RCA DRC8030N Sounds like it is picking up some kind of interference noise when i record or play my dvr through my stereo system. When i just play a dvd through the same hook up i get no noise at all.

this is a tv problem, needs to be chekout, normaly is TV HV circuit defective, and shows the some lines. go to repair shop to repair.

This is due to one of the IDE devices inside (Hard Drive or DVD drive) not sending the requires "I am Ready" signal to the main board while the DVR does a power on self test. With the hundreds of units I have come across, 99% of the time it is due to a faulty DVD drive. These "Loader" brand DVD drives were on the cheap and when they give out, the unit does not go past the Hello. You can verify this by replacing the the DVD drive with any other DVD burner or DVD drive or even a CD drive that comes from a computer (IDE connector). The only fix for this is to replace the drive or simply connect an old CD drive inside and not use the DVD properties of the DVR, only the hard disk recording/playback.

George-
I do exactly what you are trying to do. I take the outputs from my cable box (3 cables: comp video, left audio, right audio and plug them into the 8030 respective input sockets (input 1 on the back). Then I have the output video cable going to the TV. I connect the 2 audio outputs on the recorder to my stereo input for both audio channels so that the audio comes out the stereo system speakers. I use the AUX input to the stereo system for this. If you are using the RF from the source, then I think the same output from the recorder setup should work for cabling. Make sure the 8030 has all the right inputs/outputs selected in the main menu setups.
I hope this helps.
Jacques

Sounds like you are getting interferance from something like a cordless phone, TV, Computer something like that.

Thank you so much for sending me those parts, and an extra thanks for the extras. Which happens to be what I needed to fix my problem. You won't believe it... I got your well-packaged parts today. I soon replaced the Motherboard, no change, still the same HELLO... I was so deceived... Then, I decided to replace the Power Supply, just in case... IT WORKED!... (thanks for sending me a free power supply)... Looking at my power supply, I can see that on the printed circuit under those 3 diodes, near the transformer, is an area that seems to have overheated. I will test it and give you the results eventually, as well as the results and solution if I can fix the DVD burner. I'll use the extra fan you so generously gave me to cool the power supply, seems like it won't hurt. Though I have to place it right, or it'll make the problem worse... Seems like anything wrong with this DVR and all it'll do is display HELLO... I've heard of a bad DVD Burner, a bad Motherboard and now a bad Power Supply that causes the HELLO... Thank you so very much GSAN, you did it... I recommend you to everyone out there for your fairness, kindness and devotion. We should call you Mr. FixYa!...

Yes. This unit only relays the TV signal...the coaxial output can't be used to watch DVDs or play the DVR, all operations are done via the component, composite, or S-Vid outputs. The coaxial simply passes the TV signal out as in from cable TV to DVR and from DVR to TV. If you still do not get an RF signal to pass through th unit, check the cable to make sure the wire is not bent or brocken on either ends.

This is due to the DVD-RW drive that is in the unit. This is the first to fail and RCA seems to have gone with the lowest bidder on this model. The DVD-RW drive will need to be replaced. If you used the DVR to watch and burn DVDs then you will need to replace it with any computer DVD-RW but you may need to re-drill some holes to have the replacement drive fit exactly aligned with the DVD door. If you only want to use this DVR for the internal hard drive recording and TV viewing, then any CD or DVD computer drive will do, just simply connect the replacement drive and leave it in the case (you wont have access to the DVD or CD drive under this option). If you do replace the drive, make sure you match up the jumper on the back so that it will be in the same position as in the original DVD drive ( the Master setting). I hope I did not scare you with all this information, but unfortunately, the dreaded HELLO issue with the DRC8030N has no easy fix.

It is true that the manual says it can record 100 or more hours...but that is at the lowest resolution. You can go to the menu screen and from there go to the recording properties and play around with different recording resolutions that best fit your recording needs. Also, the DVR uses a Hard Drive just as any computer does and within' time it becomes fragmented... that may cause it to record less hours even if you delete recordings. You can format the internal hard drive by going to the main menu screen and press and hold (for about 10 seconds) the OPEN and PLAY buttons on the unit (not the remote). At this time you should see the words FORMAT on the LCD screen and the unit will shut off. Keep in mind that formatting will erase everything on the hard drive so make sure you back up to DVD whatever you want to keep. Hope this helps.

Did you try pressing the power button?

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