Missing frames on USB HDD playback

[mad_cyril]

When playing back recordings made on a USB HDD we get missing frames where the screen goes black for a split second. This can be every few minutes or every few seconds. This only happens on playback, not when watching live TV.

KD43XG8096BU with WD Elements HDD connected to blue USB port

[Handyandyxf9005]

I know what you mean by it happening at scene changes. Yes it only effects HD recordings. The thing is, programmes which were recorded while on Android 7, and played back fine, now have the black frame problem. 

My TV is the XF9005 which when I originally bought it came with android 7 and that did not exhibit the problem, it only started when the tv was updated to Android 8. So far all further updates have to rectified it. Currently on Android 9.

We all need to nail Sony support over this.

[kdhuk66]

I've had my reply back from support. No recognition that this is a known issue. Usual advice re removing power supply, TV reset and different cables etc.🙄

[rogerpbill]

In a couple of my emails to Sony I said "Over the past few months this same problem has been reported by a number of other customers with Sony Android TVs on https://community.sony.co.uk/t5/android-tv/missing-frames-on-usb-hdd-playback/td-p/3688952" Also I pointed out that in this topic a customer said they'd been told by Sony that it "is is a firmware issue and their engineers are working on releasing an update as early as possible to solve the issue." I asked them to check whether this is the case or not but I've not received any meaningful response.

[Handyandyxf9005]

You just have to follow what support ask you to do and then just keep reporting back if it's still not working.

I have this funny feeling they think that it's been fixed in the latest update but in sceptical, I'll know for sure after this weekend when I've recorded F1 highlights in HD and watched them back....I'll report my findings here and to support. 

[Mrhappy37]

Its still got the same issue as I downloaded android 9 a couple of days ago. Apparently its even doing it on the newer models. As mentioned earlier it was perfect on android 7, so its clearly a firmware issue.

[Win_88]

The best way to get to the bottom of issues like these is to report them to Sony support. They may take some time going back and forth with troubleshooting steps, but that's only to verify no other factors are causing the problem. The more cases clear this stage the more attention is given to the issue. I imagine this is the basic structure for any technical support team. So if there's a chance that Sony will be able to help, it would correspond to the amount of information we provide about whatever issues we find.

No product is perfect, especially with how feature-rich Android TVs are. So issues are bound to come up and we can't expect a magic wand sort of solution out of the blue.

Win_88

[Nicko001]

Hope I’m not speaking too soon, but the latest update on my XH81 seems to have sorted this fault. Even existing recordings are ok. Good news!

[kdhuk66]

Let's hope so.... My KD-43XH8505 has also updated earlier but my better half is watching it all evening so haven't risked her wrath by testing it yet.... 🙄

Hopefully my 2 niggles.... (the other being AV receiver sound issues)..... with this telly are sorted without causing any new problems....

And while I'm here talking HDD recording, is it normal for the hard drive to be spinning with the TV on standby.... eg. Does it only power down if nothing is set to record?

[Mrhappy37]

The hdd should stop spinning after a while.

[mad_cyril]

Hi Nicko001 when you get a chance can you let us know what build or version you are now on, many thanks.