FAQ
TL;DR: For Sagemcom WHD 80, USB playback appears only after you plug in storage; Orange’s “dedicated” PVR disk is listed at PLN 250, and “a dedicated disk is needed.” [Elektroda, wlodarek1, post #16826567]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps you decide which USB drives work for playback vs. PVR and how to install them on the WHD 80.
Quick Facts
- USB multimedia browser auto-launches on insert; no visible menu entry, and exit may require unplugging. [Elektroda, procsa, post #16824805]
- PVR setup is offered during first-run; look for “Disk Drive installation.” A factory reset can re-trigger it. [Elektroda, DejoDejo, post #16826928]
- Orange-branded PVR drive reported at approx. PLN 250. [Elektroda, wlodarek1, post #16826567]
- One user was told “min. 160 GB and USB 3.0” for PVR compatibility. [Elektroda, cypfirebolt, post #17121683]
- Example non-working drive: WD 500 GB USB 3.0 not detected. [Elektroda, cypfirebolt, post #17148041]
Where’s the multimedia/USB playback menu on the Sagemcom WHD 80?
There isn’t a fixed menu entry. The decoder prompts to view files when you connect a USB stick or drive. Users report that exiting playback can require unplugging the device. DLNA access also appears during this auto-launch flow. [Elektroda, procsa, post #16824805]
How do I exit USB playback without a Back option?
Users report no on-screen return path from the temporary USB browser. The practical workaround is to unplug the USB storage to exit, then reconnect when needed. “There is no return ... just unplug the pendrive/drive.” [Elektroda, procsa, post #16824805]
Can I use any external USB drive for PVR recording on WHD 80?
One user states a normal external USB can work after installation, which formats and encrypts the drive. Recordings then play only on that decoder. “You will only be able to play the recorded videos on this decoder.” [Elektroda, DejoDejo, post #16824878]
Do I need the official Orange ‘dedicated’ PVR disk?
Another user says the WHD 80 needs a dedicated disk, offered in Orange showrooms for about PLN 250. This reflects a stricter compatibility view than using generic USB drives. Quote: “A dedicated disk is needed.” [Elektroda, wlodarek1, post #16826567]
How do I install or format a PVR drive on the WHD 80?
PVR installation is presented during first-run. If you missed it, a factory reset should show the “Disk Drive installation” prompt again.
- Connect the USB drive to the decoder.
- Run first setup; choose Disk Drive installation.
- Let the decoder finish formatting/encryption. [Elektroda, DejoDejo, post #16826928]
Service menu ‘format’ starts but nothing changes—what’s wrong?
A user reports the service menu shows Format/Analyze and disk stats, but formatting briefly starts and then nothing changes. This suggests service-menu formatting does not properly provision the drive for PVR on this unit. [Elektroda, procsa, post #16826875]
Does the WHD 80 require USB 3.0 and at least 160 GB for PVR?
One user reports Orange support specified minimum 160 GB and USB 3.0. However, their connected drive still wasn’t detected, indicating that meeting these specs may not guarantee success. This is a critical compatibility caveat. [Elektroda, cypfirebolt, post #17121683]
Will a WD 500 GB USB 3.0 drive work for PVR?
A user tested a WD 500 GB USB 3.0 drive and the decoder did not see it. This shows brand or bridge-chip differences can block detection even when capacity and interface meet advice. [Elektroda, cypfirebolt, post #17148041]
Will a GoodRam 320 GB USB 3.0 drive work for PVR?
A user with a GoodRam 320 GB USB 3.0 drive reports the WHD 80 could not see it. This reinforces that not all third‑party drives enumerate correctly with the decoder. [Elektroda, duda01, post #17202916]
Is USB 2.0 sufficient, or does WHD 80 really need USB 3.0?
One user questioned the USB 3.0 claim since the decoder port is USB 2.0. They retried with a USB 3.0 drive but still couldn’t install PVR, suggesting interface speed alone isn’t the blocker. [Elektroda, procsa, post #17122349]
Can I play WHD 80 recordings on my PC or another decoder?
No. A user explains the decoder formats and locks the drive, so recordings are playable only on that specific WHD 80 unit. This is expected behavior for operator PVRs. [Elektroda, DejoDejo, post #16824878]
Does a software update change USB/PVR compatibility on WHD 80?
A user noted an update arrived, tested again, and still couldn’t provision the drive. Quote: “An update was ... I check it ... I can not do it.” This suggests no improvement for their unit. [Elektroda, procsa, post #17123582]
What is DLNA on the WHD 80, and how is it exposed?
A user reports that when USB media is connected, the decoder also shows DLNA access alongside local playback. DLNA here means browsing network-shared media from compatible devices. The access appeared during the auto USB media browser. [Elektroda, procsa, post #16824805]
Can I clone or image the official Orange PVR disk to a standard drive?
A user asked for an image of the original disk to replicate functionality, indicating interest in cloning. The thread provides no disk image, and the user still couldn’t install after attempts. [Elektroda, procsa, post #17122349]
What’s an example of a failure mode I should expect?
Edge case: the service menu may show formatting progress and then revert with no change. Detection can still work for media browsing but fail PVR provisioning. This mismatch confused users during troubleshooting. [Elektroda, procsa, post #16826875]
