Replacing a defective HD DVR

[mike6097]

I have 3 HD DVRs in my home and my main unit in living room has become virtually unwatchable due to video stuttering every 20-30 seconds. It is worse on DVR'ed programs. My boxes are all leased and I do not have the protection plan. Any chance DTV will replace this unwatchable receiver? Suggestions?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[jdspencer]

DirecTV should replace a defective receiver for the cost of shipping.
However, you'll need to go through the entire troubleshooting scenario from a DirecTV CSR.

How is this receiver connected?
SWM or not?
Have you tried using a different output from the multiswitch or SWM splitter?

 

[Dwight_M]

I recently went through this with my HR21-100. It had similar symptoms, which turned out to be a failing hard drive. It took two calls, each stepping through troubleshooting protocols. Ultimately, they wanted me to reformat the hard drive, which I was unable to do because it was in such bad shape. Two days later, a replacement HR21-200 arrived. It was used/refurbished.

Bottom line from my experience: If reformatting the hard drive doesn't solve your problem, they'll send you a replacement. But don't count on it being a new unit.