It seems like adding an eSATA port to personal video recorders is the thing to do. Enabling that port so that you can actually slap an external hard drive onto your PVR is another story.TiVo recently issued an update that enables the eSATA port on TiVo HD boxes. But you can't just plug in an external hard drive and expect it to work. Rather, you'll need to install TiVo software on that drive before your TiVo will recognize it. Dave Zatz speculates that this means TiVo will begin selling hard drives under its own brand name soon. Makes sense to us.
At the same time, it seems that a growing number of Scientific Atlanta set top boxes have working eSATA ports. If you got your PVR from your regional cable company, odds are you have either a Motorola or Scientific Atlanta box. WeaKnees has a list of SA boxes that may work with external eSATA hard drives.
TV Squad Ten: Top Ten ESPN shows from worst to first
Andy Richter: The TV Squad Interview
Have any questions for Vik Sahay of Chuck? Ask them here!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-10-2007 @ 7:39AM
Scott said...
I wanted to add that Dish Network recently enabled the USB port on it's ViP622 receiver. You can plug in a USB2 hard drive and add storage in no time. It's not the most intuitive process (once it's plugged in) but it works well.
The downside is Dish requires a $40 activation fee for the feature.
Reply
9-12-2007 @ 12:27PM
Ian said...
Why wouldn't TIVO merely off a range of TIVOs with larger HDs?
Reply