[steves145]

surprised there isn't a category on DVR's with PC replacement and how to. Like many of you I'm tired of restricted space, no usb expansion options with the exception of dish on dvrs from the group of providers. Any thoughts? Looks like a great how to article for 2009!

[smax013]

I moved your post to a more appropriate forum...the General Talk forum is not for technical discussions.

[smax013]

steves145 said:

surprised there isn't a category on DVR's with PC replacement and how to. Like many of you I'm tired of restricted space, no usb expansion options with the exception of dish on dvrs from the group of providers. Any thoughts? Looks like a great how to article for 2009!

As to you question, there are some options.

As you noted, Dish is the only one that I am aware of that allows you to attach an external drive to expand storage (I certainly know that Comcast does not offer any such option).

I do know that people have successfully replaced the hard drive in their TiVos with larger drives, but it will likely void the warranty.

You likely could do it with DVRs provided by cable or satellite providers, but would likely violate your TOS with them (it IS a rental machine after all) and if you screw it up, it could be REALLY expensive.

You can get a computer to record shows, but it is a bit more complex with digital cable or satellite that requires a box of some sort to decode the signals.

The end result is that you are kind of stuck with what the cable or satellite provider offers. About the best option is to get a TiVo that uses CableCARDs and then try to get your cable company to give you a CableCARD (there was a ruling by the FCC that required them to do so, but I don't know if it is still in effect or not...haven't checked in a while)...but you might lose some functionality (some services like On Demand may not work with CableCARDs).

Now, supposedly the cable industry is working toward a system that will allow more user choice. In theory, it was potentially going to be maybe ready by end of the year...but I will believe it when I see it.

[steves145]

I agree with what you said but don't see the cable folks moving that way very soon. Interesting that so many folks are coming out with SATA drives to add space to th dvrs but there isn't one I now that accepts them other than dish at the moment.

[waldojim]

I went the mythbuntu route, using IR blaster, the mythbox can change channels as needed, and just use a standard tv tuner and S-Video for good quality... for the best quality find an HD tuner, and use Component cables.

The end result is a nice OSD that is easy to use, and records anything I need it to. It also replaced my DVD player, CD player etc. I have 1TB of space, which I think is plenty... though of course I could have gone with 2 1.5TB harddrives I suppose.... Though I do not need quite that much... and I have the ability to share the content with every PC in the house, that way I am not 'stuck' in the living room...

Just my opionion, and how I went about things... it is not perfect, but very workable.