Hard disk RDR-HXD870 lost digital channels

[topcattim]

This evening my HDD has lost use of digital channels. It gives me a 3 second picture and burst of sound, and then a silent blank screen. The Electronic Programme Guide has changed its appearance, becoming a more vibrant blue - only a few channels have information and it only shows for a few seconds before disappearing.

It is running firmware version 1.24 which I have tried to update to version 1.7 from the Sony website instructions here. I've copied the update to a CD and finalised the disk. When I put it in the HDD tray, and press record stop at the same time as play, it closes the tray, for a few seconds and then spits it out and closes again really quickly but doesn't seem to update the firmware. Certainly I don't get the series of messages about Download-2, 3, 4, etc. When I check the version again, it is still showing version 1.24. I've tried burning a couple of CDs but they both fail to work in exactly the same way.

I've done an Easy Setup, and also a factory reset (stop + power off on the machine). I've also done a factory reset followed by two minutes with the power turned off. All of these have failed.

Can anyone advise me what I should do next?

[alan_bartley]

Hi We have three Sony RDR-HXD870 all lost ability to tune to stations, all the same display.  Could scan to add new channels and play already recorded programs.   All three were downloading when I left this morning - hope this resolves problems

[Salty-Seadog]

I have also been pulling my hair out with this one since last night. I own 3 Sony PVR's two of which are suffering the same symptoms. These are a RDR-HXD870 & 1070. I also own a SVR-HDT1000 which is fine. This does seem to use different EPG software. I too e-mailed Sony last night, with no response. At least when the symton first occured you did have some functionality, I was thinking that I needed to do the firmware update, but now both machines are stuck in UPDATE and you can't do anything.

As I can work away from home from time to time I tend to record everything I want to watch and never really watch anything live. The Sony equipment has been reliable upto now. But this episode is giving me doubts as a customer with many other Sony devices. I always thought it was worth paying a little bit more for a quality brand and I am now having my doubts.

I have already been looking at replacement products on the market and need to decide when enough is enough.

[kalheartist]

I too have had exactly the same problems with my RDR-HXD870.  It has worked well for the the last 5 years and I have been extremely pleased with it, I rely on it heavily and now feel at a loss without it!! (I know!  It sounds silly doesn't it?!!).  I will be contacting Sony (as soon as the customer service opens again :smileyconfused:!!).

[jimcade]

Should read;

EPG guide does NOT function...

[890737va]

My HDX870 also lost all channels on Friday evening. Now locked in update mode. Tried a soft reboot  - no change, and a hard reboot - no change.

Fed-up, but at least I am not alone

[kalheartist]

Do you mean the title should read or WE should read? Jimcade?

[rburton41]

Your symptoms are exactly same as mine.
I have tried everything.
Tried reloading the firmware again. Even that fails. I thought the tuner was broken. Any ideas anyone?

[stevied]

So did I.

[sfnchz]

..well, after an hour or so I turned it off at the wall, turned it on again and it seems to be in the same state as before but the Firmware is listed as the updated version 1.24 . . . So, a very tentative Bingo! here, at least . . .

[stevied]

I think that the worst aspect of this is the way Sony are uncontactable at weekends. I have a Sony Bravia TV, surround sound system and DVD recorder. This is so frustrating. Inundate the local Sony shop. I phoned them thinking they would say they knew all about it but no one else has phoned them! They very helpfully gave me the number of the Sony helpline which only works during the week. I can't wait for the usual "We apologise for any inconvinience caused by this problem." Of course they do. I have already written to the Guardian about this and suggest we all really make a fuss and not just lie down. Write to the managing director of the UK operation. Write to the BBC who are a major customer of Sony's.