, certain channels etc. It's very frustrating. Same S/W same H/W details as the first one 1040 etc etc.

I'll try a reformat over the weekend. It is such a pity cause it does everything I need except for mon-fri recording. How come there has been such a consistent problem with them and they still sell them? Is it something I'm doing? It sometimes happens on fastforward/rewind.

I ended up buying the Arion here: http://www.metatronics.com.au/product_info...;products_id=28 - a little more than the DSE box but so much better it's not funny. It's a rebadged Mediastar 920.

EPG (downloaded from internet works fine). Twin tuner working fine. 70 timer recording slots. USB connectivity. NO SKIPPING/STUTTERING

Much much better than the DSE. Extremely happy I skipped the DSE and got this instead. The only thing it doesn't have is a 3 year warranty - probably not a biggie as the HD will probably be the first thing to go within 3 years and you can always upgrade it yourself to a larger size when (if) that time comes

bdl

I purchased one of these machines from Dick Smith and swapped it three times. Actually five times if you include the two swaps they made, giving me one of the machines I had already returned. The first time I took it home before noticing, the second I checked in the store first. None of the machines I had were problem free and eventually I returned the fourth for a refund.

The first three machines had software 1.04.0A. All of these suffered with audio stuttering a bit after rewind/fforward and playback freezing frequently for 20-40 seconds before resuming.

Two of the machines had a problem with a recorded program automatically jumping forward and back a few frames during playback giving a machine gun effect, which lasted 10 and 13 seconds before continuing. They would do this at the same spot every time. The banner showed 50 seconds of file for the 13 second one and some of the recording was lost at this point compared to a backup analogue recording.

One recording was missing a section of approximately one minute compared to a backup analogue recording. There was a noticeable jump at the point of the missing minute.

A number of timed recordings terminated early and some would freeze during playback at the same point every time and would not continue.

Timer recordings would not start if the screen was left showing the timer display list. They would start as soon as the timer display list screen was exited. Other than this I experienced no troubles with timed recording starts.

The fourth machine had software 1.03.2A. It did not suffer from the audio stutter, temporary freezing or machine gun effect of the others. It did suffer from one recording that froze on playback and would not play any further. It also managed to automatically swap channels during three other recordings. These recordings would sometimes play past the change over point, sometimes lock up at change over point, sometimes lockup entirely and sometimes display the message “service is not now available” before starting to play. One of these swaps was to the channel 10 guide, which was a “deleted” channel.

All of the machines were set to manual time. On the third machine I did a factory reset, formatted the hard drive and rescanned all the channels after it gave problems. It still had problems afterwards.

I phoned Topfield (who are responsible for warranty repairs), to inquire about further/latest software. They advised that there was only software, no latest or further even when I mentioned the two versions that I had.

As a follow-up from my previous post (18-05-07), unfortunately it still occasionally freezes on playback.

It’s not a signal problem (full sig strength) or a HDD problem (plays back fine when file is downloaded to a PC), and besides, it freezes in a different place every time. If you do nothing, it recovers in 20 seconds or so – presumably when it finds the hard disk again.

Tried all the reset, HDD format etc steps to no avail.

Called the DSE tech support and spoke to a very helpful guy who has since emailed me with follow up information, so points to DSE for customer service. Topfield doesn’t seem very responsive.

In the end though, since this appears to be a fundamental problem with the unit, the onus is on DSE to contact the manufacturer (whoever they might be) and push for a software update. To make this happen DSE needs to be aware that the problem is exists in most (if not all) units, so…

…please give them a call if you’re having playback freezing issues!

Took mine back, I couldn't handle the freezes. The lady at DSE said it was a hard drive issue and they need to be replaced (recalled me thinks).

Well got a Toppy MP (Couldn't handle the thought of ads got it for good price with E X T E NDed warranty 4yrs) So if it blows 'they' can fix it.

Am in mourning however. The DSE one was LOVELY, easy to understand easy to use, all I needed. Took about a hour to be happily comfortable using and programming. With this one I am finding that there are a lot of options I don't need and that confuse the situation. I'll get there but it's taking longer. Also the picture is not as sharp.

DSE positives; cheap, better remote (shock horror), easy to 'understand'.
DSE negatives; bloody thing wouldn't work without freezing. No week-day timer. 10 only timers.

TP positives; (well I hope it works it took me ages to set up haven't recorded yet) Guide record, week-day timer, lots of timers.
Negatives; I don't like the square, material feel of the remote- scratch prone (no I WONT buy another unless the dog eats it). Hard to understand, the manual is not easy for a newbie to follow it jumps around. The online manual is better.

OVERALL as a normal person who doesn't watch much TV the DSE one would get my nod (IF IT WORKED). For normal, low to mod use it would be perfect. I imagine it would be great for a bedroom/rumpus room rarely used TV just not for the 'main' tv.

Have to figure this whole ice thing out - what a pain you can't use a thumb drive to load the guide - off to another forum to figure things out...

OK off-topic, but Topfield must be pulling their hair out...

5000:-cant use a thumbdrive to load EPG v's 7000:-must use thumbdrive to load EPG
"What? you want both? "

NO, I don't want to lug a laptop and 20 odd metres of ethernet cord down the stairs! To be perfectly honest the only thing TF have to tear their hair out over is the aggreement to service the DSE sets.

To keep it well on topic I miss the fast forward system. The start where stopped feature and the remote control of the DSE.

Well, I guess I got lucky as my unit has never had an issue freezing, and is yet to miss a timer. Maybe it's a new batch of machines (since none of the initial posters experienced this problem either), or maybe it's the new version 1.04A of the firmware? I do occasionally get a brief dropout in sound after jumping in the file - it lasts for about half a second, and doesn't worry me. I didn't get this initially, though, and think it's probably got more to do with my HDD becoming cluttered and fragmented ...

I've downloaded and tried the German Homecast hc_xdrive_usb_101 software, and it works a charm - it's so much better than the old software the DSE manual points to! I've also discovered a neat trick for working around the inability to record the timeshift buffer. The timeshift buffer is just a file that is continually overwritten, called tm_shift.000 ... you can download this file from the unit with the software, and edit the recording to snip out the bit you want with MPEG Streamclip. So if you're watching a show that runs for less time than the timeshift buffer, you can happily download it and burn it to DVD if you transfer it before watching another program. This is also useful if you're time-shifting a channel and a later timer kicks in - recording stops you watching the buffer and you can't get back to it, but the new recording won't overwrite the timeshift buffer and you can grab the rest of the program if you download the timeshift file.

Personally I’m starting to suspect that the playback freezing issues might have something to do with the type of HDD. Mine is a Western Digital – model number WDxxxxx – but I believe the early batches of the DSE PVR used Seagate drives. Can anyone comment on that?

The other thing I notice is that I only get picture freezing when I continuously play back a file, without using the < > jump feature. When I do use jump (to skip though ads) I don’t have a problem – and no, my commercial station signal is not better than ABC or SBS!
To me, this implies that the firmware is losing track of the disk during playback, and using the jump feature forces it to regularly (at each ad break) find the right part of the file.

As with others, I’ve also noticed a short burst of audio stuttering after jumping through the file, which really doesn’t concern me.

I do repeat my ‘call to action’ though: if you’re having picture freezing problems, please call the DSE service department so they have enough reports to justify harassing the manufacturer for a firmware update.

My unit is one of the early ones with the Seagate HDD and I don't have any of the freezing issues. Although I am starting to get issues with it jumping forward about 5-10 seconds during playback.

Mine is the Seagate HDD too. Have never had an issue with freezing since purchase in December 06 and mine gets a lot of use recording. I recall one recording that was corrupt and wouldn't play but this was an isolated instance. Still running the original firmware. Once out of warranty I am thinking about trying to slot in a 320gb HDD - If it works out I'll update the forum.

Many thanks for the helpful feedback regarding HDD brands. I am indeed starting to smell a rat.

My drive is a WD1600B, which is about as cheap and bog-standard as you can get. I bet the manufacturer found they could save a few bucks by moving from Seagate to Western Digital drives, and the firmware has an undetected issue with that.

Starting to think that a HDD upgrade may be in order when the warranty expires – think I know what brand it will be…

I should have asked this before, but can any of you helpful folks tell me the reported model number of your Seagate drives?

Yes, mine's got a Seagate HDD and I've never seen freezing. I think you might be onto something here. I'd never buy a Western Digital drive - way too many bad experiences with them in the past, and they have to be some of the noisiest drives on the market as well. I don't want to move my unit at the moment to check the model number of the drive - it's all nicely balanced on bits of foam to stop the low-pitched hum! But if I do ever move it I'll post it here.

Have you tried contacting the Topfield support number on the sales docket about this issue? Seems a straightforward thing to fix if it is the HDD model.

And if not, it should be an easy matter to do it yourself, although you'll obviously break the warranty doing so. If you are brave enough to try this, please do post your experiences - as far as I know, nobody's yet tried a harddrive upgrade with this DSE unit ...


Or that the drive seek mechanism is screwed ...


I also get this, with my Seagate HDD, so it's clearly not related to the HDD model.

Sounds like anyone thinking of buying one of these ought to check what HDD is in their unit. At least with DSE you can return within 14 days for a full refund. Maybe if they get enough returns of units they'll start to realise something isn't right ...

Mines a Seagate ST3160212ACE No problems with freezing.

Note that the drives ending with CE are special Consumer Electronics drives made for HDD use for PVRs.

See the Seagate web site.

They are optimized for quite operation. Also some claim they do less error checking than "normal" PC HDD drives, so can be faster eg if an error occurs instead of trying to read again just skip over it as the error may not be noticed on the screen. This is obviously impossible in a PC. This may be a myth. So replacing with a normal PC HDD may result in increased noise and stuttering playback.

Western Digital also make special HDDs for this market.

The basic WD 160GB PC drive is WD1600BB while the Consumer Electronics equivalent is WD1600AVBB.

Maybe the WD drive installed in the latest ones with the freezing problem is the PC version?