[mtcs]

I recently fitted a Seagate ST3500830ACE 500Gb replacement hard drive to my Sky+ Pace PVR3 after the original Maxtor drive failed.
The new drive is working fine except I've noticed a slight skipping or pausing in the video playback of recorded programs, as if a frame is being dropped, once or twice a minute. This drive is optimised for use in DVR's and PVR's so I was a bit surprised to see this happening.
Anytime TV and the instant rewind features are turned off as I don't use them. The drive formatted fine when I installed it. I did a full system reset and re-built the planner before starting my first recording on it, and also I made sure the EPG was the latest by forcing an update.
I haven't tried copying data from the old drive to the new one.
The skipping also happens on live TV, but only if I happen to be recording that channel. Programs that are live but not being recorded are not affected.

So, my question is, what can I do to improve it? I understand the drive can be modified in some way when attached to a PC using some sort of utility, but I have no idea what I can or should change.
Thanks for any advice.
Mike

[Stevenage Neil]

Originally Posted by mtcs

I recently fitted a Seagate ST3500830ACE 500Gb replacement hard drive to my Sky+ Pace PVR3 after the original Maxtor drive failed.

What was the original failure mode?

Sounds like you have write timing problem.

Neil

[mtcs]

Thanks for your reply Neil.
It failed after I turned off the power at the wall socket by accident while it was recording. The air was blue!
The old hard drive sounded like it was working, but the planner wouldn't display - just a blank screen.
What's a 'write timing problem'? is it something I can adjust on the PVR?

[Stevenage Neil]

Originally Posted by mtcs

.......... is it something I can adjust on the PVR?....

No. I think the box is kn******d.

May call for a Sky £65 call out/replacement.

[mtcs]

Originally Posted by Stevenage Neil

No. I think the box is kn******d.

May call for a Sky £65 call out/replacement.

I do hope not!

The unit is 3 years old. If Sky replaces it will they charge for a new box plus the £65 fee? Also, given that I've put in my own drive would that stop them replacing it? I wondering if it's better to get a second hand unit off ebay.
Mike

[mtcs]

Thought I'd post an update. I'm not getting any skipping/pausing anymore. No idea why. Has been working perfectly.