Replacing The Hdd In A Pvr / Set-top

[WarwickG]

I have been asked by a friend to replace the HDD in their PVR unit (can't remember the model, possibly called OpenTel, could be wrong though). I've been trying to find information on what needs to be done to prepare the HDD (if it is any different than a standard PC FAT/NTFS format), but all searches on the HD abbreviation keep referring to High-Definition instead people using the proper HDD moniker for hard drive/disk/disc.

This issue has also made me wonder whether there are any set-top box models (without a HDD installed) that would have the componentry to allow you to plop in your own (cheaper) HDD.

Is there anything special to prepare the HDD for before putting it into the PVR? Can you choose what sized HDD to put into it? And therefore would all PVRs be using their own customised HDD transfer protocols and/or storage space requirements that restrict or even prevent said practice? Please help.

[Dave®]

PVRs and DVD recorders generally come in 3 types.

1.) Those with a 'format' option in their menu.

2.) Those that require sending the device to the manufacturer to have the HDD formatted and installed.

3.) Those that don't provide any means of upgrading the HDD to a bigger size.

Get your friend to look around in the menu. And have a read of the owners manual.

[pgdownload]

A number of PVRs allow you to swap in a standard drive. As Dave says, there's usually a FORMAT option in the PVR menu.

All Topfield PVRs can. Read here for a bit of a run down on the process (its actually simpler than swapping a drive in a PC)

http://toppyharddrive.blogspot.com/

You'll note that it can be a good idea to change the accoustic settings of a drive before installing. This is done at a low level and when connected to a PC. Drives are normally set to rapidly accellerate to get to the next bit of data which can cause a fairly loud clicking sound (ok in a PC but bad in the living room). However, PVRs don't need this speed so you can slow down the pace a bit and the drives become almost silent. Note Accoustic management is a function of the harddrive, not the PVR.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

[WarwickG]

Here's the update on my attempt to replace the HDD in the OpenTel 4200 ...

Essentially, I think there is something wrong with the unit itself, either electronically or by a faulty firmware. Basically, the unit will power up without a HDD attached to it, but with both the original HDD only clicking over and any other HDD not responding at all then the unit does not even come up on the TV screen.

Problem is that I have attempted to update the firmware via the null-modem serial cable and the OSDLoader software, but they won't talk to each other and therefore I cannot ascertain the current firmware's status. All in all, I think this unit is a complete dud and I would not recommend it to anyone who is looking for a "cheap" PVR. Spend up to $400-500 instead of the more measley <$300 (at least until the all the prices fall within the next year or so) and you should come out of the store feeling a lot better about yourself.

Peace.

[aafuss]

Pioneer-you'd probably need a special service remote if you replaced the HDD.