I have a 500GB WD My DVR Expander that is connected via an eSATA cable to my Scientific Atlantic Explorer 8300HDC DVR. It was working great for several months, but recently my recordings are bad. The video and audio are distorted (similar to satellite interference problems). I have since replaced my DVR, and purchased another My DVR Expander with no improvement. When I bypass the My DVR Expander, the recordings are ok. I have also taken the Expander and connected it to my wife's TV and DVR and it works ok. My wife's TV is a Panasonic Plasma and my TV is a Sony LCD. Should this matter? I have repeatedly disconnected and reconnected the eSATA cable with no remedy to the problem. What else can I try?

What happens if you move the DVR off your Sony TV and put it onto your wife's TV (swap DVRs). Does the problem follow the DVR?

If it does, then you are looking at something common with the DVR, since the expander appears to work just fine on another dvr. If it problem doesn't follow the DVR when swapped, you may be looking at a ground loop issue.

Ground Loops occur when different devices are plugged in at different points. Ideally, everything should be plugged into the same power strip, or wall outlet. But, when things are plugged into different points, noise can pop up due to the difference of electrical potential on the grounds of the equipment, and even the neutral conductors. This can occur even when using an extension cord that is plugged into the same strip. Also try using a different power strip temporarily to see if that improves things as well.