topic New 6500 receiver doesn’t run my external HD in TV & Streaming

New 6500 receiver doesn’t run my external HD

Mozzie — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 03:32:22 GMT

Good evening; I was recently sent a new receiver from Bell at no cost to me - I was told that they were updating my equipment. I have now discovered that the new receiver does not recognize my external hard drive that I have used for maybe 15 years to PVR shows. I have been searching on the net tonight and am now coming to the conclusion that Bell’s ‘gift’ is going to cost me money - aka a new hard drive. Can someone confirm or deny that the new 6500 receivers are or are not compatible with HDs; and how I can make this new receiver ‘see’ my existing - and in perfect working order - hard drive? Thanks!

Re: New 6500 receiver doesn’t run my external HD

Phylip92 — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 04:02:53 GMT

I think to new Bell receivers use a different operating system then the old ones. So the Hard Drivers may not work that were setup with older ones. I could be wrong though.

Re: New 6500 receiver doesn’t run my external HD

BellNick — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:07:25 GMT

Hi there @Mozzie
Thank you for your post and welcome to the Community.
To turn an HD receiver into a PVR the external hard drives only work with our 6400, 6141 and 6131 models. The 6500 model does not support external hard drives.

Re: New 6500 receiver doesn’t run my external HD

Mozzie — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 17:42:46 GMT

Hi BellNick

Thank you for the clear information.

I have been on two help chats and one lengthy support call with a Bell employee. No one has stated this. In fact on the last lengthy call the employee encouraged me to go online and find something.

I guess I’m confused why this information is not commonly understood by Bell employees; and has not been communicated to customers as part of the roll out of the HD receivers?

I cannot control the roll out but had I known, I could have made better use of my time and the time of resource people inside Bell. Something for Bell to consider.

Now my decision is clearer- simply cancelling my service if PVR is important. Thank you

Re: New 6500 receiver doesn’t run my external HD

Tiredofitall — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 22:53:14 GMT

I, too, was given a 6500 as a replacement for my 4100.

I would like the 6500 replaced with one that is compatible with my external hard drive .

What is bell's solution?

Upgrade to 6500 receiver doesnt support external hd

Jeffrey — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 14:46:38 GMT

My upgraded receiver (6500) doesn't support external hd. So, to me, Bell is forcing me to upgrade to a $$$ new pvr receiver. Just another nail into canceling the service. So disappointed .

Re: New 6500 receiver doesn’t run my external HD

RobLyn — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 01:58:01 GMT

I just want to add my voice to those disappointed that the 6500 units sent to replace our now defunct SD units cannot be upgraded to a PVR by adding our USB hard drives. At the same time that I submitted my request to replace the units, I ordered two of the remote controls that were presented on the same page an an option - the remote with the PVR buttons on it!!!!!!! That's $60 I didn't need to spend. Thanks!!!!!

Re: New 6500 receiver doesn’t run my external HD

Tiredofitall — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 20:41:09 GMT

so i spent 2 very long evenings, using the chat, then phone calls, & finally, after almost 4 hours, explaining my complaint over & over, they agreed to replace the 6500 with a 6400, compatible with an external pvr.

for some reason, it had to be installed by a technician - no one can explain why.

he showed up on time, with the same concerns i had, but was given a 6131, not the 6400

but it worked out in the end

not impressed with the customer service

6500 reciever does not accept ext hard drive

Kipper — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 12:13:50 GMT

Free 6500 reciever. Beware, it does not accept ext hard drive. No offer of cheaper pvr capable upgrade?

TV upgrade from 9400 to 6500 lost my pvr and also use of external Hard Drive. How do I proceed

Linda2 — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 19:03:37 GMT

TV upgrade from 9400 to 6500 lost my pvr and also use of external Hard Drive. How do I proceed