Hard Drive upgrade for Pioneer DVR-520H

[Seeker47]

Is there any Windows or Linux tool that will bit copy the data off the original drive onto the new 250GB drive I'm putting into my 5100H?
I have a number of recordings on the disc that I'd like to keep on disc.

Cheers.

Just wanted to bump the above question. Can one just remove the
original HD, connect it and a new 500 Gig HD into a Linux OS computer,
format the new drive and then copy the entire contents of the original
HD into the new drive, and finally reinstall the new drive into the 520H?

Or does this seem like *way* more work then just getting the service
disc and manual?

You would think that a good bit copier / HDD cloner would be able to handle this, but somehow I don't think it is that simple. Firmware issues ? Codes ?

Earlier in this thread there were reports of failures trying to take this to a 400G. size HDD, even if following the correct procedures. Supposedly the successful size limit was 300G., if I recall correctly. Then again, we just got pendu2004's report of success with a 320G. . . .

I also recall a number of reports that the dvd burners in these units can't be replaced with something more contemporary, even of the same brand, and that sure sounds like a firmware issue.

[edgolla]

Hi everyone, I have been watching this topic for about 9 months now and have decided to try an upgrade to my DVR 420. For the service remote I decided to teach the codes to one of my TV remotes that has learning capability. I used the Winlirc program and a homemade transmitter to teach the remote. It worked fine after I gave up on my laptop (Dell 3500) and moved to my desktop. The laptop worked sometimes, but not most of the time. The remote is much more convient to use and seems to very reliably send the codes. I still do not have the ID disk and hope someone will contact me about getting one. I do have one problem so far. When I send the Esc then Stereo I don't get any readable numbers. I just get all of the dots illuminated where each digit should be, similar to the 8's you get when all seven segments of a seven segment display are illuminated. If I enter a number, this number will take the place of the first of these series of dots and so on until I have entered all the digits it will hold. I have more than one unit and this seems to happen to all of them. I haven't gone past entering the digits and then clearing them. Any suggestions or comments? Thanks Ed

[pendu2004]

Is there any Windows or Linux tool that will bit copy the data off the original drive onto the new 250GB drive I'm putting into my 5100H?
I have a number of recordings on the disc that I'd like to keep on disc.

Cheers.

Just wanted to bump the above question. Can one just remove the
original HD, connect it and a new 500 Gig HD into a Linux OS computer,
format the new drive and then copy the entire contents of the original
HD into the new drive, and finally reinstall the new drive into the 520H?

Or does this seem like *way* more work then just getting the service
disc and manual?

As soon as you format the hard drive using any OS ...its unuseable in the 510 or 520H. You need to bring the HD in its virgin state

[Seeker47]

[quote="pendu2004"]

As soon as you format the hard drive using any OS ...its unuseable in the 510 or 520H. You need to bring the HD in its virgin state

That doesn't surprise me at all. When I referred to firmware in my reply, I was talking about the firmware of the 520H itself. It KNOWS what components it has, what to expect from them and how to operate them. That would be why you CAN'T just swap a Pioneer 110 burner in there (in place of the proprietary version of the 107XL, or whatever it has), and PRESTO, suddenly you've got the dual-layer recording feature of the later 633 model.

[Mark_Venture]

Has anyone upgraded a DVR-531H recorder?
I've tried with a Maxtor DiamondMax 10 250gig HD without success.

Thanks
Doug

I was going to try, but my unit is going to go back under RMA... due to HD optimization feature causing the DVR to "reboot" itself rather than defrag the drive.

I'm not going to mess with it until after its been fixed and I've used it for a while.

[mduffy]

WOW. all it took was 5 Minutes. Successfully upgraded HDD to WD 320 GB.

70 Hrs in Fine or 137 Hrs in SP.

Any one need disk or manual let me know.

Hi,

I would like to purchase the service manual and disk. Let me know how much so I can pay through Paypal. I want to upgrade my dvr-520 to a 320GB drive.

[palihora]

Hello, is possible to upgrade HDD in Pioneer DVR-433HK with pioneer_service.nrg , have anybody try it? Or it must be a new service DVD?

[HaCKer_52]

deleted

[NeilD]

Just going back a couple of post the HD doesn't seem to be formatted at all the recording seem to just get put end to end like on a DVDR, Certainly once you fit a new HD the initalise bit takes a second or two, prolly only time enough to write some sort of FAT

[pendu2004]

If you have a previously OS formatted drive and you want to add that to the dvr the process is as follows:

1) copy everything from the drive
2) restart computer in DOS
3) use fdisk to delete all partitions (logical and extended) (do not format)
4) once everything is deleted, disk is ready for dvr

[HaCKer_52]

Download the service manual here:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=A1ONWIC6

The instructions are on pages 77-80. There is info about the HDDs that come with the recorder on page 148.

[edgolla]

Posted: Nov 19, 2005 14:16

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Download the service manual here:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=A1ONWIC6



Thanks HaCKer_52: I just downloaded it and it is nice to have all that information. I also found out what the problem was that I refered to in my earlier post. I was looking for the ID number to be displayed on the 420, but in fact the number is initially only displayed on the TV. Ed

[STJEPO]

I got the DVD Recorder Data Disc GGV1179. I have made a Disk with Nero.

I haven´t been able to explore the disc in my PC. Is it correct?
If I put this disk in my DVR 520H-S, will it make any change in the actual configuration? I have not, jet, the remote control. Manual say nothing about it. Are there instructions for the use of the disk?

Regards

[HaCKer_52]

STJEPO be shure to read all the posts before you ask a question. 8)

I haven´t been able to explore the disc in my PC. Is it correct?

Yes, that is normal the DVD is non-windows format.

If I put this disk in my DVR 520H-S, will it make any change in the actual configuration?

Don't put the disc in the drive unless you have already replaced the HDD. I cannot see any need too put it in.

Manual say nothing about it. I have not, jet, the remote control.

The manual is very easy to get I put the link on an earler post. The remote is not much harder to get if you have a programable remote that connects to the computer, a Pocket PC or a Palm. Go to www.remotecentral.com and search files for DVR-520H service. It comes in two file types.

Are there instructions for the use of the disk?

Yes, there is on a post here. There is instructions on how to do this in the service manual on pages 77-80. There is also info about the HDDs on page 148.

Hope this helps

[STJEPO]

Manual say nothing about it. I have not, jet, the remote control.

I have the manual, but I was refering to the DVD. When I asked "Are there instructions for the use of the disk?" I should have asked "Are there instructions for the use of the DVD?" Sorry was my fault.

Yes, it has helped me. In speciall all your previous posts.

Thank you very much!

[HaCKer_52]

Manual say nothing about it. I have not, jet, the remote control.

I have the manual, but I was refering to the DVD. When I asked "Are there instructions for the use of the disk?" I should have asked "Are there instructions for the use of the DVD?" Sorry was my fault.

No, there is not instructions on how to use the DVD other than the few things in the service manual. Why do you want instructions for use of the DVD?

[STJEPO]

Well... as this DVD is described as "DVD Recorder Data Disc GGV1179 (*) diagnosis (ID data setting)" I wanted to know which type of diagnosis could be made with it.

Just curiosity. "Curiosity kills the cat but satisfaction brings it back"

Regards

P.D.
Is there a new firware for the 520-H?

[HaCKer_52]

Well... as this DVD is described as "DVD Recorder Data Disc GGV1179 (*) diagnosis (ID data setting)" I wanted to know which type of diagnosis could be made with it.

It says it all in the manual (it starts on page 84).

Is there a new firmware for the 520-H?

Not that I have heard of. It is not on the pioneer website. Page 83 in the service manual has info on how to update the firmware (I think).

[kcgr]

I'm stuck on 75% on BT while d/ling the service disk.

Someone please hop in and help seed

...so close ...

[rhegedus]

There was one for auction on e-bay last week

[n|trous]

Hacking Pioneer DVR-5100H (DVR-510H)

Has anyone managed to upgrade the newer 531/533 DVR's? I have the Service DVD, the remote but am not able to get past the HDD ERROR problem due to HD Information Incorrect error.

I'm close to abandoning the whole thing. Now, since I put the HD back in (the original 80gig drive), I don't get EPG updates. I've left it plugged in and in standby mode but no dice.

Any suggestions would be appreciated !

TNX,
N|trous

[edgolla]

I have just completed the upgrade of my nonworking 80GB DVR 420H-S to a working 200GB unit. I know 200 is a little small, but it was the only one I had available for this purpose. I used a learning remote control that I had taught the service codes using the WinLIRC information supplied by Bill Gates. Special thanks to pendu2004 for his help with the ID data disk and to HaCKer_52 for making the Service manual available. If anyone has any questions just Post or PM me. Ed

[Ergz]

Just upgraded my DVR-520 with a WD 320 GB. Took only a few minutes. Works great.
Ed

[n|trous]

Anyone try this with a 531/533 DVR?
I want to know if it is hopeless or not.
Since trying to upgrade my 80 gig, I've managed to permanently lose the EPG. All other functions work fine and I no longer get the HDD ERROR problem since replacing my original 80gig drive but I'd like to upgrade and resume EPG function.

I have the service disc which seems to be working alright but wonder if there is a way to check to see if it is in fact working. Any CRC values to check? I downloaded it twice from torrent. Tried both but never get a 'initialize HD' screen option after restarting the machine.

thanks,
n|trous

[N'S]

That Pioneer service dvd is still being seeded on TPB (3331089).

I suppose it would be a good investment to acquire such a multi-remote needed to upgrade my 520. Would be nice to put those 3 remotes aside, the 520, the TV and the surround system, and just use one.

[310s]

Hi,
You can change the dvd drive in your unit. As long as you have the service remote and dvd. I put a sony drive in my 310s just to test it. After entering the codes it worked fine. Then I replaced the dvr-106xa with a dvr-106a. Works like a champ. Now I can record on dvd+r and +rw's as well. The machine is just looking for a working dvd drive. Just my 2 cents.
Phil

[techguy46]

The laser in my 520H recently burned out after writing about 1100 disks. The replacement is now good, but I have some informative comments. You must retain your original DVD drive, but you can replace the transport mechanism. I got a DVR-107 new from ESBuy.com (I ordered a beige DVR-107 and got a black DVR-A07, but the transport module works). I found no other vendors with new drives in stock, but used ones occasionally show up on eBay. I do not know if the transport from any other Pioneer drive will work. Removal of the DVD drive from the 520 is straightforward, but make sure to pop the front trim piece off the tray before trying to get the drive out of the box. The transport (spin motor, positioning motor and lens assembly) is easily swapped by removing four screws and three ribbon cables, and this requires no fancy alignment. DO NOT power on your 520 while the DVD drive is removed, or try another drive in its place (see below).

I would note that the special 107XA drive in the 520 has a two-pin connector for digital audio information that is absent from most standard computer drives. This may be a difference between the 310 and 520 models. I would also note that unlike 310s, I tried a Pioneer DVR-108 drive as a replacement and the 520 would not even give an error message, it just hung up. When I put the old drive back in, the CPRM info was gone.

If this happens (doh!) you need of course the service remote and the ID Data disk. I tried the Vito remote program on my Dell Axim 50 PDA. While it works for the predefined remote files, it locked up with the ccf files for the service remote. I found an alternative emulator, available from pdawin.com. The demo version gives 15 uses and the key is inexpensive, works fine for the service ccf files. I really did try to order the data disk from Pioneer (it's in their online catalog), but they called me the next day and said that they would not sell it to me, it's only for authorized Pioneer dealers.... Since they refused to take my money, on Jan 3 the download took about 12 hours and was straightforward.

MANY thanks to all of those who have contributed to this thread, it made the repair clear and easy.

[eheheh]

I have successfully changed the harddrive of my DVR520H, to a 320Gb from Western Digital 8)
I begin with winlirc=>don't work at all, in spite of the remplacement of the IR led to a standard red led to see if there was some flickering in it: and this works... so I think that the .cf is bad...
I use then a Palm Zire (from a friend) and it works instantaneously! (with omniremote)

Thanks !!

PS: I'm french and I'm not very good at english

[palihora]

I have found in DEUTSCH sucesfully replace HD in DVR-433, but i dont understand if it was made by current/which is mentioned in this toppic/ pioneer_service.nrg or it must be new service DVD.

here is the link http://www.dvdboard.de/forum/showthread.php?t=83718&page=8

[flylice]

I will be taking delivery of a DVR-630HS with 160GB HD. Would love to be able to upgrade the HD. My question is would the old service DVD work on this model? Any tips and hints would be appreciated.