I have a (3 month old) 2TB WD Element external hard drive WDBU6Y0020BBK-WESN which I have connected to my Sony Bravia TV. I use it to record TV programmes from the Bravia. I have correctly recorded 100+ films, which I can play back correctly- all good. However after 15 Oct, I can still record, however as soon as power is taken from the HD the recording is no longer accessible. It is still there, however the title goes to ‘unknown’ and the time goes to 0H0M0S. By trail and error, I have found that if I force the HD to continuously record programmes the original programme stays accessible for more than 1 day. I’m guessing that when the TV switches off/ standby, power goes to the WD HD and all is lost, however forcing continuous recording ensures power is on the HD for longer. At the moment I don’t know if Sony have caused this problem (latest s/w) or the HD has become corrupt (due to it being powered off by TV).
My question is - Should I risk re-formatting the HD (losing 100+ films) to see if this fixes my problem.
Also, a secondary question - I’m considering dismantling the usb cable to permanently supply +5V, so I don’t lose recorded programmes (until a power cut of course).
Thanks in advance for your knowledge and guidance.
Re-formatting will 100% delete everything on the HDD.
Remember also, the recordings can only be viewed on the Sony TV that recorded it (because of Copy Protection) … so if the Sony TV breaks down, you’ll lose all your 100+ recordings anyways.
Have you checked the Sony Bravia Forums to see if anyone else is experiencing the same issue ? Or contacted Sony Bravia Support ?
I’m not sure how you’re gonna achieve that ?
2 easier solutions would be buying a AC Powered USB Hub and plugging the USB Drive into it and plugging the Powered USB Hub into the TV
Or … buying a WD Elements 2TB Desktop Drive, which is powered by an 12V AC Adapter.
But, i’m not sure if either of those options will solve the problem.
Thank you kindly for your answers -
There are no comments on the Sony forums similar to this issue.
Sony Bravia support to date have not come back with an answer, so this HD forum was my last chance.
Cutting the cable is easy, break the power line Vcc and GRD and feed this from a 5V AC adaptor.
Thanks re your suggestion of USB hub, however Sony and other forum posts state that the Sony record feature does not work via a USB hub.
All HDs nowadays seem to be USB powered. Do you know of a externally powered version. I have heard that the 3.5" drives are more likely to be externally powered as they need more power/ current.
In summary thanks for your suggestions - I appreciated it.
