VIP 612 DVR Hard Drive or Software Problem

[Big Canoer]

Are others having problems with the Dish Network VIP 612 DVR?

I am on my second VIP 612 DVR; Dish Network replaced the first one.

Both started with the same problem:


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The problem:

The TV goes black (loses the picture).

The VIP 612 hard drive “sounds” like it is downloading software (it is not, it is scheduled to do those activities at 2:00 AM).

After about 30 – 45 seconds, the hard drive sound stops and the “Acquiring satellite signal” #015 screen pops up.

After acquiring the satellite signal, everything is OK until next time.

This can reoccur as often as every 30 minutes.

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I have been told not to plug the receiver into a surge protector and I no longer do so. But this has not solved the problem.

If this problem continues as it did with the first VIP 612 DVR, the problem will get worst until the DVR no longer performs other functions.

Have you heard of this problem?

[ianhiding]

The "problem" you describe is the receiver resetting itself. The same process would happen if you reset the receiver by holding in the power button for several seconds. But the real question is, why is it resetting?

I had a 211 with an external hard drive that would do the same thing. Seems like it would happen mostly watching OTA channels and recorded programs. After a while, it cleared up. Maybe a software upgrade took care of it?

[Big Canoer]

Based on my research, the Dish Network VIP 612 DVR has a rebooting problem leading to its functional failure over a period of time. This is the problem with my VIP 612 DVR.

The question is: What causes the rebooting?

I catch my VIP 612 rebooting at least once each day and some times more often. Who knows how many times it’s rebooting each day when I’m not around.

When I called Dish Network the first time (and they replaced my first VIP 612), they were interested in the software version number. If it is a software problem and Dish Network continues to have problems with finding a fix, how many DVRs will Dish Network have to replace before people get tired of going through the long process of changing them out? I have changed out one, and I’m already tired.

Does any one have any thoughts or similar experiences with this problem?

Thanks

[slclem]

I had the exact same problem with a 622. Dish replaced two in a span of three weeks. Finally they made a service call and replaced with a 722k. So far so good.

[spokybob]

Originally Posted by slclem

I had the exact same problem with a 622. Dish replaced two in a span of three weeks. Finally they made a service call and replaced with a 722k. So far so good.

Do you like the 722 better? What features are better in your opinion?

[daleb]

For me, I like the larger hard drive in the 722k. While it costs another 30 bucks for the plug in OTA tuner, it is a dual input so you can record one additional OTA channel simultaneously. These are the 2 biggest advantages IMO.

I'm considering adding another receiver for a BR TV so I can get HD. The 612 seems like a great fit because I don't need a larger HD since I have that in my main 722k.
But it seems there are more complaints about the 612, considering fewer are likely in use. I may go with another 722k which will use up my allotment of 4 Dish tuners max. But that's ok too.

[jstrazz]

So far, I've experienced reboots with the 612 about 3 times in the past months since I had it installed. If it's a software problem, I hope they come up with a solution SOON! If not, I will not think twice about calling and complaining. I drove the Comcast people crazy until they resolved my issues and I will do the very same thing with Dish.

[Loves2Watch]

612's seem to be plagued with problems. You aren't the only one to have this happen, it is common.

[jhohler]

My 622 has had a rebooting problem as well. If I flip through the channels quickly, it will take at least 20 seconds for the channel to come on line. If I flip real fast, the receiver will reboot. This is my second 622 receiver with the same problem, which just started happening a month ago.

[Big Canoer]

There must be grounding problem with these receivers and everything points in that direction.

Dish Network had me remove the two RF connectors from the satellite from the back of the VIP 612 DVR and to touch them to the back of the DVR to discharge them (touch both the center wire and the outer metal at the same time).

After I discharged the two RF cables, the DVR has not rebooted while I’m present (four days).

Dish Network says that static electricity builds up in the cables in stormy weather.

I scheduled a service call to look for a grounding problem, but after they didn’t show up for the first appointment and then didn’t show up for the second appointment, I canceled the service call. By phone the service person said to wait until the rebooting starts back up before calling them again.

This is my second VIP 612 DVR in 7 weeks. I can tell you that if you let the rebooting problem go uncorrected, it will cause other problems - like my pushing the Guide Button only to have the DVR reboot.

Dish Network wants you to connect the DVR directly into the wall socket (no surge protectors allowed) – grounding problem?

They ask you to discharge the static electricity from the RF cables – grounding problem?

I could check for a grounding problem myself, but the installers of this new system (new antenna also) seemingly did a good job.

Any ideas?

[unikr0n]

i had that rebooting problem with my first 612. i got a second 612 and it doesn't reboot but it my picture and audio freezes and you can't change the channel or anything. i have to get up and unplug the box and plug it back in. it does this as much as once a day sometimes twice a day and other times it'll go a few days without doing it. it was so frustrating during the NBA playoff while i was watching it.

[Big Canoer]

Originally Posted by unikr0n

i had that rebooting problem with my first 612. i got a second 612 and it doesn't reboot but it my picture and audio freezes and you can't change the channel or anything. i have to get up and unplug the box and plug it back in. it does this as much as once a day sometimes twice a day and other times it'll go a few days without doing it. it was so frustrating during the NBA playoff while i was watching it.

It can still be the static electricity build up in the RF cables. As I said, the static electricity leads to other problems; it did for me.

Use the solution (treat the symptom) and let me know your results.

Dish Network needs to determine what the fix is.