622 - Does it "spool down" ??

[bhelms]

I don't have mine yet, but this is one question I'd like to pursue. When the unit is put into "standby" (off, but not unplugged) does the HDD shut down? Also - is there a way to shut-off the HDD when you're watching but not recording or skipping, etc.? Even with the ever-increasing reliability in HDDs I'd still like the option of shutting mine down when it's not really needed. There's the (minimal?) wasted power to be considered but I also think the added unnecessary heat is a more significant issue since this unit runs on the hot side to begin with.

Tks and BRgds...

 

[LER]

while watching tv it buffers, to allow the "tricks" (pause, skip back, etc).

Not sure about shutdown when not in use (standby), it's quiet enough that i can't tell on mine.

LER

 

[caam1]

On the 622 the hard drive runs all the time, even in "standby" mode.

 

[bhelms]

On the 622 the hard drive runs all the time, even in "standby" mode.

Tks guys for the replies. This is what I was afraid of. I really hope these things are, like, 10^6 hrs MTBF or better. Seems like a real waste especially in standby. I suppose if the HDD is needed for the updates it could power-up for that then shut down again...

How about the other DVRs? Is it the same way with them...?

Have a great weekend...!

 

[caam1]

The 501/508/510 hard drives shut off in standby. The 525/625 drives also run all the time. I am not sure about the hard drive in the 721.

 

[long_time_DNC]

Can't even hear it, it's so quiet. The 320gb drives typically have a high MTBF anyway, but if you're concerned about the heat issue, go to Radio Shack and get a 5-volt PC fan and a multi-volt DC power supply. They're virtually silent. I put one behind my 622 and it keeps it running quite comfortably.

 

[drsiebling]

Interesting: my 622 its EXTREMELY noisy compared to my 942. Since it is working flawlessly, I'm not going to tempt fate by sending it back...

 

[bkushner]

Can't even hear it, it's so quiet. The 320gb drives typically have a high MTBF anyway, but if you're concerned about the heat issue, go to Radio Shack and get a 5-volt PC fan and a multi-volt DC power supply. They're virtually silent. I put one behind my 622 and it keeps it running quite comfortably.

Another way to go (I just did this morning) is a notebook chiller.

BRian

 

[bhelms]

Keeping my "cool"...!

Tks for the feedback guys! I hope some future sw update will turn the HD off when it's not needed. Given the substantial info in these threads about the high operating temp of the 622, I'm inclined to experiment with that issue early on, using some of the suggestions made by long_time_DNC and bkushner. I'll report back.

Tks again...

 

[navychop]

I believe my 721 keeps the hard disk running all the time.

HDD failures are more likely on startup and shut down. That is when most wear occurs. But you're right, heat is a concern....