Tivo and DirecTV

[killercornix]

I have a DirecTv Hughes SD-DVR40. I came home the other night during a thunderstorm to find that the image through the DVR looked like it was underwater or melting. Occasionally is goes to a blue screen and at best all text lines appear blurry. I called Direct because I have a service plan and when the the tech came he said it appeared to be a DVR problem. Then he basically told me two things: One, he HAD to replace the TIVO unit with the the much lamented DVR unit (R15?) and two (and this is a real poison pill) when DirectTv replaces your DVR unit -- you are automatically locked in for a two year contract with Direct! He warned me that they would not tell you this but that it is the case... WOW that seems underhanded to me. I have been a loyal Directv customer for years and love it -- but why lock me in and not tell me about it? Ridiculous.

At any I have already ordered a replacement unit from Weaknees because the NFL starts soon and I can't miss it. The question I have (after venting) is this. What kind of problem could be causing the underwater/melting type picture? Can I attempt to repair it myself (as I would like to keep the DVR and use it as a second unit with my other TV (currently using a standard sat. box). Where should I start? What do I need.

Thanks in advance.

Dave
Durham NC

[WK-Jason]

Wow, Dave. That's a really weird problem. I'm not even sure where you'd begin on that one. Sounds like something could be fritzed out on the motherboard.

[killercornix]

Jason,

Thanks for your response. It is a weird problem and I suspect (as you do) it may be motherboard related so by all accounts I may be SOL. Sad. When my new unit comes I'm going to switch the old box to the upstairs TV and see what happens. Maybe I'll get lucky....:D

At any rate, I appreciate the response and if anyone else out there has had a similar problem and have any ideas I'd like to hear about it...

Dave
Durham NC