Pioneer DVR 533 Problem -

[chris_james]

Hello Everyone,

I have a rather unusual problem with my DVR533 that I can't seem to solve.

When I power it up, the display screen reads "WAIT" for about 7-8 seconds, then it reads "POWER ON" for a few seconds and then just repeats this cycle endlessly. It doesn't seem to be able to boot up anymore. The hard drive is spinning so I am assuming its a firmware issue of somesort.

Has anyone ever seen this problem before and if so what was it?

I tried to do a reset by holding the stop button and power button but it won't respond as I can't get past this booting stage. Is there another way to do a hard reset?

HELP!

Thanks in advance.

[Krispy Kritter]

You could try unplugging the unit for 30+ minutes to see if it will reset. Other than that, you will need a repair shop.

[Sean Nelson]

When the hard drive on my DVR-633 died, it cycled showing the time + "L1", the time + "EPG", and "LOAD", with each cycle taking about every 5 seconds or so. Fortunately it was covered by my credit card extended warranty.

Given that HDD recorders are becomming hard to find (in the US, anyway), you might want to consider fixing it yourself (considerably cheaper than having a repair shop do it, if you have the skill). HKan's PioneerFAQ web site has all the information that's needed (just Google "PioneerFAQ").

[chris_james]

I am technically able to do it, I'm just not so convinced that this is a hard drive issue. I don't want to run out and purchase one if that is not the problem.

[Hkan]

YOU NEED PIONEER SERVICE REMOTE!

Open up the DVR and disconnect HDD from Main and Power boards and try to enabe it. If HDD is not a reason (sometimes HDD will die and get the same symptoms) you will see normally turned on DVR with HDD error message.
If everything still the same there begin's the problem. It can be broken firmware (after uncompleted FW update or if electricity get a glitch), dead FLASH-ROM (0.01% about that...) or dead LSI IC on the Main Board.
Reset will be done via Service Remote. ESC > CHAP > 1 > StandBy. (pressing 3 buttons on remote one after one and then turning DVR off by button on front panel or by same button on user Remote Control).
There will be no message on FLD or TV screen. After turning on DVR will show message with Model Number required to enter. Digits will be entered only on Service Remote. That's only Reset function that I know... Hope it helps..