Can you use your HD DVR without being connected to the service?
Nyycavo
Newbie
I'd like to access recorded programs on my Verizon cable box/DVR (Motorola 7216) but do so while the unit is not connected to cable service (i.e. FiOS). The reason I want to do this is because we have many hours of recorded shows which would be nice to access while we're at our vacation house, which has no cable service, just a TV.
 
This weekend I brought the DVR box, power cord, remote and HDMI cable, hooked it up and it didn't work. The unit can't seem to get out of start-up mode, presumably its looking for a connection?
 
The message says "Verizon FiOS TV Starting Up...One Moment Please". I've left it for at least an hour and it doesn't change. I also pushed nearly all the buttons on the remote and the box itself hoping to advance it out of start-up but to no avail.

Anyone have advice? Is this possible?  I need to know BEFORE Wednesday! Thanks in advance.
0 Likes
Re: Can you use your HD DVR without being connected to the service?
BrianC
Contributor - Level 3

I was able to access my DVR and watch recording shows when landscapers cut my cable line and I was without TV for more than a day.  I had no connection whatsoever to cable during the time.  But I also didn't unplug my DVR, thus requiring it to boot up which I believe requires a connection to FiOS in order for it to do so.  I also have the 7216.

0 Likes
Re: Can you use your HD DVR without being connected to the service?
lasagna
Community Leader
Community Leader
A catch-22 here... you don't need the cable to be attached to watch a recording, but you need to be connected i. order to boot up the box. So, the landscaper sceraroio where the box didn't need rebooted would work, but unplugging and moving it would not.
0 Likes
Re: Can you use your HD DVR without being connected to the service?
Keyboards
Master - Level 3

@lasagna wrote:
A catch-22 here... you don't need the cable to be attached to watch a recording, but you need to be connected i. order to boot up the box. So, the landscaper sceraroio where the box didn't need rebooted would work, but unplugging and moving it would not.

Unless you have a UPS that can keep it powered all the way to your vacation location (not really serious about that but in theory it could work).

0 Likes
Re: Can you use your HD DVR without being connected to the service?
bobbo527
Specialist - Level 3
Interesting, I was thinking about the same thing. Why don't you try a test, disconnect the coaxial cable from the wall to the box, re-boot the box and then see if you can watch them. I am going to try it as well.
0 Likes
Re: Can you use your HD DVR without being connected to the service?
Keyboards
Master - Level 3

@bobbo527 wrote:
Interesting, I was thinking about the same thing. Why don't you try a test, disconnect the coaxial cable from the wall to the box, re-boot the box and then see if you can watch them. I am going to try it as well.

I can guarantee that if there is no network connection the box will be a brick.  Requires connection to network for authorization before it will operate.  You're welcome to waste your time however.

0 Likes
Re: Can you use your HD DVR without being connected to the service?
lasagna
Community Leader
Community Leader

I'm with keyboards on this one ... but there's never anything wrong with experimenting (how else do you learn anything?), so have at it, but don't be surprised when it doesn't work.

0 Likes