Is my Sky+ HDD failing?

I have an original Pace V1 Sky+ box (some years old now!) . Recently I've
had a problem with recordings. Some will appear to record correctly, then a
few days later will change to 'FAILED' in the planner (with Technical Fault
as the reason). Some recordings that don't fail have bad freezing and
picture/audio break-up.

Is it likely to be a failing HDD? I could replace it, but don't want to
spend the money on a new drive if there's another problem. The signal
strength/quality on both inputs is good, and I don't get any problems when
viewing TV 'live' (ie not recording). And the same programmes will record on
my PC TV card without any problems.


There's a place that sells HDDs specifically for home electronics use (not
PC drives) - can anyone point me to the site that sells them as I've lost
the link?


Thanks in advance!

Brian W wrote:
Is it likely to be a failing HDD?

These sound like exactly the problems I was having on my Pace V2 Sky+ box
until recently. I've had it for years and the problem had very gradually
worsened over the last six months or so, but had got to a point where every
other program would freeze up during playback.

I ordered a new 250 HD and installed it (which was a piece of cake to do)
and I've not had any problems at all since then. The extra capacity is
fantastic too, most programmes take less than 1% of the disk capacity, it
feels like the space is unlimited at the moment (though I'm sure it won't
last!)

The drive I got is a Seagate STM325820A, which I ordered from Lambda-Tek:

http://www.lambda-tek.com/components...?prodID=B68269

This drive is £38.55 inc VAT, plus a few pounds for postage. Can't promise
it'll work for you but it did for me and I'm very happy with it.

The only minor issue I have is that the Sky+ fan now spins continuously, 24
hours a day, which is a bit annoying (but is an expected side-effect of
upgrading the drive, from what I've read). I know there are replacement fans
available which will stop this but I don't really want to spend another 30
quid on the box. I'm puzzled as to what triggers the fan to run the whole
time; it's obviously not the internal temperature as the air coming out is
cold. Odd.

--

(O)enone

(O)enone wrote:
Brian W wrote:
Is it likely to be a failing HDD?

These sound like exactly the problems I was having on my Pace V2 Sky+ box
until recently. I've had it for years and the problem had very gradually
worsened over the last six months or so, but had got to a point where every
other program would freeze up during playback.

I ordered a new 250 HD and installed it (which was a piece of cake to do)
and I've not had any problems at all since then. The extra capacity is
fantastic too, most programmes take less than 1% of the disk capacity, it
feels like the space is unlimited at the moment (though I'm sure it won't
last!)

The drive I got is a Seagate STM325820A, which I ordered from Lambda-Tek:

http://www.lambda-tek.com/components...?prodID=B68269

This drive is £38.55 inc VAT, plus a few pounds for postage. Can't promise
it'll work for you but it did for me and I'm very happy with it.

The only minor issue I have is that the Sky+ fan now spins continuously, 24
hours a day, which is a bit annoying (but is an expected side-effect of
upgrading the drive, from what I've read). I know there are replacement fans
available which will stop this but I don't really want to spend another 30
quid on the box. I'm puzzled as to what triggers the fan to run the whole
time; it's obviously not the internal temperature as the air coming out is
cold. Odd.

Perhaps a poor format? Try re-formatting the drive.
Rob.

Two thoughts, what do these devices do when fragmentation occurs? Have they
got some kind of defrag routine, as what you describe sounds like
fragmentation to me.
Then of course, it might help to check the connectors on the drive and
reseat them, as vibration can cause them to loosen. However, if neither of
these is the problem its probably drive sickness and only a replacement can
fix it. If you can get a temporary one in it would quickly prove if its the
drive or not of course.

Brian

--
Brian Gaff -
Note:- In order to reduce spam, any email without 'Brian Gaff'
in the display name may be lost.
Blind user, so no pictures please!
"Brian W" wrote in message
...
I have an original Pace V1 Sky+ box (some years old now!) . Recently I've
had a problem with recordings. Some will appear to record correctly, then a
few days later will change to 'FAILED' in the planner (with Technical Fault
as the reason). Some recordings that don't fail have bad freezing and
picture/audio break-up.

Is it likely to be a failing HDD? I could replace it, but don't want to
spend the money on a new drive if there's another problem. The signal
strength/quality on both inputs is good, and I don't get any problems when
viewing TV 'live' (ie not recording). And the same programmes will record
on my PC TV card without any problems.


There's a place that sells HDDs specifically for home electronics use (not
PC drives) - can anyone point me to the site that sells them as I've lost
the link?


Thanks in advance!

Brian W wrote:

I have an original Pace V1 Sky+ box (some years old now!) . Recently I've
had a problem with recordings. Some will appear to record correctly, then a
few days later will change to 'FAILED' in the planner (with Technical Fault
as the reason). Some recordings that don't fail have bad freezing and
picture/audio break-up.

Is it likely to be a failing HDD? I could replace it, but don't want to
spend the money on a new drive if there's another problem. The signal
strength/quality on both inputs is good, and I don't get any problems when
viewing TV 'live' (ie not recording). And the same programmes will record on
my PC TV card without any problems.

There's a place that sells HDDs specifically for home electronics use (not
PC drives) - can anyone point me to the site that sells them as I've lost
the link?

Thanks in advance!

it really does sound like the drive. have you ever cleaned it off
entirely? Might be worth a try just to see if it recovers. guy gives
instructions on this page
http://www.reviewcentre.com/review189844.html


--
Paul (We won't die of devotion)
-------------------------------------------------------
Stop and Look
http://www.geocities.com/dreamst8me/

"Brian W" wrote in message
...
I have an original Pace V1 Sky+ box (some years old now!) . Recently I've
had a problem with recordings. Some will appear to record correctly, then a
few days later will change to 'FAILED' in the planner (with Technical Fault
as the reason). Some recordings that don't fail have bad freezing and
picture/audio break-up.

Is it likely to be a failing HDD? I could replace it, but don't want to
spend the money on a new drive if there's another problem. The signal
strength/quality on both inputs is good, and I don't get any problems when
viewing TV 'live' (ie not recording). And the same programmes will record
on my PC TV card without any problems.


There's a place that sells HDDs specifically for home electronics use (not
PC drives) - can anyone point me to the site that sells them as I've lost
the link?


Thanks in advance!

As far as i'm aware a normal P.C. drive will do the business, i replaced my
original 40gb drive with a 160 about a year and a half ago and no problems
since. All i did was go to the hidden menu, which incase you dont know about
is services 4 0 1 select, i then chose option 8 (full system reset)
and the box formatted the drive. I can only assume that shops selling 'HDDs
specifically for home electronics ' will be spining some yarn about how you
cannot use ordinary drives and need a 'special one' just so they can make
more money. Anyway hope this helps
--


V.O.R.

If you dont believe me, ask me.

"Voice Of Reason" [email protected] wrote in message
news:[email protected]
"Brian W" wrote in message
...
I have an original Pace V1 Sky+ box (some years old now!) . Recently I've
had a problem with recordings. Some will appear to record correctly, then
a few days later will change to 'FAILED' in the planner (with Technical
Fault as the reason). Some recordings that don't fail have bad freezing
and picture/audio break-up.

Is it likely to be a failing HDD? I could replace it, but don't want to
spend the money on a new drive if there's another problem. The signal
strength/quality on both inputs is good, and I don't get any problems
when viewing TV 'live' (ie not recording). And the same programmes will
record on my PC TV card without any problems.


There's a place that sells HDDs specifically for home electronics use
(not PC drives) - can anyone point me to the site that sells them as I've
lost the link?


Thanks in advance!

As far as i'm aware a normal P.C. drive will do the business, i replaced
my original 40gb drive with a 160 about a year and a half ago and no
problems since. All i did was go to the hidden menu, which incase you dont
know about is services 4 0 1 select, i then chose option 8 (full
system reset) and the box formatted the drive. I can only assume that
shops selling 'HDDs specifically for home electronics ' will be spining
some yarn about how you cannot use ordinary drives and need a 'special
one' just so they can make more money. Anyway hope this helps
--
Very helpful, thanks!