TV does not find external hard drive

[fam_stark2000]

Our TV (KDL46ex701) cannot find the external hard drive (Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex STAA250200) when linked via USB. The hard drive supports connection via TV, but the TV does not respond at all to this.

Question no 1: Does the TV support hard drives (it should work as it responds to a USB memory stick)?

Question no 2: How do we make it work?

[patheimo]

Hi,

You may find this a format issue. My understanding is that your telly will only recognize FAT32 (memory stick format) while your external hard-drive is formatted for NTFS. I would look at this for further information:

http://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/formatting-external-hard-drive-to-fat-32/

Thanks,

[DamacizSi · Accepted solution]

Sony can not guarantee work with external hard disc, how ever fail format should be in FAT32

R

Damac

[ceallac]

I have formatted a 2.5" HDD 55GB to FAT32 but still cannot get the TV to read the drive - wondering if there is a need ofor more power

Did anyone get a HDD to talk to the TV

The usb drives connect no problem

Eager to get an answer to this - someone has figured it out I'm betting!

[jaanpoiss]

I have the KDL-46EX402 and the same problem. External hard drive makes a beep every 18 seconds. FAT32 also does not helped. The fact is that TV has been able to find data on your hard drive. If the hard drive was NTFS format, I got a moment to watch a movie preview. I think also that it is a power problem.

[iamtrist]

Try formatting to (less than) 32GB FAT. This isn't a satisfactory solution but so far it's the only way I've got my BDV E370 to see any external drives.

Also if you create multiple partitions, I think it'll only see the first.

[aisthima]

The TV supports external HDD discs. Only FAT32 file system, not partitioned. Since you are using 2.5” HDD it needs to be supplied with power from the TV USB port so try using a shorter cable. When longer USB cable is used the power supply may not get to the HDD.

[nedsir]

I  may be wrong but I think that your HDD is too small as on my TV it states that a HDD must be over 100 gig to work.

Not 100% sure though.

[eltoyn1]

I have had problems and found that my seagate 320gb drive needed to be Fat32 primary partition and now works fine.

[HDKey1]

On my KDL-46HX753 there are 2 USB ports, only one of which will support an external drive for recording off air. It matters not a jot what format the drive is as it will reformat it. Had no problems with it's performance (some niggly aspects regarding the TVs software when navigating the recorded programmes but otherwise fine).

Now, what is an hitherto unsolved problem is exactly how the drive (320Gig) is formatted. It is not readable on any pc/laptop OS I have. Indeed, if I connect it to a computer it thinks the drive is unformatted and offers to reformat it.

If anyone has any ideas I would be eternally grateful.

Merry Christmas