External SATA for a DVR - Blu-ray Forum

Marcuslaw · 10-10-2007, 10:22 AM

I'm in the process of connecting a Seagate FreeAgent Pro external SATA to my DVR (Explorer 8300HD) for expanded storage . . . just can't seem to get the right freakin cable! Err. Can any members share an experience they had in doing this also?

Footloose301 · 10-10-2007, 10:24 AM

I didn't know you could do that. My DVR seems to hold more than enough. Perhaps if you posted a pic of the connectors or a link to your DVR then we could point you in the right direction.

Marcuslaw · 10-10-2007, 10:36 AM

Frys is mailing the correct cable which hopefully should be here this afternoon. The DVR is on the Net at

http://www.scientificatlanta.com/cus...ce/7004920.pdf

The FreeAgent Pro at

http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.js...&reqPage=Model

and the cable I believe to be the correct one at

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/522...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG. Sorry for the long links.

Dickn52 · 10-10-2007, 10:38 AM

That STB is the Scientific Atlanta for Brighthouse isn't it? The connectors are not "connected", at least I don't think they are active. I left them for FIOS, so can't remember for sure.

I just read the owners manual. I doubt you will be able to do this. The only "Outs" are to the TV via HDMI, DVI or Yellow which is to a STD TV.

Marcuslaw · 10-10-2007, 10:44 AM

Yes. Brighthouse. According to a tech at Scientific, the DVR is ready for eSATA connectivity. I suppose I'll just have to wait and see when the cable arrives.

MouseRider · 10-10-2007, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Footloose301

I didn't know you could do that. My DVR seems to hold more than enough. Perhaps if you posted a pic of the connectors or a link to your DVR then we could point you in the right direction.

Depending on the DVR and whether the port is activated in software, it is totally possible.

For example, D*'s HR20 has an active eSATA port and will automatically format and support some external drives.

Sonny · 10-10-2007, 05:23 PM

Ya, they have a usb port in the front. I have 4 lol

T-Town Oil · 10-10-2007, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MouseRider

Depending on the DVR and whether the port is activated in software, it is totally possible.

For example, D*'s HR20 has an active eSATA port and will automatically format and support some external drives.

so in theory i should be able to hookup a harddrive to the usb port and transfer data? if so have you ever tried it?

MouseRider · 10-11-2007, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Town Oil

so in theory i should be able to hookup a harddrive to the usb port and transfer data? if so have you ever tried it?

You can only use the ports if the software in the box allows you to do it, or have a box hacked to allow it.

The standard D* HR20s will allow you to plug in a eSATA drive to it, but when you do, it stops using the drive internally and uses the external drive exclusively. At the current moment, the HR20 also works in a way that the external drive will only work with the box that you've connected it to, you cannot move the content from one HR20 to another.

There are some TiVo boxes that offer much more flexibility so your experience will vary depending on which box you have.

Marcuslaw · 10-11-2007, 10:20 AM

And the suspense has ended. The eSATA port is apparently not activated so . . . I'm going to contact Brighthouse and see if I can request a box with an active one.

cawgijoe · 10-11-2007, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MouseRider

You can only use the ports if the software in the box allows you to do it, or have a box hacked to allow it.

The standard D* HR20s will allow you to plug in a eSATA drive to it, but when you do, it stops using the drive internally and uses the external drive exclusively. At the current moment, the HR20 also works in a way that the external drive will only work with the box that you've connected it to, you cannot move the content from one HR20 to another.

There are some TiVo boxes that offer much more flexibility so your experience will vary depending on which box you have.

And that's ok if you just want to expand the storage of your internal drive.

Any recommendations on good eSATA external drives to use for this purpose?

MouseRider · 10-11-2007, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cawgijoe

And that's ok if you just want to expand the storage of your internal drive.

Any recommendations on good eSATA external drives to use for this purpose?

If you have the HR20, the drives that have been proven to work includes the Seagate FreeAgent and the Calvary.

Here's a link that you'll find plenty of useful info:

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=66201

10-10-2007, 10:22 AM	#1
Marcuslaw Active Member Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Somewhere warm Blu-ray reviews: 38	External SATA for a DVR I'm in the process of connecting a Seagate FreeAgent Pro external SATA to my DVR (Explorer 8300HD) for expanded storage . . . just can't seem to get the right freakin cable! Err. Can any members share an experience they had in doing this also?

10-10-2007, 05:23 PM	#7
Sonny Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Aug 2007 Home Theater Gallery:8 Blu-ray reviews:6 Trading Score:1	Ya, they have a usb port in the front. I have 4 lol Last edited by Sonny; 10-10-2007 at 05:28 PM.

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10-10-2007, 10:24 AM	#2
Footloose301 Special Member Member since:May 2007 Location:Fort Myers, FL Home Theater Gallery:38 4K collection:2 Blu-ray collection:2 Blu-ray reviews: 1	I didn't know you could do that. My DVR seems to hold more than enough. Perhaps if you posted a pic of the connectors or a link to your DVR then we could point you in the right direction.

10-10-2007, 10:36 AM	#3
Marcuslaw Active Member Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Somewhere warm Blu-ray reviews: 38	Frys is mailing the correct cable which hopefully should be here this afternoon. The DVR is on the Net at http://www.scientificatlanta.com/cus...ce/7004920.pdf The FreeAgent Pro at http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.js...&reqPage=Model and the cable I believe to be the correct one at http://shop2.outpost.com/product/522...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG. Sorry for the long links.

10-10-2007, 10:38 AM	#4
Dickn52 Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Ocala Florida	That STB is the Scientific Atlanta for Brighthouse isn't it? The connectors are not "connected", at least I don't think they are active. I left them for FIOS, so can't remember for sure. I just read the owners manual. I doubt you will be able to do this. The only "Outs" are to the TV via HDMI, DVI or Yellow which is to a STD TV.

10-10-2007, 10:44 AM	#5
Marcuslaw Active Member Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Somewhere warm Blu-ray reviews: 38	Yes. Brighthouse. According to a tech at Scientific, the DVR is ready for eSATA connectivity. I suppose I'll just have to wait and see when the cable arrives.

10-11-2007, 10:20 AM	#10
Marcuslaw Active Member Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Somewhere warm Blu-ray reviews: 38	And the suspense has ended. The eSATA port is apparently not activated so . . . I'm going to contact Brighthouse and see if I can request a box with an active one.

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