Just started using an external (500GB) USB hard drive with my Bell 6131 to provide PVR functionality - and it works pretty well...

Since however my location is at a cottage and I only use the PVR very sporadically I don't really want to leave the hard drive powered on all the time.

So far, I have noticed that if I power off everything (ie. the 6131 and the h.d.) the PVR seems to be available when the power is restored to both units,

- and however if I turn off the power (only) to the h.d. and then turn the h.d. back on the 6131 wants/needs to go through the process of "re-installing" the h.d. and going through a re-initialization phase...

This is a workable approach - but wonder if there is a simpler, easier way to be able to occasionally power down/up the h.d. ...?

Many thanks for any suggestions and best regards.

I would turn the 6131 and HD together with a power bar. Just allow about 5 minutes for the guide to load when powering up. The main issue with turning off the 6131 is that it will start to unsubscribe channels after about a week. That requires a "hit" from Bell to reauthorize the channels. As long as the 6131 is turned on at least once a week that should not be an issue. Channels can be reauthorized from the Bell web site once a month but requires a call to Bell if done more often.

I noticed that my 6131 was responding erratically to its remote control when I had inadvertently turned on the Sharp Aquos TV Optical Picture Control (OPC). The 6131 and TV are connected using the HDMI interface. Turning off the TV OPC fixed the problem. Not sure if this was a case of interference, noisy ground, etc. (pure speculation) or something more obvious that I missed.

goniometer: IR interference - discussed in the following thread:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=64463

Here's another useful post - FAQs, Search Tips, Optimization:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=57741

Thanks 57. You have some good background info there. I'll leave the OPC off (didn't intend to turn it on originally – finger trouble!).

I need answers,my 6131 screen has just started to go blank at random times.These blackouts come and go.
I am using a sw44 switch running 2 6131 and one 5900 receivers.
I ran my sony 46" off the rabbit ears for the evening OTA and no blackout.
My other receivers do not have this problem.
The 6131 is only 2 months old is there something I should be looking for?
Thanks:
Oakvillerick

Are you using HDMI? Poor connection at one end? Here's the HDMI FAQ and a list of things to check/try:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=71112

It seems I spoke too soon-despite the reformatting, the receiver does not want to recognize the EHD. It will allow me to choose a program to record, will show that it is reserved for recording, will change channels but will not record. When I press the PVR button, it says there is no EHD. Has anyone else had this problem?

Yes we are currently having a problem with recognizing the external hard drive. It will indicate recording on the guide but nothing happens. Do not think we have a problem with the hard drive but with the receiver. Has anything changed in the last month or so via a new download.

For myself, there had been no new software before the problem occurred. In each of the three cases where the hard drives failed, it just happened with no forewarning. In each case, replacing the hard drive solved the problem for several weeks. After the third EHD failure, I did a force-load from TP 13 to no effect.

I just installed my 6131 and every 20 mins or so I get the error 005 that my smart card is not authorized. I change the channel and it works again. Is it because its a new ird and it has to download, bell said it could take up to 2 hours for it to work out the bugs? Should I just wait and ask bell to re hit it tomorrow?

The receiver does not appear to have taken the authorisation 'hit' correctly.

Call Bell TV they should just send another 'hit'.

Thanks ScaryBob - that confirms that what I've been doing is the best (only) way.

I want to be able to use the sat receiver so I need to keep the power turned on for it but because I only use the PVR infrequently I unplug the hard drive's power supply...
... and when I want to us the PVR I power up the hard drive and the receiver recognizes the USB drive is now connected it goes through a (several minutes) restart process...

This way works OK except for having to wait 3-4 minutes for the receiver to to re-initialize the PVR capability... (FYI, as you know, when the PVR function is re-established all the previously recorded programs are still available on the drive and PVR listing!)

Was hoping there would be some (shortcut) way to re-connect the USB drive without the receiver having to "re-install" (since the hard drive has already been previously initialized...

Thanks and cheers...

My 6131 External HD was working fine for nine months then suddenly is stopped working. The PVR is asking me to connect an external HD and goes through the setup process - it is recognizing the drive then starts the setup process over and over again. I then get a message on my TV saying NO SIGNAL.

HELP Please!

What type of EHD do you have?

Hey everybody. Newbie here. I just bought a 6131 on Kijiji and connected an EHD. It works great except the 6131 came with the simple remote control instead of the PVR one. This remote only has the Record button, which works, but when it comes to accessing the PVR functions such as Start/Stop/Rew/FF, I am SOL.
I can start the recording by going into the Menu and selecting the program from the PVR list, but then I cannot STOP/RW/FF.
I have a Toshiba CT-90366 remote that is capable of controlling up to 4 devices, and I have programmed it to control the 6131. It does so successfully, ON/OFF/GUIDE/MENU etc etc., but the buttons that supposedly control a recording device have no effect on the EHD/PVR whatsoever. I am wondering if I need to program an extra code in the AUX mode of the remote in order for it to "pick-up" the PVR function of the 6131. Does anybody know? I am drowning in remotes, and the idea of having to buy yet another one just to control the PVR/EHD is ludicrous. Thanks for your help.

Very few remotes from other devices will have the codes for PVR functions on a Bell receiver. The Harmony range, of course, will work it just fine.

It would be more logical to use the correct Remote for the 6131 and use it to control other devices.

I would be contacting the seller as he sold you a receiver with an incompatible Remote.

I agree with Pinza. I own a 6131 with EHD and am using a Harmony 700, which controls everything on my set up(5 devices), and all PVR functions relating to my EHD. The Harmony works great if you want to go that route.:)

Does anyone else, or has anyone else had/have a problem with a Ground Loop on their 6131 and EHD's?

I get lines scrolling up my screen when I have the Portable HD on and used for the PVR.

Very faint lines but still a nuisance none the less.

I have tried changing out power supplys for the unit, grounded the EHD and receiver to each other, I even have them on the same power bar, still having issues.

Perhaps someone knows a fix to this? or is it just my WD HD.

The most likely issue would be another electronic device some where on the circuit - not necassarily on the same receptacle but on the same circuit such as a fan or window ac etc... - some thing that would send feed back into the circuit. If your unable to fix the problem that way, a power conditioner would certainly do the trick aswell -I'm not saying go and buy a "monster" from future shop for 500 bucks, there are ones specifically made for T.V's that are alot cheaper - a very good brand (supposedly the best) is called "FURMAN" can be bought for approx 150 bucks (Furman AC-215A ) . Although I dont use one my self I know others that do - I also do not have this problem with either of my bell box's or EHD's.