What it means
A DVR found an internal error and started an automatic reformat of its hard drive. Earlier and scheduled recordings are deleted.
Likely causes
- An error was detected on the DVR hard drive
Quick fix
- Expect that previous and scheduled recordings are gone
- Rebuild your recordings: press Menu, choose Search, enter a program or network and set recording options
- Watch the receiver over the next few days to see whether 773 returns
- If it keeps returning, contact support about the drive
Still showing? Call Sports Direct General Support at 480-941-3703 (Gaming Support: 877-659-9257) if 773 keeps returning.
Applies to: DVR receivers only
On this page
What error 773 means
Error 773 appears on a DVR when the receiver finds an error on its hard drive and starts an automatic reformat. DIRECTV's article says the receiver may continue to work normally, but all previous recordings and scheduled recordings are deleted. It is not something you caused, and there is no step that brings the old recordings back.
Does this apply to my business?
DVR is a narrow case in commercial accounts. DIRECTV's commercial customer terms make DVR service available only to private viewing establishments with DVR-enabled equipment, and DIRECTV for Business marks 773 as "DVR only." In practice that means offices, conference rooms and similar spaces that the public cannot access. A bar, restaurant or other public viewing venue would not normally have DVR service at all. If you are unsure which category your space falls in, our viewing-type guide explains public, business and private viewing, and the glossary defines DVR and the rest of the terms used here.
What to do after 773
- Expect that earlier and scheduled recordings are gone.
- To rebuild your schedule, press Menu and select Search. Use the arrow keys and SELECT to enter a program or network name, and set your recording options when the title appears. Pressing the dash button opens Smart Search.
- Keep an eye on the receiver for the next few days. A DVR that reformats once and then runs normally is usually fine.
- If 773 keeps returning, treat it as a failing drive and contact support rather than rebuilding the schedule again and again.
Planning around it
If recordings matter to your operation, do not treat a DVR as the only copy. Keep a short list of the programs you must have so you can re-create the schedule quickly, and consider whether the content you are recording is available on demand or live instead. A specialist can help you decide which spaces genuinely need a DVR and which are better served by live programming.
When to call for help
If 773 returns after a reformat, call Sports Direct General Support at 480-941-3703. Gaming operators can reach Gaming Support at 877-659-9257.
Need a hand? Sports Direct support: Gaming Support 877-659-9257 · General Support 480-941-3703