Samsung DVD-H40A owners?

[Steve]

Hi,

Are there any DVD-H40A owners out there with websites, etc, with information
on the box, it's internals, it's problems and resolutions, etc.

I'm sure there are, but sometimes you can't find them using search engines.

Thanks,
Steve.

[tom]

I've had one for about 6 months now and it's ok'ish at best. Some weird
things are:

No counter when playing recorded shows off the HDD

You cannot enter how far in to the recorded show you want to go i.e. enter
say 30mins in, so you have to fast forward everytime.

Highest resolution on HDD recording is 6meg which isnt that great. Not
terrible though.

User interface while playing is very simplistic.

The Panasonic DMRE-100H is the go but very expensive. I cant believe it's
extra $1500 just for a HDD from there closest model.


"Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
news:4019ce37$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> Hi,
>
> Are there any DVD-H40A owners out there with websites, etc, with
information
> on the box, it's internals, it's problems and resolutions, etc.
>
> I'm sure there are, but sometimes you can't find them using search
engines.
>
> Thanks,
> Steve.
>
>

[Steve]

I've been doing some digging in the last few days and think I have found
some interesting things in relation to this system.

I wanted to upgrade the disk for one, and finally did that today.
40gb->80gb. I also hated the remote control lag, and may have figured a way
to increase performance (cosmetic change in front of the receiver). Yes, I
voided my warranty, but it goes so much better now. I used to get so annoyed
that I would just turn the damn thing off and ignore it.

The user interface things we probably cannot change, since it's proprietary
controller based stuff as far as I can tell. This isn't a Linux box either,
so software upgrade options are probably non-existent. And the menu may not
have been built by samsung either, but possibly a third party. So, we are
stuck with some disadvantages. I tend to only use those functions I can
stand, the rest I basically ignore. Like storing music or photos on HDD,
it's too slow and complex to copy from CD's. The playlist stuff is pretty
bad too, I find it easier just to burn CD's and use them in default mode of
playing through the songs. It's also a shame they didn't embed a USB port
for dropping music and photos on the hard disk, because the chipset in this
system could have support a USB controller.

A few days ago I heard about the Tivo box (Linux embedded and very
hackable), which is available in USA, UK, Europe, but not here. But the
hackers have enabled things to work in the PAL world now (aus pal, not uk
pal, there were some differences), so I've heard of these being bought
overseas, shipped here and hacked to made work. They are basically just
PVR's with a HDD. Exactly what I was after in the first place. But they are
alot more complex than the DVD-H40A

Since I couldn't find any online sites regarding the player, I went and made
my own. I also happened to get in contact with someone from SA who also had
upgraded his disk and tried some other stuff. I am still looking for other
people's sites if they exist, because I may only be re-inventing the wheel.
At least I could link to them.

Have a look at:

www.users.on.net/sswain/dvd-h40a


Btw, the remote control limited angle operation is a prety easy fix, but
involves voiding the warranty on these boxes, and doing some cutting/removal
of plastic components on the front panel. But if people are game enough, it
shouldn't be too hard to make the changes.

One warning though, the box has an exposed 240V power supply that can fry,
like the Tivo, so it's best not to open it unless it's been powered off and
the capacitors have discharged. If people aren't sure of what they are
doing, don't open the box. Again, the warranty will be voided and you may
harm yourself.

Wish I had a Tivo though. More complex, but more easy to make it do some
amazing stuff (like web daemons, networking (wireless too), and other nifty
things.




"tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
news:4019f2e4$0$10523$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> I've had one for about 6 months now and it's ok'ish at best. Some weird
> things are:
>
> No counter when playing recorded shows off the HDD
>
> You cannot enter how far in to the recorded show you want to go i.e. enter
> say 30mins in, so you have to fast forward everytime.
>
> Highest resolution on HDD recording is 6meg which isnt that great. Not
> terrible though.
>
> User interface while playing is very simplistic.
>
> The Panasonic DMRE-100H is the go but very expensive. I cant believe it's
> extra $1500 just for a HDD from there closest model.
>
>
> "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> news:4019ce37$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > Hi,
> >
> > Are there any DVD-H40A owners out there with websites, etc, with
> information
> > on the box, it's internals, it's problems and resolutions, etc.
> >
> > I'm sure there are, but sometimes you can't find them using search
> engines.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Steve.
> >
> >
>
>

[Steve]

I made a mistake in the previous web address.

It should be:


http://www.users.on.net/sswain/dvdh40a.html

[tom]

That site is awesome!!! I've been trying to find info for ages with no
success. Might have to try that 80gig hdd upgrade soon:)

"Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
news:401a3d4d$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> I've been doing some digging in the last few days and think I have found
> some interesting things in relation to this system.
>
> I wanted to upgrade the disk for one, and finally did that today.
> 40gb->80gb. I also hated the remote control lag, and may have figured a
way
> to increase performance (cosmetic change in front of the receiver). Yes, I
> voided my warranty, but it goes so much better now. I used to get so
annoyed
> that I would just turn the damn thing off and ignore it.
>
> The user interface things we probably cannot change, since it's
proprietary
> controller based stuff as far as I can tell. This isn't a Linux box
either,
> so software upgrade options are probably non-existent. And the menu may
not
> have been built by samsung either, but possibly a third party. So, we are
> stuck with some disadvantages. I tend to only use those functions I can
> stand, the rest I basically ignore. Like storing music or photos on HDD,
> it's too slow and complex to copy from CD's. The playlist stuff is pretty
> bad too, I find it easier just to burn CD's and use them in default mode
of
> playing through the songs. It's also a shame they didn't embed a USB port
> for dropping music and photos on the hard disk, because the chipset in
this
> system could have support a USB controller.
>
> A few days ago I heard about the Tivo box (Linux embedded and very
> hackable), which is available in USA, UK, Europe, but not here. But the
> hackers have enabled things to work in the PAL world now (aus pal, not uk
> pal, there were some differences), so I've heard of these being bought
> overseas, shipped here and hacked to made work. They are basically just
> PVR's with a HDD. Exactly what I was after in the first place. But they
are
> alot more complex than the DVD-H40A
>
> Since I couldn't find any online sites regarding the player, I went and
made
> my own. I also happened to get in contact with someone from SA who also
had
> upgraded his disk and tried some other stuff. I am still looking for other
> people's sites if they exist, because I may only be re-inventing the
wheel.
> At least I could link to them.
>
> Have a look at:
>
> www.users.on.net/sswain/dvd-h40a
>
>
> Btw, the remote control limited angle operation is a prety easy fix, but
> involves voiding the warranty on these boxes, and doing some
cutting/removal
> of plastic components on the front panel. But if people are game enough,
it
> shouldn't be too hard to make the changes.
>
> One warning though, the box has an exposed 240V power supply that can fry,
> like the Tivo, so it's best not to open it unless it's been powered off
and
> the capacitors have discharged. If people aren't sure of what they are
> doing, don't open the box. Again, the warranty will be voided and you may
> harm yourself.
>
> Wish I had a Tivo though. More complex, but more easy to make it do some
> amazing stuff (like web daemons, networking (wireless too), and other
nifty
> things.
>
>
>
>
> "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> news:4019f2e4$0$10523$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > I've had one for about 6 months now and it's ok'ish at best. Some weird
> > things are:
> >
> > No counter when playing recorded shows off the HDD
> >
> > You cannot enter how far in to the recorded show you want to go i.e.
enter
> > say 30mins in, so you have to fast forward everytime.
> >
> > Highest resolution on HDD recording is 6meg which isnt that great. Not
> > terrible though.
> >
> > User interface while playing is very simplistic.
> >
> > The Panasonic DMRE-100H is the go but very expensive. I cant believe
it's
> > extra $1500 just for a HDD from there closest model.
> >
> >
> > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > news:4019ce37$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > Are there any DVD-H40A owners out there with websites, etc, with
> > information
> > > on the box, it's internals, it's problems and resolutions, etc.
> > >
> > > I'm sure there are, but sometimes you can't find them using search
> > engines.
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Steve.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[tom]

Do you have any pics of the front after you modified it for the IR reciever?


"Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
news:401a3d4d$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> I've been doing some digging in the last few days and think I have found
> some interesting things in relation to this system.
>
> I wanted to upgrade the disk for one, and finally did that today.
> 40gb->80gb. I also hated the remote control lag, and may have figured a
way
> to increase performance (cosmetic change in front of the receiver). Yes, I
> voided my warranty, but it goes so much better now. I used to get so
annoyed
> that I would just turn the damn thing off and ignore it.
>
> The user interface things we probably cannot change, since it's
proprietary
> controller based stuff as far as I can tell. This isn't a Linux box
either,
> so software upgrade options are probably non-existent. And the menu may
not
> have been built by samsung either, but possibly a third party. So, we are
> stuck with some disadvantages. I tend to only use those functions I can
> stand, the rest I basically ignore. Like storing music or photos on HDD,
> it's too slow and complex to copy from CD's. The playlist stuff is pretty
> bad too, I find it easier just to burn CD's and use them in default mode
of
> playing through the songs. It's also a shame they didn't embed a USB port
> for dropping music and photos on the hard disk, because the chipset in
this
> system could have support a USB controller.
>
> A few days ago I heard about the Tivo box (Linux embedded and very
> hackable), which is available in USA, UK, Europe, but not here. But the
> hackers have enabled things to work in the PAL world now (aus pal, not uk
> pal, there were some differences), so I've heard of these being bought
> overseas, shipped here and hacked to made work. They are basically just
> PVR's with a HDD. Exactly what I was after in the first place. But they
are
> alot more complex than the DVD-H40A
>
> Since I couldn't find any online sites regarding the player, I went and
made
> my own. I also happened to get in contact with someone from SA who also
had
> upgraded his disk and tried some other stuff. I am still looking for other
> people's sites if they exist, because I may only be re-inventing the
wheel.
> At least I could link to them.
>
> Have a look at:
>
> www.users.on.net/sswain/dvd-h40a
>
>
> Btw, the remote control limited angle operation is a prety easy fix, but
> involves voiding the warranty on these boxes, and doing some
cutting/removal
> of plastic components on the front panel. But if people are game enough,
it
> shouldn't be too hard to make the changes.
>
> One warning though, the box has an exposed 240V power supply that can fry,
> like the Tivo, so it's best not to open it unless it's been powered off
and
> the capacitors have discharged. If people aren't sure of what they are
> doing, don't open the box. Again, the warranty will be voided and you may
> harm yourself.
>
> Wish I had a Tivo though. More complex, but more easy to make it do some
> amazing stuff (like web daemons, networking (wireless too), and other
nifty
> things.
>
>
>
>
> "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> news:4019f2e4$0$10523$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > I've had one for about 6 months now and it's ok'ish at best. Some weird
> > things are:
> >
> > No counter when playing recorded shows off the HDD
> >
> > You cannot enter how far in to the recorded show you want to go i.e.
enter
> > say 30mins in, so you have to fast forward everytime.
> >
> > Highest resolution on HDD recording is 6meg which isnt that great. Not
> > terrible though.
> >
> > User interface while playing is very simplistic.
> >
> > The Panasonic DMRE-100H is the go but very expensive. I cant believe
it's
> > extra $1500 just for a HDD from there closest model.
> >
> >
> > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > news:4019ce37$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > Are there any DVD-H40A owners out there with websites, etc, with
> > information
> > > on the box, it's internals, it's problems and resolutions, etc.
> > >
> > > I'm sure there are, but sometimes you can't find them using search
> > engines.
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Steve.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Steve]

I haven't actually done the change to the front panel yet, as I probably
would make a mess of it. I'm sort of thinking about how best to approach the
problem and look at the infrared receiver technical stuff a bit longer. I
really want an easy mod that won't destroy that nice shiny plastic see
through panel.

[tom]

How long before you try the 160gig hdd? I might wait to see what happens
instead of trying the 80gig first.


"Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
news:401b19ff$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> I haven't actually done the change to the front panel yet, as I probably
> would make a mess of it. I'm sort of thinking about how best to approach
the
> problem and look at the infrared receiver technical stuff a bit longer. I
> really want an easy mod that won't destroy that nice shiny plastic see
> through panel.
>
>

[Steve]

I have to transfer my current PC operating system first, back to it's 80gb
drive.

So not sure when I will attempt this.



"tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
news:401b1973$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> How long before you try the 160gig hdd? I might wait to see what happens
> instead of trying the 80gig first.
>
>
> "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> news:401b19ff$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > I haven't actually done the change to the front panel yet, as I probably
> > would make a mess of it. I'm sort of thinking about how best to approach
> the
> > problem and look at the infrared receiver technical stuff a bit longer.
I
> > really want an easy mod that won't destroy that nice shiny plastic see
> > through panel.
> >
> >
>
>

[tom]

It seems like it should work. May be I will try a 120gig. I had a look and
it's harder to find a 5400rpm drive now. I have a 80gig 7200rpm I might try
it out with.

Stupid question: when you partitioned the target drive you chose a 80gig
partition or does the program just ask if you want to use the whole disk? I
ask because I saw that 32gig something was mentioned before and it was
supposed to be a 40gig hdd.


"Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
news:401b2031@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> I have to transfer my current PC operating system first, back to it's 80gb
> drive.
>
> So not sure when I will attempt this.
>
>
>
> "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> news:401b1973$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > How long before you try the 160gig hdd? I might wait to see what happens
> > instead of trying the 80gig first.
> >
> >
> > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > news:401b19ff$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > I haven't actually done the change to the front panel yet, as I
probably
> > > would make a mess of it. I'm sort of thinking about how best to
approach
> > the
> > > problem and look at the infrared receiver technical stuff a bit
longer.
> I
> > > really want an easy mod that won't destroy that nice shiny plastic see
> > > through panel.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Steve]

Not a stupid question.

My first try was a 80gb and I just formatted it with the default 80gb the
program chose. Of course I deleted the old partitions first using the
Windows XP disk management console, but you could probably do the same with
the Seagate program.

So yes, I chose the suggested 80gb partition, and just tried it. At that
point I wasn't sure how the system would respond, but it seems to have
worked anyway. I sort of assume something like this would work, because the
system just ignores the original 40gb pin settings set to <32GB drive. So I
think the system is only using a subset of the FAT32 standard as it ignores
the free space counter, etc.

As to the 5400 vs 7200 question, I had a look too, and they are mostly 7200
now. I don't think I proved anything either way, but all I do on my system
is turn of the buffer and this seems to help (as it's not actively writing
all day long), but this turned off some of the other functions, e.g. display
button, but it does speed up operation too.


"tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
news:401b2163$0$10528$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> It seems like it should work. May be I will try a 120gig. I had a look and
> it's harder to find a 5400rpm drive now. I have a 80gig 7200rpm I might
try
> it out with.
>
> Stupid question: when you partitioned the target drive you chose a 80gig
> partition or does the program just ask if you want to use the whole disk?
I
> ask because I saw that 32gig something was mentioned before and it was
> supposed to be a 40gig hdd.
>
>
> "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> news:401b2031@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > I have to transfer my current PC operating system first, back to it's
80gb
> > drive.
> >
> > So not sure when I will attempt this.
> >
> >
> >
> > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > news:401b1973$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > How long before you try the 160gig hdd? I might wait to see what
happens
> > > instead of trying the 80gig first.
> > >
> > >
> > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > news:401b19ff$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > I haven't actually done the change to the front panel yet, as I
> probably
> > > > would make a mess of it. I'm sort of thinking about how best to
> approach
> > > the
> > > > problem and look at the infrared receiver technical stuff a bit
> longer.
> > I
> > > > really want an easy mod that won't destroy that nice shiny plastic
see
> > > > through panel.
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[tom]

It does have a fan so hopefully a 7200rpm drive should be ok as far as heat
goes. One consideration would be the current draw of the faster drive.
Hopefully it shouldnt matter.

I've read something about 7200 hdd's current draw with people trying to mod
some of the Panasonic hdd dvd models.


"Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
news:401b256e$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> Not a stupid question.
>
> My first try was a 80gb and I just formatted it with the default 80gb the
> program chose. Of course I deleted the old partitions first using the
> Windows XP disk management console, but you could probably do the same
with
> the Seagate program.
>
> So yes, I chose the suggested 80gb partition, and just tried it. At that
> point I wasn't sure how the system would respond, but it seems to have
> worked anyway. I sort of assume something like this would work, because
the
> system just ignores the original 40gb pin settings set to <32GB drive. So
I
> think the system is only using a subset of the FAT32 standard as it
ignores
> the free space counter, etc.
>
> As to the 5400 vs 7200 question, I had a look too, and they are mostly
7200
> now. I don't think I proved anything either way, but all I do on my system
> is turn of the buffer and this seems to help (as it's not actively writing
> all day long), but this turned off some of the other functions, e.g.
display
> button, but it does speed up operation too.
>
>
> "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> news:401b2163$0$10528$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > It seems like it should work. May be I will try a 120gig. I had a look
and
> > it's harder to find a 5400rpm drive now. I have a 80gig 7200rpm I might
> try
> > it out with.
> >
> > Stupid question: when you partitioned the target drive you chose a 80gig
> > partition or does the program just ask if you want to use the whole
disk?
> I
> > ask because I saw that 32gig something was mentioned before and it was
> > supposed to be a 40gig hdd.
> >
> >
> > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > news:401b2031@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > I have to transfer my current PC operating system first, back to it's
> 80gb
> > > drive.
> > >
> > > So not sure when I will attempt this.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > news:401b1973$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > How long before you try the 160gig hdd? I might wait to see what
> happens
> > > > instead of trying the 80gig first.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > news:401b19ff$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > I haven't actually done the change to the front panel yet, as I
> > probably
> > > > > would make a mess of it. I'm sort of thinking about how best to
> > approach
> > > > the
> > > > > problem and look at the infrared receiver technical stuff a bit
> > longer.
> > > I
> > > > > really want an easy mod that won't destroy that nice shiny plastic
> see
> > > > > through panel.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Steve]

Spin up time.

I've noticed that on some power cycles that my hard disk isn't spinning fast
enough before the boot sequence times out. The original disk is faster at
starting up. So it seems there might be a case to answer regarding spin up
times.

So maybe larger drives might not be such a good option with the built-in
boot up time limit on these systems.

I've read that some spin up times are 5-6 seconds and some larger drives in
the 10-12 second range.

I wonder what spin up time the larger samsung drives have.



"tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
news:401b26f1$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> It does have a fan so hopefully a 7200rpm drive should be ok as far as
heat
> goes. One consideration would be the current draw of the faster drive.
> Hopefully it shouldnt matter.
>
> I've read something about 7200 hdd's current draw with people trying to
mod
> some of the Panasonic hdd dvd models.
>
>
> "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> news:401b256e$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > Not a stupid question.
> >
> > My first try was a 80gb and I just formatted it with the default 80gb
the
> > program chose. Of course I deleted the old partitions first using the
> > Windows XP disk management console, but you could probably do the same
> with
> > the Seagate program.
> >
> > So yes, I chose the suggested 80gb partition, and just tried it. At that
> > point I wasn't sure how the system would respond, but it seems to have
> > worked anyway. I sort of assume something like this would work, because
> the
> > system just ignores the original 40gb pin settings set to <32GB drive.
So
> I
> > think the system is only using a subset of the FAT32 standard as it
> ignores
> > the free space counter, etc.
> >
> > As to the 5400 vs 7200 question, I had a look too, and they are mostly
> 7200
> > now. I don't think I proved anything either way, but all I do on my
system
> > is turn of the buffer and this seems to help (as it's not actively
writing
> > all day long), but this turned off some of the other functions, e.g.
> display
> > button, but it does speed up operation too.
> >
> >
> > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > news:401b2163$0$10528$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > It seems like it should work. May be I will try a 120gig. I had a look
> and
> > > it's harder to find a 5400rpm drive now. I have a 80gig 7200rpm I
might
> > try
> > > it out with.
> > >
> > > Stupid question: when you partitioned the target drive you chose a
80gig
> > > partition or does the program just ask if you want to use the whole
> disk?
> > I
> > > ask because I saw that 32gig something was mentioned before and it was
> > > supposed to be a 40gig hdd.
> > >
> > >
> > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > news:401b2031@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > I have to transfer my current PC operating system first, back to
it's
> > 80gb
> > > > drive.
> > > >
> > > > So not sure when I will attempt this.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:401b1973$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > How long before you try the 160gig hdd? I might wait to see what
> > happens
> > > > > instead of trying the 80gig first.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > news:401b19ff$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > I haven't actually done the change to the front panel yet, as I
> > > probably
> > > > > > would make a mess of it. I'm sort of thinking about how best to
> > > approach
> > > > > the
> > > > > > problem and look at the infrared receiver technical stuff a bit
> > > longer.
> > > > I
> > > > > > really want an easy mod that won't destroy that nice shiny
plastic
> > see
> > > > > > through panel.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[tom]

So does it come up with error code or something or does just take longer?

"Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
news:401b494c@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> Spin up time.
>
> I've noticed that on some power cycles that my hard disk isn't spinning
fast
> enough before the boot sequence times out. The original disk is faster at
> starting up. So it seems there might be a case to answer regarding spin up
> times.
>
> So maybe larger drives might not be such a good option with the built-in
> boot up time limit on these systems.
>
> I've read that some spin up times are 5-6 seconds and some larger drives
in
> the 10-12 second range.
>
> I wonder what spin up time the larger samsung drives have.
>
>
>
> "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> news:401b26f1$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > It does have a fan so hopefully a 7200rpm drive should be ok as far as
> heat
> > goes. One consideration would be the current draw of the faster drive.
> > Hopefully it shouldnt matter.
> >
> > I've read something about 7200 hdd's current draw with people trying to
> mod
> > some of the Panasonic hdd dvd models.
> >
> >
> > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > news:401b256e$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > Not a stupid question.
> > >
> > > My first try was a 80gb and I just formatted it with the default 80gb
> the
> > > program chose. Of course I deleted the old partitions first using the
> > > Windows XP disk management console, but you could probably do the same
> > with
> > > the Seagate program.
> > >
> > > So yes, I chose the suggested 80gb partition, and just tried it. At
that
> > > point I wasn't sure how the system would respond, but it seems to have
> > > worked anyway. I sort of assume something like this would work,
because
> > the
> > > system just ignores the original 40gb pin settings set to <32GB drive.
> So
> > I
> > > think the system is only using a subset of the FAT32 standard as it
> > ignores
> > > the free space counter, etc.
> > >
> > > As to the 5400 vs 7200 question, I had a look too, and they are mostly
> > 7200
> > > now. I don't think I proved anything either way, but all I do on my
> system
> > > is turn of the buffer and this seems to help (as it's not actively
> writing
> > > all day long), but this turned off some of the other functions, e.g.
> > display
> > > button, but it does speed up operation too.
> > >
> > >
> > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > news:401b2163$0$10528$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > It seems like it should work. May be I will try a 120gig. I had a
look
> > and
> > > > it's harder to find a 5400rpm drive now. I have a 80gig 7200rpm I
> might
> > > try
> > > > it out with.
> > > >
> > > > Stupid question: when you partitioned the target drive you chose a
> 80gig
> > > > partition or does the program just ask if you want to use the whole
> > disk?
> > > I
> > > > ask because I saw that 32gig something was mentioned before and it
was
> > > > supposed to be a 40gig hdd.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > news:401b2031@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > I have to transfer my current PC operating system first, back to
> it's
> > > 80gb
> > > > > drive.
> > > > >
> > > > > So not sure when I will attempt this.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > > news:401b1973$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > > How long before you try the 160gig hdd? I might wait to see what
> > > happens
> > > > > > instead of trying the 80gig first.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > > news:401b19ff$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > > I haven't actually done the change to the front panel yet, as
I
> > > > probably
> > > > > > > would make a mess of it. I'm sort of thinking about how best
to
> > > > approach
> > > > > > the
> > > > > > > problem and look at the infrared receiver technical stuff a
bit
> > > > longer.
> > > > > I
> > > > > > > really want an easy mod that won't destroy that nice shiny
> plastic
> > > see
> > > > > > > through panel.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[tom]

When you put the 80gig in did you put the <32gig jumper on? I bought a
200gig and it wont boot unless I put the jumper on. It doesnt seem to have
given me anymore space either. I'm going to try a 80gig drive I have now.


"Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
news:401b494c@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> Spin up time.
>
> I've noticed that on some power cycles that my hard disk isn't spinning
fast
> enough before the boot sequence times out. The original disk is faster at
> starting up. So it seems there might be a case to answer regarding spin up
> times.
>
> So maybe larger drives might not be such a good option with the built-in
> boot up time limit on these systems.
>
> I've read that some spin up times are 5-6 seconds and some larger drives
in
> the 10-12 second range.
>
> I wonder what spin up time the larger samsung drives have.
>
>
>
> "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> news:401b26f1$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > It does have a fan so hopefully a 7200rpm drive should be ok as far as
> heat
> > goes. One consideration would be the current draw of the faster drive.
> > Hopefully it shouldnt matter.
> >
> > I've read something about 7200 hdd's current draw with people trying to
> mod
> > some of the Panasonic hdd dvd models.
> >
> >
> > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > news:401b256e$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > Not a stupid question.
> > >
> > > My first try was a 80gb and I just formatted it with the default 80gb
> the
> > > program chose. Of course I deleted the old partitions first using the
> > > Windows XP disk management console, but you could probably do the same
> > with
> > > the Seagate program.
> > >
> > > So yes, I chose the suggested 80gb partition, and just tried it. At
that
> > > point I wasn't sure how the system would respond, but it seems to have
> > > worked anyway. I sort of assume something like this would work,
because
> > the
> > > system just ignores the original 40gb pin settings set to <32GB drive.
> So
> > I
> > > think the system is only using a subset of the FAT32 standard as it
> > ignores
> > > the free space counter, etc.
> > >
> > > As to the 5400 vs 7200 question, I had a look too, and they are mostly
> > 7200
> > > now. I don't think I proved anything either way, but all I do on my
> system
> > > is turn of the buffer and this seems to help (as it's not actively
> writing
> > > all day long), but this turned off some of the other functions, e.g.
> > display
> > > button, but it does speed up operation too.
> > >
> > >
> > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > news:401b2163$0$10528$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > It seems like it should work. May be I will try a 120gig. I had a
look
> > and
> > > > it's harder to find a 5400rpm drive now. I have a 80gig 7200rpm I
> might
> > > try
> > > > it out with.
> > > >
> > > > Stupid question: when you partitioned the target drive you chose a
> 80gig
> > > > partition or does the program just ask if you want to use the whole
> > disk?
> > > I
> > > > ask because I saw that 32gig something was mentioned before and it
was
> > > > supposed to be a 40gig hdd.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > news:401b2031@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > I have to transfer my current PC operating system first, back to
> it's
> > > 80gb
> > > > > drive.
> > > > >
> > > > > So not sure when I will attempt this.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > > news:401b1973$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > > How long before you try the 160gig hdd? I might wait to see what
> > > happens
> > > > > > instead of trying the 80gig first.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > > news:401b19ff$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > > I haven't actually done the change to the front panel yet, as
I
> > > > probably
> > > > > > > would make a mess of it. I'm sort of thinking about how best
to
> > > > approach
> > > > > > the
> > > > > > > problem and look at the infrared receiver technical stuff a
bit
> > > > longer.
> > > > > I
> > > > > > > really want an easy mod that won't destroy that nice shiny
> plastic
> > > see
> > > > > > > through panel.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[tom]

Ok the 200 gig hdd didnt work but I tried a Seagate 7200rpm 80gig and it
works perfectly WOOHOO!!!! I now have 26hr 40min free space which is much
better than the original 12hr.

I left the <32gig jumper off the 80gig and it works fines. When I took the
original hdd out it was quite hot and I didn't have the buffer turned on.
After having a look at the case, fan etc I don't think the extra heat of the
80gig should be a problem.

One weird thing is that when I was copying the partitions it took ages, like
20min, so I stopped the process and tested the drive and it works so that's
good. I did have the buffer turned on but the unit was only turned on for
like 20sec. Don't know why the copy was taking so long. Only took a couple
minutes with the 200gig.

As far as the IR goes I noticed that it sits really far back from the window
so I'm thinking of extending it out by using some tinned copper wire as legs
as such to make it much closer to the window. Don't know when I will do this
but I'll let you know how I go. Might be better than wrecking the case.


"tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
news:401c5a79$0$10529$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> When you put the 80gig in did you put the <32gig jumper on? I bought a
> 200gig and it wont boot unless I put the jumper on. It doesnt seem to have
> given me anymore space either. I'm going to try a 80gig drive I have now.
>
>
> "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> news:401b494c@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > Spin up time.
> >
> > I've noticed that on some power cycles that my hard disk isn't spinning
> fast
> > enough before the boot sequence times out. The original disk is faster
at
> > starting up. So it seems there might be a case to answer regarding spin
up
> > times.
> >
> > So maybe larger drives might not be such a good option with the built-in
> > boot up time limit on these systems.
> >
> > I've read that some spin up times are 5-6 seconds and some larger drives
> in
> > the 10-12 second range.
> >
> > I wonder what spin up time the larger samsung drives have.
> >
> >
> >
> > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > news:401b26f1$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > It does have a fan so hopefully a 7200rpm drive should be ok as far as
> > heat
> > > goes. One consideration would be the current draw of the faster drive.
> > > Hopefully it shouldnt matter.
> > >
> > > I've read something about 7200 hdd's current draw with people trying
to
> > mod
> > > some of the Panasonic hdd dvd models.
> > >
> > >
> > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > news:401b256e$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > Not a stupid question.
> > > >
> > > > My first try was a 80gb and I just formatted it with the default
80gb
> > the
> > > > program chose. Of course I deleted the old partitions first using
the
> > > > Windows XP disk management console, but you could probably do the
same
> > > with
> > > > the Seagate program.
> > > >
> > > > So yes, I chose the suggested 80gb partition, and just tried it. At
> that
> > > > point I wasn't sure how the system would respond, but it seems to
have
> > > > worked anyway. I sort of assume something like this would work,
> because
> > > the
> > > > system just ignores the original 40gb pin settings set to <32GB
drive.
> > So
> > > I
> > > > think the system is only using a subset of the FAT32 standard as it
> > > ignores
> > > > the free space counter, etc.
> > > >
> > > > As to the 5400 vs 7200 question, I had a look too, and they are
mostly
> > > 7200
> > > > now. I don't think I proved anything either way, but all I do on my
> > system
> > > > is turn of the buffer and this seems to help (as it's not actively
> > writing
> > > > all day long), but this turned off some of the other functions, e.g.
> > > display
> > > > button, but it does speed up operation too.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:401b2163$0$10528$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > It seems like it should work. May be I will try a 120gig. I had a
> look
> > > and
> > > > > it's harder to find a 5400rpm drive now. I have a 80gig 7200rpm I
> > might
> > > > try
> > > > > it out with.
> > > > >
> > > > > Stupid question: when you partitioned the target drive you chose a
> > 80gig
> > > > > partition or does the program just ask if you want to use the
whole
> > > disk?
> > > > I
> > > > > ask because I saw that 32gig something was mentioned before and it
> was
> > > > > supposed to be a 40gig hdd.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > news:401b2031@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > I have to transfer my current PC operating system first, back to
> > it's
> > > > 80gb
> > > > > > drive.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > So not sure when I will attempt this.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > > > news:401b1973$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > > > How long before you try the 160gig hdd? I might wait to see
what
> > > > happens
> > > > > > > instead of trying the 80gig first.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > > > news:401b19ff$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > > > I haven't actually done the change to the front panel yet,
as
> I
> > > > > probably
> > > > > > > > would make a mess of it. I'm sort of thinking about how best
> to
> > > > > approach
> > > > > > > the
> > > > > > > > problem and look at the infrared receiver technical stuff a
> bit
> > > > > longer.
> > > > > > I
> > > > > > > > really want an easy mod that won't destroy that nice shiny
> > plastic
> > > > see
> > > > > > > > through panel.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Steve]

LENS

Yes. Thinking about the IR lens too.

3 options really:
1. mangle front panel
2. move lens closer to panel
3. use some type of fresnel lens to direct the signals into the centre from
all angles (thanks to Bryan who came up with this).

I think 1 is not an option, 2 is possible, 3 is possible.

I don't know anything about electronics, so I might look around and see what
possible lenses are available.


HDD

As far as I can tell the system probably would still work as long as the
first <x> sectors are copied, as it doesn't seem to care where the hard disk
ends. The filesystem also doesn't care about free space as normal fat32's
do. So the filesystem is only a subset of fat32.

Interesting that the 200gb didn't work.

I didn't notice any errors when my 80gb was slow to start up, it just
powered off.

The next thing I am going to try is powering my 80gb from an external source
(so it's always running) and see if that fixes the slow spin up problems.




"tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
news:401c73d5$0$10526$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> Ok the 200 gig hdd didnt work but I tried a Seagate 7200rpm 80gig and it
> works perfectly WOOHOO!!!! I now have 26hr 40min free space which is much
> better than the original 12hr.
>
> I left the <32gig jumper off the 80gig and it works fines. When I took the
> original hdd out it was quite hot and I didn't have the buffer turned on.
> After having a look at the case, fan etc I don't think the extra heat of
the
> 80gig should be a problem.
>
> One weird thing is that when I was copying the partitions it took ages,
like
> 20min, so I stopped the process and tested the drive and it works so
that's
> good. I did have the buffer turned on but the unit was only turned on for
> like 20sec. Don't know why the copy was taking so long. Only took a couple
> minutes with the 200gig.
>
> As far as the IR goes I noticed that it sits really far back from the
window
> so I'm thinking of extending it out by using some tinned copper wire as
legs
> as such to make it much closer to the window. Don't know when I will do
this
> but I'll let you know how I go. Might be better than wrecking the case.
>
>
> "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> news:401c5a79$0$10529$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > When you put the 80gig in did you put the <32gig jumper on? I bought a
> > 200gig and it wont boot unless I put the jumper on. It doesnt seem to
have
> > given me anymore space either. I'm going to try a 80gig drive I have
now.
> >
> >
> > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > news:401b494c@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > Spin up time.
> > >
> > > I've noticed that on some power cycles that my hard disk isn't
spinning
> > fast
> > > enough before the boot sequence times out. The original disk is faster
> at
> > > starting up. So it seems there might be a case to answer regarding
spin
> up
> > > times.
> > >
> > > So maybe larger drives might not be such a good option with the
built-in
> > > boot up time limit on these systems.
> > >
> > > I've read that some spin up times are 5-6 seconds and some larger
drives
> > in
> > > the 10-12 second range.
> > >
> > > I wonder what spin up time the larger samsung drives have.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > news:401b26f1$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > It does have a fan so hopefully a 7200rpm drive should be ok as far
as
> > > heat
> > > > goes. One consideration would be the current draw of the faster
drive.
> > > > Hopefully it shouldnt matter.
> > > >
> > > > I've read something about 7200 hdd's current draw with people trying
> to
> > > mod
> > > > some of the Panasonic hdd dvd models.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > news:401b256e$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > Not a stupid question.
> > > > >
> > > > > My first try was a 80gb and I just formatted it with the default
> 80gb
> > > the
> > > > > program chose. Of course I deleted the old partitions first using
> the
> > > > > Windows XP disk management console, but you could probably do the
> same
> > > > with
> > > > > the Seagate program.
> > > > >
> > > > > So yes, I chose the suggested 80gb partition, and just tried it.
At
> > that
> > > > > point I wasn't sure how the system would respond, but it seems to
> have
> > > > > worked anyway. I sort of assume something like this would work,
> > because
> > > > the
> > > > > system just ignores the original 40gb pin settings set to <32GB
> drive.
> > > So
> > > > I
> > > > > think the system is only using a subset of the FAT32 standard as
it
> > > > ignores
> > > > > the free space counter, etc.
> > > > >
> > > > > As to the 5400 vs 7200 question, I had a look too, and they are
> mostly
> > > > 7200
> > > > > now. I don't think I proved anything either way, but all I do on
my
> > > system
> > > > > is turn of the buffer and this seems to help (as it's not actively
> > > writing
> > > > > all day long), but this turned off some of the other functions,
e.g.
> > > > display
> > > > > button, but it does speed up operation too.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > > news:401b2163$0$10528$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > > It seems like it should work. May be I will try a 120gig. I had
a
> > look
> > > > and
> > > > > > it's harder to find a 5400rpm drive now. I have a 80gig 7200rpm
I
> > > might
> > > > > try
> > > > > > it out with.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Stupid question: when you partitioned the target drive you chose
a
> > > 80gig
> > > > > > partition or does the program just ask if you want to use the
> whole
> > > > disk?
> > > > > I
> > > > > > ask because I saw that 32gig something was mentioned before and
it
> > was
> > > > > > supposed to be a 40gig hdd.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > > news:401b2031@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > > I have to transfer my current PC operating system first, back
to
> > > it's
> > > > > 80gb
> > > > > > > drive.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > So not sure when I will attempt this.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > > > > news:401b1973$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > > > > How long before you try the 160gig hdd? I might wait to see
> what
> > > > > happens
> > > > > > > > instead of trying the 80gig first.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > > > > news:401b19ff$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > > > > I haven't actually done the change to the front panel yet,
> as
> > I
> > > > > > probably
> > > > > > > > > would make a mess of it. I'm sort of thinking about how
best
> > to
> > > > > > approach
> > > > > > > > the
> > > > > > > > > problem and look at the infrared receiver technical stuff
a
> > bit
> > > > > > longer.
> > > > > > > I
> > > > > > > > > really want an easy mod that won't destroy that nice shiny
> > > plastic
> > > > > see
> > > > > > > > > through panel.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[tom]

What problems were you having due to the longer spin up time with the 7200
rpm? I havent had any issues since putting in the 80gig 7200rpm drive except
one show stuffed up but I think it was foxtel. I've done two other 4hr
recordings since and it's been fine.


"Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
news:401e4523@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> LENS
>
> Yes. Thinking about the IR lens too.
>
> 3 options really:
> 1. mangle front panel
> 2. move lens closer to panel
> 3. use some type of fresnel lens to direct the signals into the centre
from
> all angles (thanks to Bryan who came up with this).
>
> I think 1 is not an option, 2 is possible, 3 is possible.
>
> I don't know anything about electronics, so I might look around and see
what
> possible lenses are available.
>
>
> HDD
>
> As far as I can tell the system probably would still work as long as the
> first <x> sectors are copied, as it doesn't seem to care where the hard
disk
> ends. The filesystem also doesn't care about free space as normal fat32's
> do. So the filesystem is only a subset of fat32.
>
> Interesting that the 200gb didn't work.
>
> I didn't notice any errors when my 80gb was slow to start up, it just
> powered off.
>
> The next thing I am going to try is powering my 80gb from an external
source
> (so it's always running) and see if that fixes the slow spin up problems.
>
>
>
>
> "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> news:401c73d5$0$10526$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > Ok the 200 gig hdd didnt work but I tried a Seagate 7200rpm 80gig and it
> > works perfectly WOOHOO!!!! I now have 26hr 40min free space which is
much
> > better than the original 12hr.
> >
> > I left the <32gig jumper off the 80gig and it works fines. When I took
the
> > original hdd out it was quite hot and I didn't have the buffer turned
on.
> > After having a look at the case, fan etc I don't think the extra heat of
> the
> > 80gig should be a problem.
> >
> > One weird thing is that when I was copying the partitions it took ages,
> like
> > 20min, so I stopped the process and tested the drive and it works so
> that's
> > good. I did have the buffer turned on but the unit was only turned on
for
> > like 20sec. Don't know why the copy was taking so long. Only took a
couple
> > minutes with the 200gig.
> >
> > As far as the IR goes I noticed that it sits really far back from the
> window
> > so I'm thinking of extending it out by using some tinned copper wire as
> legs
> > as such to make it much closer to the window. Don't know when I will do
> this
> > but I'll let you know how I go. Might be better than wrecking the case.
> >
> >
> > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > news:401c5a79$0$10529$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > When you put the 80gig in did you put the <32gig jumper on? I bought a
> > > 200gig and it wont boot unless I put the jumper on. It doesnt seem to
> have
> > > given me anymore space either. I'm going to try a 80gig drive I have
> now.
> > >
> > >
> > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > news:401b494c@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > Spin up time.
> > > >
> > > > I've noticed that on some power cycles that my hard disk isn't
> spinning
> > > fast
> > > > enough before the boot sequence times out. The original disk is
faster
> > at
> > > > starting up. So it seems there might be a case to answer regarding
> spin
> > up
> > > > times.
> > > >
> > > > So maybe larger drives might not be such a good option with the
> built-in
> > > > boot up time limit on these systems.
> > > >
> > > > I've read that some spin up times are 5-6 seconds and some larger
> drives
> > > in
> > > > the 10-12 second range.
> > > >
> > > > I wonder what spin up time the larger samsung drives have.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:401b26f1$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > It does have a fan so hopefully a 7200rpm drive should be ok as
far
> as
> > > > heat
> > > > > goes. One consideration would be the current draw of the faster
> drive.
> > > > > Hopefully it shouldnt matter.
> > > > >
> > > > > I've read something about 7200 hdd's current draw with people
trying
> > to
> > > > mod
> > > > > some of the Panasonic hdd dvd models.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > news:401b256e$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > Not a stupid question.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > My first try was a 80gb and I just formatted it with the default
> > 80gb
> > > > the
> > > > > > program chose. Of course I deleted the old partitions first
using
> > the
> > > > > > Windows XP disk management console, but you could probably do
the
> > same
> > > > > with
> > > > > > the Seagate program.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > So yes, I chose the suggested 80gb partition, and just tried it.
> At
> > > that
> > > > > > point I wasn't sure how the system would respond, but it seems
to
> > have
> > > > > > worked anyway. I sort of assume something like this would work,
> > > because
> > > > > the
> > > > > > system just ignores the original 40gb pin settings set to <32GB
> > drive.
> > > > So
> > > > > I
> > > > > > think the system is only using a subset of the FAT32 standard as
> it
> > > > > ignores
> > > > > > the free space counter, etc.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > As to the 5400 vs 7200 question, I had a look too, and they are
> > mostly
> > > > > 7200
> > > > > > now. I don't think I proved anything either way, but all I do on
> my
> > > > system
> > > > > > is turn of the buffer and this seems to help (as it's not
actively
> > > > writing
> > > > > > all day long), but this turned off some of the other functions,
> e.g.
> > > > > display
> > > > > > button, but it does speed up operation too.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > > > news:401b2163$0$10528$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > > > It seems like it should work. May be I will try a 120gig. I
had
> a
> > > look
> > > > > and
> > > > > > > it's harder to find a 5400rpm drive now. I have a 80gig
7200rpm
> I
> > > > might
> > > > > > try
> > > > > > > it out with.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Stupid question: when you partitioned the target drive you
chose
> a
> > > > 80gig
> > > > > > > partition or does the program just ask if you want to use the
> > whole
> > > > > disk?
> > > > > > I
> > > > > > > ask because I saw that 32gig something was mentioned before
and
> it
> > > was
> > > > > > > supposed to be a 40gig hdd.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > > > news:401b2031@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > > > I have to transfer my current PC operating system first,
back
> to
> > > > it's
> > > > > > 80gb
> > > > > > > > drive.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > So not sure when I will attempt this.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > > > > > news:401b1973$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > > > > > How long before you try the 160gig hdd? I might wait to
see
> > what
> > > > > > happens
> > > > > > > > > instead of trying the 80gig first.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > > > > > news:401b19ff$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > > > > > I haven't actually done the change to the front panel
yet,
> > as
> > > I
> > > > > > > probably
> > > > > > > > > > would make a mess of it. I'm sort of thinking about how
> best
> > > to
> > > > > > > approach
> > > > > > > > > the
> > > > > > > > > > problem and look at the infrared receiver technical
stuff
> a
> > > bit
> > > > > > > longer.
> > > > > > > > I
> > > > > > > > > > really want an easy mod that won't destroy that nice
shiny
> > > > plastic
> > > > > > see
> > > > > > > > > > through panel.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Steve]

The startup time of 10 seconds on my drive is a bit slow. Sometimes I've got
to power on twice to get it working.

It seems the original drive has a 7 second startup time.

I also tried a timed recording, and it didn't work (recorded sound but not
picture).

I'm going to stick my old one back in until I get a chance to try my Pc
drive (in use).

I put this info in that web page.


"tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
news:4021a322$0$10532$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> What problems were you having due to the longer spin up time with the 7200
> rpm? I havent had any issues since putting in the 80gig 7200rpm drive
except
> one show stuffed up but I think it was foxtel. I've done two other 4hr
> recordings since and it's been fine.
>
>
> "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> news:401e4523@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > LENS
> >
> > Yes. Thinking about the IR lens too.
> >
> > 3 options really:
> > 1. mangle front panel
> > 2. move lens closer to panel
> > 3. use some type of fresnel lens to direct the signals into the centre
> from
> > all angles (thanks to Bryan who came up with this).
> >
> > I think 1 is not an option, 2 is possible, 3 is possible.
> >
> > I don't know anything about electronics, so I might look around and see
> what
> > possible lenses are available.
> >
> >
> > HDD
> >
> > As far as I can tell the system probably would still work as long as the
> > first <x> sectors are copied, as it doesn't seem to care where the hard
> disk
> > ends. The filesystem also doesn't care about free space as normal
fat32's
> > do. So the filesystem is only a subset of fat32.
> >
> > Interesting that the 200gb didn't work.
> >
> > I didn't notice any errors when my 80gb was slow to start up, it just
> > powered off.
> >
> > The next thing I am going to try is powering my 80gb from an external
> source
> > (so it's always running) and see if that fixes the slow spin up
problems.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > news:401c73d5$0$10526$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > Ok the 200 gig hdd didnt work but I tried a Seagate 7200rpm 80gig and
it
> > > works perfectly WOOHOO!!!! I now have 26hr 40min free space which is
> much
> > > better than the original 12hr.
> > >
> > > I left the <32gig jumper off the 80gig and it works fines. When I took
> the
> > > original hdd out it was quite hot and I didn't have the buffer turned
> on.
> > > After having a look at the case, fan etc I don't think the extra heat
of
> > the
> > > 80gig should be a problem.
> > >
> > > One weird thing is that when I was copying the partitions it took
ages,
> > like
> > > 20min, so I stopped the process and tested the drive and it works so
> > that's
> > > good. I did have the buffer turned on but the unit was only turned on
> for
> > > like 20sec. Don't know why the copy was taking so long. Only took a
> couple
> > > minutes with the 200gig.
> > >
> > > As far as the IR goes I noticed that it sits really far back from the
> > window
> > > so I'm thinking of extending it out by using some tinned copper wire
as
> > legs
> > > as such to make it much closer to the window. Don't know when I will
do
> > this
> > > but I'll let you know how I go. Might be better than wrecking the
case.
> > >
> > >
> > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > news:401c5a79$0$10529$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > When you put the 80gig in did you put the <32gig jumper on? I bought
a
> > > > 200gig and it wont boot unless I put the jumper on. It doesnt seem
to
> > have
> > > > given me anymore space either. I'm going to try a 80gig drive I have
> > now.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > news:401b494c@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > Spin up time.
> > > > >
> > > > > I've noticed that on some power cycles that my hard disk isn't
> > spinning
> > > > fast
> > > > > enough before the boot sequence times out. The original disk is
> faster
> > > at
> > > > > starting up. So it seems there might be a case to answer regarding
> > spin
> > > up
> > > > > times.
> > > > >
> > > > > So maybe larger drives might not be such a good option with the
> > built-in
> > > > > boot up time limit on these systems.
> > > > >
> > > > > I've read that some spin up times are 5-6 seconds and some larger
> > drives
> > > > in
> > > > > the 10-12 second range.
> > > > >
> > > > > I wonder what spin up time the larger samsung drives have.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > > news:401b26f1$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > > It does have a fan so hopefully a 7200rpm drive should be ok as
> far
> > as
> > > > > heat
> > > > > > goes. One consideration would be the current draw of the faster
> > drive.
> > > > > > Hopefully it shouldnt matter.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I've read something about 7200 hdd's current draw with people
> trying
> > > to
> > > > > mod
> > > > > > some of the Panasonic hdd dvd models.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > > news:401b256e$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > > Not a stupid question.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > My first try was a 80gb and I just formatted it with the
default
> > > 80gb
> > > > > the
> > > > > > > program chose. Of course I deleted the old partitions first
> using
> > > the
> > > > > > > Windows XP disk management console, but you could probably do
> the
> > > same
> > > > > > with
> > > > > > > the Seagate program.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > So yes, I chose the suggested 80gb partition, and just tried
it.
> > At
> > > > that
> > > > > > > point I wasn't sure how the system would respond, but it seems
> to
> > > have
> > > > > > > worked anyway. I sort of assume something like this would
work,
> > > > because
> > > > > > the
> > > > > > > system just ignores the original 40gb pin settings set to
<32GB
> > > drive.
> > > > > So
> > > > > > I
> > > > > > > think the system is only using a subset of the FAT32 standard
as
> > it
> > > > > > ignores
> > > > > > > the free space counter, etc.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > As to the 5400 vs 7200 question, I had a look too, and they
are
> > > mostly
> > > > > > 7200
> > > > > > > now. I don't think I proved anything either way, but all I do
on
> > my
> > > > > system
> > > > > > > is turn of the buffer and this seems to help (as it's not
> actively
> > > > > writing
> > > > > > > all day long), but this turned off some of the other
functions,
> > e.g.
> > > > > > display
> > > > > > > button, but it does speed up operation too.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > > > > news:401b2163$0$10528$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > > > > It seems like it should work. May be I will try a 120gig. I
> had
> > a
> > > > look
> > > > > > and
> > > > > > > > it's harder to find a 5400rpm drive now. I have a 80gig
> 7200rpm
> > I
> > > > > might
> > > > > > > try
> > > > > > > > it out with.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Stupid question: when you partitioned the target drive you
> chose
> > a
> > > > > 80gig
> > > > > > > > partition or does the program just ask if you want to use
the
> > > whole
> > > > > > disk?
> > > > > > > I
> > > > > > > > ask because I saw that 32gig something was mentioned before
> and
> > it
> > > > was
> > > > > > > > supposed to be a 40gig hdd.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > > > > news:401b2031@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > > > > I have to transfer my current PC operating system first,
> back
> > to
> > > > > it's
> > > > > > > 80gb
> > > > > > > > > drive.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > So not sure when I will attempt this.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > > > > > > news:401b1973$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > > > > > > How long before you try the 160gig hdd? I might wait to
> see
> > > what
> > > > > > > happens
> > > > > > > > > > instead of trying the 80gig first.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > > > > > > news:401b19ff$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > > > > > > I haven't actually done the change to the front panel
> yet,
> > > as
> > > > I
> > > > > > > > probably
> > > > > > > > > > > would make a mess of it. I'm sort of thinking about
how
> > best
> > > > to
> > > > > > > > approach
> > > > > > > > > > the
> > > > > > > > > > > problem and look at the infrared receiver technical
> stuff
> > a
> > > > bit
> > > > > > > > longer.
> > > > > > > > > I
> > > > > > > > > > > really want an easy mod that won't destroy that nice
> shiny
> > > > > plastic
> > > > > > > see
> > > > > > > > > > > through panel.
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[tom]

That's weird because I haven't had that problem with mine. So when it
doesn't start correctly does it just display "WAIT"? Mine starts up fine
everytime.

The one recording I have had stuff up was about 1 hour into it and the
picture went but the sound was still there ok. This has happened only once
and since I've done like 5 recording without a hitch.


"Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
news:40233d58@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> The startup time of 10 seconds on my drive is a bit slow. Sometimes I've
got
> to power on twice to get it working.
>
> It seems the original drive has a 7 second startup time.
>
> I also tried a timed recording, and it didn't work (recorded sound but not
> picture).
>
> I'm going to stick my old one back in until I get a chance to try my Pc
> drive (in use).
>
> I put this info in that web page.
>
>
> "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> news:4021a322$0$10532$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > What problems were you having due to the longer spin up time with the
7200
> > rpm? I havent had any issues since putting in the 80gig 7200rpm drive
> except
> > one show stuffed up but I think it was foxtel. I've done two other 4hr
> > recordings since and it's been fine.
> >
> >
> > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > news:401e4523@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > LENS
> > >
> > > Yes. Thinking about the IR lens too.
> > >
> > > 3 options really:
> > > 1. mangle front panel
> > > 2. move lens closer to panel
> > > 3. use some type of fresnel lens to direct the signals into the centre
> > from
> > > all angles (thanks to Bryan who came up with this).
> > >
> > > I think 1 is not an option, 2 is possible, 3 is possible.
> > >
> > > I don't know anything about electronics, so I might look around and
see
> > what
> > > possible lenses are available.
> > >
> > >
> > > HDD
> > >
> > > As far as I can tell the system probably would still work as long as
the
> > > first <x> sectors are copied, as it doesn't seem to care where the
hard
> > disk
> > > ends. The filesystem also doesn't care about free space as normal
> fat32's
> > > do. So the filesystem is only a subset of fat32.
> > >
> > > Interesting that the 200gb didn't work.
> > >
> > > I didn't notice any errors when my 80gb was slow to start up, it just
> > > powered off.
> > >
> > > The next thing I am going to try is powering my 80gb from an external
> > source
> > > (so it's always running) and see if that fixes the slow spin up
> problems.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > news:401c73d5$0$10526$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > Ok the 200 gig hdd didnt work but I tried a Seagate 7200rpm 80gig
and
> it
> > > > works perfectly WOOHOO!!!! I now have 26hr 40min free space which
is
> > much
> > > > better than the original 12hr.
> > > >
> > > > I left the <32gig jumper off the 80gig and it works fines. When I
took
> > the
> > > > original hdd out it was quite hot and I didn't have the buffer
turned
> > on.
> > > > After having a look at the case, fan etc I don't think the extra
heat
> of
> > > the
> > > > 80gig should be a problem.
> > > >
> > > > One weird thing is that when I was copying the partitions it took
> ages,
> > > like
> > > > 20min, so I stopped the process and tested the drive and it works so
> > > that's
> > > > good. I did have the buffer turned on but the unit was only turned
on
> > for
> > > > like 20sec. Don't know why the copy was taking so long. Only took a
> > couple
> > > > minutes with the 200gig.
> > > >
> > > > As far as the IR goes I noticed that it sits really far back from
the
> > > window
> > > > so I'm thinking of extending it out by using some tinned copper wire
> as
> > > legs
> > > > as such to make it much closer to the window. Don't know when I will
> do
> > > this
> > > > but I'll let you know how I go. Might be better than wrecking the
> case.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:401c5a79$0$10529$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > When you put the 80gig in did you put the <32gig jumper on? I
bought
> a
> > > > > 200gig and it wont boot unless I put the jumper on. It doesnt seem
> to
> > > have
> > > > > given me anymore space either. I'm going to try a 80gig drive I
have
> > > now.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > news:401b494c@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > Spin up time.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I've noticed that on some power cycles that my hard disk isn't
> > > spinning
> > > > > fast
> > > > > > enough before the boot sequence times out. The original disk is
> > faster
> > > > at
> > > > > > starting up. So it seems there might be a case to answer
regarding
> > > spin
> > > > up
> > > > > > times.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > So maybe larger drives might not be such a good option with the
> > > built-in
> > > > > > boot up time limit on these systems.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I've read that some spin up times are 5-6 seconds and some
larger
> > > drives
> > > > > in
> > > > > > the 10-12 second range.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I wonder what spin up time the larger samsung drives have.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > > > news:401b26f1$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > > > It does have a fan so hopefully a 7200rpm drive should be ok
as
> > far
> > > as
> > > > > > heat
> > > > > > > goes. One consideration would be the current draw of the
faster
> > > drive.
> > > > > > > Hopefully it shouldnt matter.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I've read something about 7200 hdd's current draw with people
> > trying
> > > > to
> > > > > > mod
> > > > > > > some of the Panasonic hdd dvd models.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > > > news:401b256e$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > > > Not a stupid question.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > My first try was a 80gb and I just formatted it with the
> default
> > > > 80gb
> > > > > > the
> > > > > > > > program chose. Of course I deleted the old partitions first
> > using
> > > > the
> > > > > > > > Windows XP disk management console, but you could probably
do
> > the
> > > > same
> > > > > > > with
> > > > > > > > the Seagate program.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > So yes, I chose the suggested 80gb partition, and just tried
> it.
> > > At
> > > > > that
> > > > > > > > point I wasn't sure how the system would respond, but it
seems
> > to
> > > > have
> > > > > > > > worked anyway. I sort of assume something like this would
> work,
> > > > > because
> > > > > > > the
> > > > > > > > system just ignores the original 40gb pin settings set to
> <32GB
> > > > drive.
> > > > > > So
> > > > > > > I
> > > > > > > > think the system is only using a subset of the FAT32
standard
> as
> > > it
> > > > > > > ignores
> > > > > > > > the free space counter, etc.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > As to the 5400 vs 7200 question, I had a look too, and they
> are
> > > > mostly
> > > > > > > 7200
> > > > > > > > now. I don't think I proved anything either way, but all I
do
> on
> > > my
> > > > > > system
> > > > > > > > is turn of the buffer and this seems to help (as it's not
> > actively
> > > > > > writing
> > > > > > > > all day long), but this turned off some of the other
> functions,
> > > e.g.
> > > > > > > display
> > > > > > > > button, but it does speed up operation too.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > > > > > news:401b2163$0$10528$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > > > > > It seems like it should work. May be I will try a 120gig.
I
> > had
> > > a
> > > > > look
> > > > > > > and
> > > > > > > > > it's harder to find a 5400rpm drive now. I have a 80gig
> > 7200rpm
> > > I
> > > > > > might
> > > > > > > > try
> > > > > > > > > it out with.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > Stupid question: when you partitioned the target drive you
> > chose
> > > a
> > > > > > 80gig
> > > > > > > > > partition or does the program just ask if you want to use
> the
> > > > whole
> > > > > > > disk?
> > > > > > > > I
> > > > > > > > > ask because I saw that 32gig something was mentioned
before
> > and
> > > it
> > > > > was
> > > > > > > > > supposed to be a 40gig hdd.
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > > > > > news:401b2031@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > > > > > I have to transfer my current PC operating system first,
> > back
> > > to
> > > > > > it's
> > > > > > > > 80gb
> > > > > > > > > > drive.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > So not sure when I will attempt this.
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > "tom" <tommy@tommy.com> wrote in message
> > > > > > > > > >
news:401b1973$0$10527$61ce578d@news.syd.swiftdsl.c om.au...
> > > > > > > > > > > How long before you try the 160gig hdd? I might wait
to
> > see
> > > > what
> > > > > > > > happens
> > > > > > > > > > > instead of trying the 80gig first.
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > "Steve" <steve@nospam> wrote in message
> > > > > > > > > > > news:401b19ff$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > > > > > > > > > > > I haven't actually done the change to the front
panel
> > yet,
> > > > as
> > > > > I
> > > > > > > > > probably
> > > > > > > > > > > > would make a mess of it. I'm sort of thinking about
> how
> > > best
> > > > > to
> > > > > > > > > approach
> > > > > > > > > > > the
> > > > > > > > > > > > problem and look at the infrared receiver technical
> > stuff
> > > a
> > > > > bit
> > > > > > > > > longer.
> > > > > > > > > > I
> > > > > > > > > > > > really want an easy mod that won't destroy that nice
> > shiny
> > > > > > plastic
> > > > > > > > see
> > > > > > > > > > > > through panel.
> > > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>