BellTV 9242: Firmware V183 Discussion (EHD fixes)

[ScaryBob]

I went the multiple small drive route at first. I already owned 3 that were seldom used so it seemed to make sense. The experience was far from good. The smaller drives filled up way too easily and switching them was a pain. After having several nuked archives, I opted for a 1TB WD drive and there have been zero problems since. It's never been over 3/4 full and I can always find some stuff to delete once it gets that much programming stored. 1TB drives are cheap enough these days that it just makes sense to go that route.

[Angelfish]

Originally Posted by ScaryBob

I went the multiple small drive route at first. I already owned 3 that were seldom used so it seemed to make sense. The experience was far from good. The smaller drives filled up way too easily and switching them was a pain. After having several nuked archives, I opted for a 1TB WD drive and there have been zero problems since. It's never been over 3/4 full and I can always find some stuff to delete once it gets that much programming stored. 1TB drives are cheap enough these days that it just makes sense to go that route.

Do you find that the WD makes a lot of noise wether the system is on or in standby. Mine is hooked up in my bedroom and I'll tell you that it is sometimes (often) distracting with the disc access grinding noise. But the drive works great.

[fsvs]

Update...

After emailing and calling Bell several times with my persistent disconnect problem while playing archived programs from my Lacie 1TB EHD, they shipped me a refurbished 9242 receiver. Last night I archived a few shows over to my EHD, which had to be reformatted since I now was using a different Bell receiver, subsequently deleting all the movies I had previous recorded. Then I played back two programs (1 hour each) in full without any disconnect incidents.

I would have preferred a new Bell receiver, but the refurbished unit appears to be in very good condition and I can live with it if it solves the problem and allows me to use the Lacie EHD without disconnecting.

So far so good.

[ScaryBob]

Do you find that the WD makes a lot of noise

I find that WD drives are typically very quiet but none are totally silent. One trick is to place the EHD on a cushioning pad to absorb vibration. I use a WD Green series, which may be quieter than other models. The drive runs 24/7 because the 9242 does not support drive standby.

[jb1]

The 9242 does not support standby, but you can switch the drives off. I use a docking station, and I turn it off and leave it off unless I am archiving or restoring. Since the EHD is not actively used by the machine, there is no need to leave it on. Each time I turn it on, the 9242 recognizes the new USB device, and the connection is made. This has not caused me any problems in terms of the disconnect/drive associated with other receiver errors.

[ScaryBob]

That is correct. Just don't turn it off while archiving. Some of the newer "green" drives only consume 3w to 4w at idle so not much power is saved with those. IIRC, the 9200 and 9242 consume about 35w, on or off.

[6star]

Is anyone successfully using an Iomega Prestige 1TB EHD (34275 version) with the 9242 PVR? What internal HD is inside?

I ordered one from Dell.ca to replace the current Ultra Speed 500GB EHD. It is on sale for $99.99.

[CenturyBreak]

Originally Posted by 6star

Is anyone successfully using an Iomega Prestige 1TB EHD (34275 version) with the 9242 PVR? What internal HD is inside?

I ordered one from Dell.ca to replace the current Ultra Speed 500GB EHD. It is on sale for $99.99.

I was interested in knowing this as well... it's on sale yet again at Dell Canada for this price.

[mikha27]

It should work,

I have an Iomega 1Tb model GDHDU, got it at FS and it's been working fine for 3 months now.

[MeatBag]

Hello everyone,

I received a replacement 9242 today from Bell. It's hooked up and functioning.

I'd like to connect the EHD full of recordings from my old 9242.

It detects but only gives me the option to format.

I thought the three strikes rule would allow me to move my EHD between 9242's on the same account?

Am I doing something wrong, or is there some way I can use Linux to move the recordings off, format the drive on the new PVR, then use linux again to move the recordings back to the EHD?

Thanks for any suggestions!

[scrooloose]

That's odd, because I just did almost the same thing except that it simply asked if I wanted to manage the recordings on the detected drive. I answered yes and everything was intact and accessible. Mine was to a new 9242 though, not a refurb.

-Mike

[MeatBag]

Thanks scrooloose! I just tried the EHD again and all is well.

Perhaps the PVR needed more time to learn it was on the same account, although I had waited for my programming to synch first last time.

Now to test if this replacement 9242 can actually use the EHD properly...

[waterug]

Currently I am renting a 9242 and I assume that is what you have. Was the "new" receiver brand new or a refurb?

[dosborne]

Originally Posted by MeatBag

Thanks scrooloose! I just tried the EHD again and all is well.

Perhaps the PVR needed more time to learn it was on the same account, although I had waited for my programming to synch first last time.

Now to test if this replacement 9242 can actually use the EHD properly...

I think it is more likely that the unit required a formware update as this rules regarding this function were changed via a firmware update.

FYI - copying the files via linux, formatting the drive and copying the files back would not likely work either as the IRD would still be unlikely to recognise the authorization to access the drive.