Okay I have a 9242 that had been experiencing (for about 8 months) "weak" signal strength on the HD channels. Just addig that for info, if it is relevant in a way that I don't know. I didn't really pay much attention to it because we mostly watch netflix or OTA. The PVR is essentially for the kids to record their YTV and Teletoon shows etc. There is also an external h/d attached.
About two weeks ago we got the "reference 0521". We were however able to watch live tv and pre-recorded shows. A couple of times the kids turned the PVR "off" (i.e. to the splash screen) and then the PVR shutdown completely. Unplugging for a minute as the error code suggested, got it going again, although no PVR function. I assumed that it was just a case of replacing the H/drve as this thread implies.
For the past few days the PVR does not boot completely. The green light comes on briefly, then the T.v. indicates the input (component) is active. A few moments later two a vertical bar flashes twice on the T.V., then nothing for several minutes until the cycle repeats. I left it for a day and half, and it was still stuck.
I have tried pressing and holding the power button, unplugging for an hour to allow the unit to cool down, as a few posts have suggested. Finally tonight, I unplugged and took the cover off. I unplugged the h/d (two cables), and still no remedy. It finally occurred to me that maybe unplugging the external h/d should have been a first step (D'Uh). Unplugged external h/d as well, press and hold unit's <PWR> and finally it jumped back to the splash screen.
I have not disassembled the PVR enough to see how many of the capacitors are "bulging" as Queball mentioned in
this post. The ones I can see, that are similar to his, appear to be bulging as well. I just don't know enough about capacitor plague to identify bad caps visually.
Any suggested next steps would be greatly appreciated. Is it bad caps, bad h/d, bad external h/d,... or a combination of all or some of the above? Does this belong in electronics heaven, or is it worth trying to fix?? Should I try plugging the internal h/d back in and try dumping the NVRAM and then reformat (concerned about this step)???
I might add, I do enjoy the ability to record OTA, when I can, which I don't think any other Bell product supports. If I add dishcare, how long should I wait before calling back with my problem? I have a 2700 and 3100 for two older, rarely used TVs as well, if that factors.
Happy Long weekend!