RCA Directv DVR

For all intents and purposes, your receiver is identical to the Direct TV R-10 (which is also made by RCA). There are TWO POSSIBLE SCENARIOS AND TWO POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS. PLEASE READ BOTH FIRST:

Scenario #1 (Applies to 90% of situations) If this is a software issue: There are a number of software issues related to this receiver that Direct TV software engineers have been working on. If the receiver worked well before and then started running slowly unexpectedly, I would lean toward thinking that DirecTV downloaded a software patch that didn't take on your receiver. I would pull up the systems information screen and copy down all information especially the software version number and call DTV technical support to find out if you have the correct software version for your particular machine. There are a few minor difference between yours and an R-10 (like Hard Drive size and memory)which, in a rare case, might cause this problem. TiVo's use the Linux Operating System. A wrong kernel version, or software module can bog everything down. Be aware also, if they cannot fix it by resending and reauthorizing your receiver, the next step would be to do a hard restart. This is the setting in the menu "erase everything" which reformats (re-initializes the drive) You will receive a screen message which says this could take up to an hour (in some rare cases 2) The hard restart/reinitialing will erase all of your recordings and settings. If this doesn't fix the "slow" problem,(you will be able to tell after 3 or 4 days of use) Direct TV will offer to send you a replacement R-10 (which is also TiVo; you pay only the shipping of $19.95 and in some cases they waive that.

Scenario #2 (Applies to 10% of situations) Hardware issue. If it can be validated that the correct software version is installed and all systems settings have been reset, reauthorized, and tried without positive results, then this may apply: DVR's save and store programs on a computer Hard Disk Drive. It is possible that slow reaction and response from your DVR is also an early warning sign of a Hard Drive that is beginning to fail and encountering errors and slow data storage (your shows and movies) and recovery. If this is the case, then a new replacement hard drive would be in order (only if you own the receiver and it is not leased) It is easiest to order replacement hard drives off the internet. You can't replace them with just any drive, however. The drive needs to have the Linux OS with the TiVo software kernel installed first and pre-initialized. You can have a professional do it for you or if you are electronically inclined, you can replace the hard drive yourself. Replacement drives normally have instructions included giving you step by step procedures for removing the old and installing the new drive. I order TiVo drives from www.weaknees.com. They are a known and reputable supplier of pre configured Maxtor Hard Drives which are specially designed for Home DVR's (I only recommend Maxtor or Seagate brand Hard Drives and these Maxtors are of special high quality). You may have to get an upgrade to an 70 hour (80GB)drive since your 40GB (35 hour) is harder to find and quite possibly no longer in production or available. If you want, you can send your receiver to weaknees and they can professionally install and configure everything for you. (Weaknees is located in Los Angeles, Ca) I have no interest in them, but I am satisfied that they know what they are doing. I hope this information helps you.

Good Luck and best regards,

Eric,