It has been repeatedly written here since Dec 2011 that the SMP is experiencing problems with external HDDs USB3.0, connected to the rear port. Some customers stated that they have it working correctly, some, as opposed, reported about the problems.
Let me briefly remind you about the problem. Attempting to play back the HD files 720p and 1080p from the external HDD USB3.0, connected to the rear port, results in video freezing and after 20-30 seconds a message like “The disc was removed …” appears on the display. Then a player reboot is required including disconnection and further reconnection of the drive. All available firmwares from 1.4 to 1.7. have been tried by me.
On the contrary, when the external hard drive was connected to the front port, no effects, described above, have been observed.
This problem has been described in details here http://community.wdc.com/t5/ideas/v1/ideapage/blog-id/streaming_issues/article-id/1751/
I purchased my player in Europe. The model of my player is P/N: WDBGXT0000NBK-01. A friend of mine ordered a player from the American Amazon. Model of his player is P/N: WDBHG70000NBK-01. Both of these units do experience the described above problems with the rear port.
What is in common in these two units is that they both have their model number ending with “01”.
From the forum community communication I found out, that the model P/N: WDBHG70000NBK-00, i.e. ending with “00”, does not have any such problem with the rear USB port.
I do suspect that there may be a difference in the schematic design between models ending with “01” and “00”(revision “01” and “00”).
That’s why I would like to finally find out: are my assumptions correct or not. Kindly awaiting your assistance. If you could please indicate the model number (regarding the revisions: “00” or “01”) in your responds. I will certainly appreciate it.
Number of the model and revision is located at the bottom of the device.
Click the Kudos star of mine issue reporting. This may help to accelerate it solution.
I think (not positive) what happened is when the first models were released they were manufactured by a smaller company and after that fist run and bigger manufacture was used and probably had different parts that can be used for the same boxes.
the only way to know for sure is for both units (-00 & -01) to be opened and have all the parts checked to see which are different.
I believe that’s the only way this bug will ever get fixed as a FW update will probably never fix a faulty hardware part.
I hope this issue will be resolved firmware update.
I assume that WD could not have suspected the existence of a bug in the firmware and not begin an investigation because that of an earlier revision of the player does not have any issues with HDD. And only in later revision of the player begins has a malfunction related to HDD USB 3.0 .
It really seems strange, if not to know that there are two different Streaming Media Player models.
Also strange that WD is not aware of the existence of two different models of Streaming Media Player.
I believe WD is in no hurry to solve this issue because the prices for most of HDDs have risen up in autumn 2011; therefore not many customers managed to purchase HDDs with USB3.0.
Just thinking out loud here, forgive my ignorance. Do the problems happen with both 2.5 and 3.5 USB drives? Because I’ve had problems with bus-powered 2.5 USB 3.0 drives, namely Seagate, which were resolved by using an external 12v power adapter or a 3.5 drive (which are always externally powered anyway). Could it be that the back usb port doesn’t deliver enough power to the drive?
Hi, I have recently purchased WD TV Live Streaming Player and I’m experiencing exactly the similar problems with the rear USB port.
HDD USB 3.0 Transcend 750 GB
SMP P/N:WDBHG70000NBK-01
My problem was a little different than yours since I went through 3 different players and none of them worked with the USB 3.0 plugged into the rear port, but the front port worked fine.
The part number on mine is P/N: WDBHG70000NBK-01
Since I didn’t want the plug in the front port I have the drive plugged into a server instead and I just stream over the network.
Edited to add: When I reported this as an Issue, WD moved it out of the Issue thread. They said the issue thread was only for software issues, not hardware ones.
