Seagate FreeAgent HD Question...

[lowridin_guy]

I have just installed a Seagate 500GB External HD for my CNX mini. My mini records fine on regular USB sticks but it will not recognize my new drive. I have formatted the drive in FAT32 using everything from fat32format, Swissknife and Partition Magic. Everything works fine on the PC and my STB recognizes that the drive is plugged in but when I press record I get an error message.

Has anyone had issues with this drive? I am considering returning it for a WD Mybook.

Thanks!

[prae777]

lowridin_guy, I am using WD passport 80GB on mine so I can't answer on the Seagate. Although, I have read on this site of others having issues with the Seagate line. I can't record but maybe 5 shows with the 80GB, but I'm going to upgrade to a 320-500GB soon. Other than that the WD works good. No issues. Good luck!:D

[lowridin_guy]

Thanks prae77....I exchanged the Seagate for a LaCie 500gb and so far no problems. The LaCie was already formatted tp Fat32 and it was plug and play.

[prae777]

lowridin_guy, Your welcome! Can you buy the LaCie at a local store like BestBuy or Do you have to purchase online? I looked them up after reading your post. They seem to be priced reasonable. And if working good for you is all I need to go with a Lacie. About how many hrs. of record time do you think you'll get off of 500GB? Thanks for your input!! Have a good weekend!:D

[lowridin_guy]

Hey Prae.....I purchased mine from Future Shop (Best Buy in Canada). They are nice because they are already formatted in Fat32 and they dont have annoying permanent software on them which prevents many STB's from being compatible. With 500GBs I believe it should record up to 500 hours. It is usually 1 GB per hour. I would stay away from a Mybook or a FreeAgent or any other that has preloaded software on it.

[prae777]

Thanks again, lowridin!!!!!!!!! You have provided me with a Wealth of information. I'm loving my mini. I've only had it just shy of a week and in that short of time it has proven what an awesome little bundle it is. Here's hoping you have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!:D1st

[sea]

I try with WD Passport 40GB, MINI does not recognise it. Could you help me how can O do that??????????????Thanks.

[sea]

I try with WD passport 40GB, MINI does not recognise it. Flash drive works fine, need some help with this. Thanks in advance.

[prae777]

Sea, make sure you've formatted to Fat32. All you should have to do is plug it in and press record or from the guide select what program you'd like to record by hitting the record button. It'll leave a red circle on the program you selected to record. If its still doesn't work, make sure you've uploaded the file for PVR for the mini and do a hard boot from the switch on the back of your unit. Hope this helps.:D