Pioneer DVR-533H firmware disk for failed hard drive

[h***@yahoo.com]

I have a Pioneer DVR-533H-S with a failed hard drive. I replaced the
drive with information from pioneerfaq.info, but can't get my Timer
Recording to work. I've tried the images from that website, basically
4096K of data that is copied to the new drive with a Unix utility.
Doesn't work, the "Hard disk drive info is incorrect". I got a
firmware image from BitTorrent, which the DVR loaded without a hitch,
however I still don't have Timer Recordings. Instead it says "This
operation cannot be completed now" when I try accessing Timer
Recordings.

How do Pioneer service centers replace the drive? Everything works now
except TV Guide (could care less) and Timer Recordings! How do I get
Timer Recordings back?

[Jomtien]

Post by h***@yahoo.com
I got a
firmware image from BitTorrent, which the DVR loaded without a hitch,
however I still don't have Timer Recordings. Instead it says "This
operation cannot be completed now" when I try accessing Timer
Recordings.
How do Pioneer service centers replace the drive? Everything works now
except TV Guide (could care less) and Timer Recordings! How do I get
Timer Recordings back?

I expect that you would need to reset the recorder (there must be a
button for this) and then redo the entire setup procedure.

[Stan Brown]

Post by Jomtien

How do I get Timer Recordings back?

Silly question I suppose, but have you called customer service? If
nothing else, it should be reported if the recorder came back from
the repair center needing additional work.

Post by Jomtien
I expect that you would need to reset the recorder (there must be a
button for this) and then redo the entire setup procedure.

The 640, which I have, is quite similar. The manual says, under
"Resetting the Recorder":
1. Turn on the recorder.
2. Press and hold STOP on the recorder (not the remote).
3. Press STANDBY/ON on the recorder (not the remote).
4. Wait a second or two, then release both buttons.

I'll bet the above works on the 533 as well, but you could always
look in the manual under "Resettng the Recorder". :-)

If you don't have your manual, you can download a copy from

Post by Jomtien
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/older/models/0,,2076_310069745,00.html

You might want to do that in any event, since the indexes suck in
Pioneer DVDR manuals, and with a downloaded copy you can search the
text.

By the bye, AVS Forum at
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=106
has lots of very good peer help on Pioneer and other recorders. It's
even possible that your question about timer recordings was answered
there already.

[h***@yahoo.com]

Post by Stan Brown

Post by Jomtien

How do I get Timer Recordings back?

Silly question I suppose, but have you called customer service? If
nothing else, it should be reported if the recorder came back from
the repair center needing additional work.

Post by Jomtien
I expect that you would need to reset the recorder (there must be a
button for this) and then redo the entire setup procedure.

The 640, which I have, is quite similar. The manual says, under
1. Turn on the recorder.
2. Press and hold STOP on the recorder (not the remote).
3. Press STANDBY/ON on the recorder (not the remote).
4. Wait a second or two, then release both buttons.
I'll bet the above works on the 533 as well, but you could always
look in the manual under "Resettng the Recorder". :-)
If you don't have your manual, you can download a copy from

Post by Jomtien
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/older/models/0,,2076_310069745,00.html

You might want to do that in any event, since the indexes suck in
Pioneer DVDR manuals, and with a downloaded copy you can search the
text.
By the bye, AVS Forum at
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=106
has lots of very good peer help on Pioneer and other recorders. It's
even possible that your question about timer recordings was answered
there already.
--
Stan Brown, Oak Road Systems, Tompkins County, New York, USA
http://OakRoadSystems.com/
DVD FAQ: http://dvddemystified.com/dvdfaq.html
other FAQs: http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/faqget.htm

This doesn't help. It's not a matter or resetting the recorder. I
replaced the failed hard drive, and now it's missing code on the hard
drive that makes the Timer Rec work. Stupid Pioneer should have put
everything on ROM, not on the hard drive.

[dvdlibra]

Post by h***@yahoo.com
This doesn't help. It's not a matter or resetting the recorder. I
replaced the failed hard drive, and now it's missing code on the hard
drive that makes the Timer Rec work. Stupid Pioneer should have put
everything on ROM, not on the hard drive.

You need to have the test disc to fill in the required information when you
carry out repairs or replace the hdd. The disc enables a mode to complete
the hdd data needed to patch the firmware to avoid error messages and ensure
correct operation. You can even put a larger hard drive if you want, say
250Gb. If you need more help, contact me at dvd library uk. rgds,
Chipmaster.