Picture freezes intermittently and permanently on...

Question

The DVR was ppurchased in late 2005 and not used very much.At first the occasional programme froze now and then but it has got worse and now most programmes run for a while and then freeze altogether. This has gradually got worse until now the machine is unusable. I have optimised the hard drive and wiped it clean but the problem persists. I suspect it is the hard drive itself. Does anyone know if it is worth repairing or should I start again? There is an authorised dealer about 40 miles away.