DIRECTV Genie: Adding an External Drive to your DVR

[@masonpdrums3910]

Is anybody else impressed with how well the TV fits in the entertainment stand?

[@JohnFixes]

Mason P Drums Well for the record, I'm impressed, but not sure if I count! The background here is that we bought the TV and had the carpenter who'd originally built the cabinet for our hose come back and do some framing work to customize. He also added the speaker grill below it, and we also hired his son to mount the TV to an articulating arm so that it was flush with the cabinet. The cabinet originally housed a projection TV so it has a deep back.... So now you know... the rest of the story... :)

[@xFreSh999_]

its very satisfying

[@NAWIndustries]

I like how the TV is mounted in the cabinetry with all the gadgets behind the doors below. that's kewl.

[@JohnFixes]

Yes, you can do this. Unplug receiver, then ESATA cable and then plug receiver in again. It will reboot to the internal drive with your old shows intact. Then, if you unplug the receiver and plug in your external drive (which was previously formatted) your receiver recognizes it again (i.e. thankfully, it does not format the drive again, so your external drive's new recordings are intact). I verified this today by going through these steps on my receiver. ... and thanks for the comment!

[@chandlerguychannel2263]

Tutorials don't get any better than this one - nicely done and thanks. I'm doing the same thing.

[@JohnFixes]

Thanks! Good luck.

[@JohnFixes]

I added the drive in early April. So it's been running non-stop about 4 months. Works perfect. I've had no issues whatsoever. The drive is quiet, cool and fast. Good luck...

[@michaelsedayao8328]

this was a very helpful video. thanks for confirming that it is replacement and not a supplement to internal drive on the Genie!

[@JohnFixes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@muusicman2010]

As I wrote my message I realize you cover my questions lol!!

[@fatherlarsathon]

Good info, thanks. A bit of a hassle but having 3x the space is very nice.

[@koshnaranek2317]

Damn that model boots up quick my HR34 takes 8-10 min to boot plus about 5-7min more for DVR recordings to load.

[@AScrappinIdeadotcom]

Thank you for your video. It's a detailed video, which made it very easy to follow.

[@JohnFixes]

Glad it helped!

[@JohnFixes]

Yes, your old videos remain on the Genie. I tested this to confirm.

[@barbaraallen2637]

John Ryan - thank you for posting your experience! Extremely easy to understand and follow along (just wish I could still purchase that 3TB from ProVantage!) I had a concern and a question, but see that you have also done an amazing job of following up on your comments, thus having answered Kelly Guncheon with the same question I had.

[@JohnFixes]

Thanks Barbara

[@cecilhooper7280]

I don't think you lose anything. If you unplug the e-sata cable and hard reboot the dvr again, it will boot back to your internal drive. And possibly your old settings and preferences.

[@Dionna0606]

Good video and straight forward advice... Thank you...

[@Acloocca]

When you unplug the external hard drive are your old shows/movies still on the genie? I guess I'm wondering if you can unplug the eSata drive, reboot the genie, and then access your old shows. Thanks for any info you can provide.

[@JohnFixes]

Honestly, it was very easy; just plug in an eSATA drive and it configures itself. The only tough part was letting go of the old recordings on our DVR since the new disk replaces, and resetting DVR subscriptions.

[@KentuckyRanger]

Awesome video! I just added a 3TB drive to my HR-44. It's the newer model. Thinner, smaller, the same thing... LOL! I tried using a 2TB Seagate USB 3.0, with a cheap eSATA converter, it didn't work. Like you said, it MUST have eSATA. Now the other eSATA USB converters might work, but they cost around $60!!! And I wasn't going to take the chance, just to find out it didn't work either. I did find the Rocstor with eSATA, but after looking around on NewEgg, I found a Fantom 3TB eSATA external HDD for $136. The rocstor is still around $230, so the Fantom is around $100 cheaper, and works very well. Unlike the Rocstor, the Fantom doesn't come with an eSATA cable. You can get them on eBay for under $10. www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822510051&cm_re=3tb_esata_external_hdd-_-22-510-051-_-Product It's funny the things you lose, and the things you keep. Of course, I lost all recordings and the record list. (Be aware that it'll take at least 12 hours before you can start adding your shows back to the series record list, because it has to rebuild the guide, another thing you'll lose by doing this). Some of the things I didn't lose are the whole house receivers. I didn't have to reprogram them. The remote didn't need to be reprogrammed either. Also, I didn't lose my internet settings. As for the guide, it's like when you first turn a new unit on. It takes a good 24 hours before you get programming past a few days to a week. After a couple days, you will be able to get past a weeks programming on most channels. It takes about 3 days to get the guide totally caught up. But, after it's all said and done, WOW!!! All I can say is, if you run out of space on this drive, you aren't deleting stuff, LOL! Because 95% of what I record is in HD, TB goes very quickly. With this 3TB drive, it'll be a VERY long time before I ever run out again! I think that's why DirecTV upgraded the Genie from 500GB to 1TB, because of the blossoming HD programming, and the extra space required to record said HD programming. I think it's so funny, the external HDD's DirecTV recommends aren't eSATA, but USB 3.0 I'd hate to think how many people are very angry, after spending over $100 on a drive that won't work... This really works! If you're like me, and have allot of programming you want to watch, but aren't home enough to watch it live, this is the perfect upgrade! Didn't mean to get so wordy, but I looked at the date this was recorded and thought it needed an update.

[@JohnFixes]

KR, thanks for this terrific post! Excellent update! The only minor clarification I'll make is that technically, you don't "lose" anything by adding an external drive. The reason I say that is because you always have the option of unplugging the external and restarting with the internal drive. When you do that, the recordings which were on your internal drive should still be there (even if they weren't visible while the external drive was in use). Also, I don't recall having to wait 12 hours to do anything? It's been a while since I did it, so perhaps I'm forgetting that detail. But my recollection was that I could start building my subscriptions immediately after restarting... (??) and that the programming guide showed up immediately. Do you have your receiver hooked up to the internet? Wondering if that's part of the issue...?

[@KentuckyRanger]

You're very welcome! As to the unit being connected to the internet, yes, it is. I know you don't physically "lose" the programing, but you do lose it from viewing, until you revert back to the internal HDD. My wife and I were laughing, that in a few years, if we upgrade, or need to have this unit replaced, the tech is going to scratch their head, wondering why all the recordings are from years ago. And that the system firmware is so far out of date... LOL! When I say you have to wait, the guide comes up the second the unit is done setting up. But the guide content takes a while to fill in. You can, and I did, start populating the program recording, but it stores the shows as open searches, until it starts seeing them. Then, it starts recording the programs as single shows, with a star next to the red REC circle. In order to make it a permanent "series record", you have to click the REC button when the show is highlighted, then it sets it as series record. This is good, because some shows are syndicated on other channels, and left to its devices, the system will record all shows it finds, until you delete the "search" function for the show. An example of this is the show I like, 2 Broke Girls. It's on NBC? But is syndicated on other channels. When I set it up, it didn't "see" any upcoming episodes, so I had to save it as a search all function, until the guide had populated to the point it showed it was recording it on NBC, but it was also recording the reruns on channel 56, FOX TV. What I had to do was click REC on the NBC channel, then delete the series record option for all channels. It's a real PITA, and I just waited for a day before seriously setting program series recording. That's the way it's been through all the Genie's I've had, and this makes my 3rd. Here are some screenshots from today, almost 2 days out, and it's still populating the guide. Granted, this is over a week in the future, but it took a good 24 hours to get the guide populated to the point you could see a few days into the future. The VOD list time time as well to populate. In fact, it wasn't available for 24 hours after doing this. flic.kr/p/HjK4Pp flic.kr/p/JfH3GM flic.kr/p/HjyZ3S Another odd thing I noticed, and thought I was just thinking it, because of the upgrade, until I asked my wife and daughter to tell me if they notice something "different" about the picture. I didn't say anything, I let them answer, not knowing what I was looking for. They both came back with the same answer, the picture looks cleaner, clearer, and sharper. Now being an electronics tech, I know that digital is lossless as far as quality goes. So, this has me stumped, LOL! Maybe because the new HDD runs @ 7200rpm, the one inside runs @ 5200rpm? And maybe, the faster transfer rate feeds data into the processor in a way that it can produce the image quality better? This one is odd indeed... But I am happy all around with the performance improvement. I've also noticed that FF works smoother as well.

[@hehlers]

This is just about what I have been looking for. I was under the impression I could use the USB ports which are on all my DirecTV DVRs. However , I do have the new Genie DVR which I think is HR44. I need to examine it for the SATA output and perhaps buy a SATA drive from what you say. Too bad my USB drives will not work. I am almost 80 and have been around awhile. Years ago before they had DVRs, Panasonic came up with a recorder useful in downloading Video from DirecTV and placing that data on a HD internal to the Device. It used to be super deluxe and downloaded and used the extensive TV schedule and let you set up future recordings just as you can do now days with every DVR. That no longer works as the format for the schedules in the DVR has no doubt been changed. I have to playback a given DVR recording and immediately set the Panasonic recorder for the appropriate time length. I can easily edit the end of each recording to remove any unwanted material. Now this is a standard definition device and so all recordings are standard definition. I often take material of interest to me and burn a DVD on the same recorder so I can erase the material from the DVR to make more room. I just bought a new 70 inch Sharp TV and am surprised that I can still tolerate to watch this standard definition material. A lot of stuff I like are older movies and recorded War Material which are not of High Quality in the first place. At age 80 my failing eye sight also makes me more tolerant of the standard definition.

[@JohnFixes]

Yeah, you'd expect for the USB ports to work, but they won't... Go with an eSATA drive. Good luck!

[@JohnFixes]

I used my Samsung Galaxy S3 phone...! So nothing fancy. The key to clarity on KZbin is filming, editing and uploading in 1280x720 resolution (or better, but 1280x720 is the best KZbin can work with). I used Final Cut Pro to edit. It's overkill for my little video review/demo. Because of its complexity, I would not recommend it for someone just starting... You should probably look at something like iMovie or Adobe Premiere Elements to start. Good luck...

[@JohnFixes]

The G700N2 is "Ruggedized", meaning it has an aluminum exterior and shock absorbers. That's nice but probably doesn't matter if it's not going to be moved much. I think Provantage has it mislabeled as a Rocpro... it actually should be called a Blazer 700 The Rocpro G269N2-01 also has aluminum covering about half the exterior (the underside is plastic)... Either drive should work fine with your DVR. I'd choose based on price.

[@Breyden79]

Thank you for posting such a well done and clear video. Can you tell me what type of camera you used to film this and also what video editing software you use? I am totally new to trying to film and edit video and your video is so clear and well done. Thanks!

[@shirleybrown11]

I am a tech with Directv Support and unfortunately there is no way that you can transfer your programs to a external hard drive at this time. Directv does have it locked down. There is only one site at this time where you actually have to send your DVR to them and they can remove your programs from the hard drive, I get this question ALL the time is how can I transfer my recordings to another device. Sorry guys. I feel your pain. This is the main reason I came across this page as I was searching for the answer myself.

[@mattmointervec6579]

is it possible to remove the HDD from the HR44 and use a sector to sector copy (like acronis) to duplicate the internal to the external?

[@theinternetking1315]

what format does hd read? nt , fat, etc?

[@JohnFixes]

Smaller, fan-less, faster chip and new, simpler RF remote (so you don't need line of sight to control), and built in wifi... I'd definitely get the HD44 if you can.

[@JohnFixes]

Note this comment is posted on DTV's website. It suggests the recordings won't work with anything else: "...Because the content on the external drive is paired with the HD DVR receiver it’s connected to, you will have to reformat the external drive if you want to connect it to a different HD DVR receiver. Reformatting means you will lose the recordings you made with the original HD DVR receiver."

[@JohnFixes]

The external drive doesn't expand the number of shows which can be recorded simultaneously. It only gives you an option to increase your storage capacity.

[@SuperRossome]

if your dvr fails and you need a new one. can you transfer the 3TB HHD to a new genie system?

[@JohnFixes]

The recordings on the external drive can only be viewed by the receiver that made them.

[@kellyguncheon5344]

Perhaps a dumb question, but you can remove the ESAT cable and reboot Genie, which will let you watch the programs and view the subscriptions from Genie's internal drive? Then go back to the Rocstor again without having to reformat? This really was a helpful video, BTW.

[@Aeskura]

The playlist still functions without a satellite signal, so if you just want to watch your recordings, you can simply take the DVR with you on vacation. Although, clearly it can't record things while you're gone, which I'm sure is problematic.

[@JoshCartman]

Have you tried unplugging your external hard drive from your Genie, then plugging it directly into an ESata port on a PC to see if you have any access to your recorded content? I'm interested in knowing if you can copy a recording to your own hard drive and watch it elsewhere (another house, vacation spot, etc.).

[@tomjw217]

When you add an external hard drive to a Comcast receiver you get additional capacity not replacement capacity. It's odd that DirecTV doesn't offer this, but what can you say?

[@nicolashenry8525]

Will USB not work for sure? There is a USB port right next to the esata on the DirecTV receiver, and I only have USB external hard drives.

[@markwyatt5140]

I was trying to grasp the recording and how much you can record. From what I have read, when you hook up an external hard drive it replaces the internal hard drive on the Genie box so if you bought a 1TB hard drive you wouldnt be helping yourself any, am I even close to being right? :)

[@JohnFixes]

Yes you're exactly right.

[@JohnFixes]

Sorry, none of my PCs have eSata...(I have macs). However, from what I've read elsewhere, DirecTv uses a proprietary file format and perhaps other methods to prevent people from copying and sharing. But I haven't tried it, so I could be wrong...

[@RealAct]

It's a pitty that one has to loose all subscriptions and scheduled recordings, I can understand loosing the pre-recorded shows on the internal drive, but why can't they just preserve the user's preferences? it shouldn't te so hard to code, I think DirecTV is being lazy here, thanks for the great video!

[@stuartmcpherran5115]

My Genie model is HR44-700. Will it work with that?

[@SlimmyJeans]

This is off topic, but can the Genie unit been connected with an Ethernet cable for on demand service or is it only wireless? .. and if it is only wireless is it 802.11N compatible ? thanks!

[@JoshCartman]

How long has been up and running for you? How is the performance so far? I'm considering the 4TB model. Getting DirecTV installed today.

[@hipchenr]

Anyone know what is the biggest external drive you can use with this system? I have a 4TB I am thinking about using.

[@SmokinBuddha]

What's the difference between these two external HD? Rocstor Rocpro 900e 3TB Silver External Hard Drive G269N2-01 & Rocstor 3TB Black Rocpro 900E ESATA 7200 RPM 64MB USB 3.0/2.0 2FW800 Macintosh/PC G700N2-BK The 2nd RocStor 900E 3TB cost more money.

[@bobking8257]

If after using the external HD and I disconnect it from the DVR, will it revert back to the internal HD and what was recorded on it? If so, will I lose anything on the external HD if and when I reconnect it to the DVR? Also, in adding an external HD, will this help in the slow response my DVR seems to be afflicted with?

[@JohnFixes]

Yes the internal drive will take over from its prior state if you unplug the external (will need to restart though). No recordings will be lost from internal or external if you unplug the external.

[@JohnFixes]

... And I didn't notice any performance improvements from adding a new external. If your internal drive is going bad though, then it might help.

[@bobking8257]

Thanks.

[@midwestguy12]

Hey what's the difference and the direct tv genie hd-34, and the new HD-44 ??

[@9Aether]

So by switching to an external HDD, Would it then be possible to unplug the external drive at anytime, and then plug it into a computer or something to then transfer and backup recordings. Or would this simply be impossible to do???

[@JohnFixes]

No, the external drive is paired with the DVR and is not readable by a computer.

[@9Aether]

***** Umm..... Ok

[@9Aether]

***** kool thanks. That's all I needed to know. Your awesomeness

[@dharam108]

Iris TheStylist which torrent program..... I'm not finding anything under +XPG Division (Superior) through my torrent source

[@fool3333]

now can i record more then 5 shows at once? or is 5 still the limit?

[@JohnFixes]

I'm not aware of any limits.

[@kathyloften7055]

I've read the comments section below and found out that your external hd won't work without the dtv recorder...is that correct? In other words, I can't unplug the dtv box and watch recordings from the external hd, correct? That's the pits if true. I was hoping to take an external hd with recordings with me on trips, but I think that bubble has been popped.

[@JohnFixes]

+kathy loften That's correct Kathy.

[@vs4571]

That blows.... not fair, customers pay a hefty fee for their service and rental fee's. Wish they'd let you own the equipment after 2-3 years. Bastards.

[@kboy2444]

Nice job....

[@JohnFixes]

Thanks Kevin.

[@Freelick5080]

hi John do you happen to know whats the largest External HD you can use on this model of Genie? I was thinking of getting the 3T and I found some 5 and 6T for 300$ with the esata port any input would be great......thanks mate

[@JohnFixes]

Brian Trank Hi Brian... I don't know the maximum. Honestly I would be surprised if there was a limit. It would be great if you'd report back your experience! Thx

[@markm9849]

So if I get this all set up as such, if I want to access the shows previously recorded onto the Genie, I should be able to reverse the setup & have the external disconnected, correct? Or is something erased from the Genie when you set up an external? My wife wants to be able to expand, but isn't wanting to write off formerly recorded stuff yet.

[@JohnFixes]

Mark Matthews yes, when you disconnect the external, just restart the unit,. It will use the internal drive again, and show the recordings which were on it when you originally installed the external.

[@fredmthomas]

Have you tested to see if you are actually getting to use all of the 3TB. I was under the impression it could only see 2TB.

[@JohnFixes]

Fred Thomas Hi Fred... that's a good question. Not sure if I can answer it definitively, however. I'm not certain how I could test it. I will tell you that it *seems* like it's 3 times bigger.... and I think it actually is. :)

[@muusicman2010]

I've got the HR44. I'm wanting to expand my storage as well. I'm having a heck of a time finding an external with an eSATA port. Do you recommend this brand of Hard Drive? Also, when installing an external, should the DVR be empty or will the stored content transfer to the new drive?

[@JohnFixes]

Lucas Cummins Hi Lucas. The brand I demonstrate in my video probably isn't available anymore, so if that's what you are referring to when you say "this brand of Hard Drive", then I'd suggest looking around. I've not heard of any eSATA disk not working, so at this point I am assuming they all work... just shop for a good size/price combination and I think you'll be fine. Regarding your stored content: It will remain on your internal drive and will not transfer. If you install the external drive, your internal content will not be available because it's using the external drive. However, if you restart your DVR with the external unplugged, you can again access the internal content. Good Luck!

[@BaaconHaawk]

I've just been trying to find out if its possible to download shows off my dvr so i can get HD quality video for editing purposes.

[@JohnFixes]

Contents are encrypted on the disk, so I don't believe it's possible to use the download for editing.

[@merk9569]

I must shop for bargains- discontinued, refurbished, etc... Will any external hard drive with an eSATA port and cable work? I am going to my local computer fix it shop and see what they have. Thx!

[@JohnFixes]

DirecTV lists a few recommended eSATA drives on their website. The one I purchased wasn't on their list, but it worked fine, so your plan will probably work without any problems. On the other hand, a new 3TB drive today only costs around $120, which is just half of what I spent when I made the video... So in my opinion, it's a terrific deal to buy new.

[@alanharper5087]

Here's what I'm going to try. I haven't done it yet and it may not work, but I want to try as I don't want to lose my recordings and settings. I'll report later on my success or lack thereof. I am going to remove the 1 TB internal drive from my HR34 Genie DVR, attach the drive to my computer (gonna try Windows first and then Linux if it doesn't work on Windows) and clone the internal 1 TB drive using forensic/Linux tools to a 4 TB WD purple drive (designed for 24x7 use and about $160 on Amazon). Cloning preserves the 3 partitions on the DVR 1 TB drive - a swap partition, a directory partition, and a data partition for recordings. I will then install the 4 TB drive into the DVR and try to boot it. If if boots, then I will shut down the DVR, remove the 4 TB drive, attach it to my computer and try to stretch the data partition on the 4TB drive with the EASUS Partition Manager software (free) or Linux tools so that all the space on the data partition is usable (cloning does not make the entire 4 TB usable. You have to stretch the data partition so that all the space is usable for recordings). I then plan to install the 4GB purple drive into the HR34 and boot it up. If it boots and all my recordings and settings are there, then it is good to go. If not, troubleshooting time. If I can't make it work I will still have the original 1 TB drive. I can simply replace the 4TB drive with the 1 TB drive to set everything back to as it was. Obviously, this is likely to cause issues with DirecTV but I am tired of them being behind the times and not providing us with the ability to expand the capacity without losing recordings and settings. Maybe this will spur them to offer something of their own (not holding my breath!). Theoretically, this should work. I know the 1 TB drive is encrypted, but cloning the drive will maintain the encryption. Stretching the partition may introduce errors but I won't know until I try it. If this works, I will post a video (my first) to show how to do it.

[@JohnFixes]

+Alan Harper Hi Alan... Definitely interested in your outcome! Just one word of caution though; I believe the DVR is DirecTV's property. If damaged, you might be billed for it. Also, keep in mind that you won't "lose" your recordings if you attach an external drive. When you attach an external drive, it replaces the internal drive so that your shows and settings from the internal drive are no longer accessible. However, if you later detach the external and restart, your internal drive re-appears again along with its recorded shows and settings.

[@wjackstl]

Alan Harper of course, no update from you, like you said you would I'm not surprised though.

[@minniepearl5267]

hi can all the tv's in the home have access the the recordings on the external hard drive? thanks

[@JohnFixes]

minnie pearl Yes all TVs will have access if you have DirecTv's whole home DVR service.

[@redrock0263]

Once you add an external hard drive and begin adding recordings, can you view the contents if you plug the hard drive into a laptop?

[@JohnFixes]

No it doesn't work with a PC. The drive contents can only be read by your DVR.

[@txjeb]

Soooo, if my genie dies ( had one die and lost everything) can I plug this sucker into my new genie and keep going?

[@JohnFixes]

John Bailey I'm not sure, but I wouldn't think so. I think the you need a functioning DVR to format the new drive.

[@TheCarWashChannel]

How much was a 3 TB drive?

[@NavyProfessional]

Can you use a 4TB? What is limit?

[@BrodyMcCain]

I wonder if it would format my passport 2 terabyte drive with all my home video and pictures and documents? Would it erase everything?

[@JohnFixes]

I would not recommend doing that! Directv system will overwrite your home videos and docs.

[@nrfa6229]

My question is... Is it somehow possible to, save all of my recordings from my first generation Directv Genie, and then upload/transfer them to the new 2nd(newest) generation Directv Genie that’s on the market so I don’t lose any of my recorded shows? Any advice would be very helpful. Also. The sooner the better, bc I’m on crunch time as well when the new is coming and the old has to be out. Thanks.

[@JohnFixes]

I don't believe that's possible... The recordings are tied to the receiver that created them.

[@Phileste]

So you said that whatever is on the DVR does NOT transfer to the external hd? So what is the external HD for if I can't transfer to it?

[@JohnFixes]

+Tony Martin Hi Tony... The internal drive is just 1TB. So if you attach a 2TB external drive, you get 100% more space. If you attach a 3TB drive, you get 200% more space. An external drive will replace the internal drive.

[@cosmickatamari]

but you can't use both drives. right?

[@orlandorodas8928]

Hi John what a great video you got here. I just would like to ask you what do you think of the LaCie D2 Quadra 4 TB I really want to get what you have on the video but they are so hard to get. Thank you.

[@JohnFixes]

Hi Orlando... I just looked up the Lacie D2 Quadra. It has an eSATA connection, so I think it will work fine. 4TB is a lot, so you'll have plenty of space. LaCie is also a very good quality drive manufacturer. Let me know how it goes!

[@bigmetalglenn]

HI DON'T KNOW IF THIS QUESTION WAS ANSWERED BUT CAN I BURN THE MOVIES FROM THE EXTERNAL DRIVE? THANKS

[@JohnFixes]

No.

[@JohnFixes]

Clarification: I recorded this at 1280x720 (which results in an HD 720p video on KZbin). KZbin actually offers better resolution though. You can upload 1920x1080 to result in an HD 1080p video.

[@SnowBunnyMan]

What does the little genie piece look like?

[@JohnFixes]

Not sure what you mean by "little genie piece"...

[@EarlBalentine]

The only thing I want to do is take my recorded list with me camping. My Directv receiver has an USB port. Could I just plug a USB external drive to the USB port of my receiver DVR and download my 3 or 4 weeks of recorded tv shows? I would then take the external USB drive and connect it to a 2nd directv dry (same model) and download the list to that DVR. Then watch my show while my home base DVR is still recording new tv shows while I'm on the road. Does this sound possible?

[@JohnFixes]

+Earl Balentine Hi Earl... that's an interesting idea to try connecting it to a second DVR. I can't answer with certainty, but seem to remember reading somewhere that the recordings are encoded specifically for one DVR. If you try it please let us know the outcome!

[@KentuckyRanger]

I tried it, the USB plug on the back does nothing but supply current, no data transfer. Same with the front USB plug.

[@robertjacobson1399]

could the internal drive be removed and replaced with the external?

[@JohnFixes]

Possibly, but I would recommend leaving the internal in place. I may be wrong, but I believe the DVR is the property of DirecTV. You might run into problems modifying internal parts.

[@williamburzelewski8587]

Can you tell me if you can remove the 3TB DVR and run it on a television not connected to direct tv? In other words, as a permanent storage and playback solution.

[@JohnFixes]

William Burzelewski I think you're asking whether you can disconnect the 3TB disk and run it without the DVR. The disk contents are encrypted, and cannot be played without the DVR. If you are asking if the 1TB DVR (ie the Genie Go) can be disconnected from the satellite system, then yes, it plays recordings w/o a satellite connection (but why would you?).

[@williamburzelewski8587]

John, thanks. I am looking for a way to not have my video content held hostage by dtv or ccast, other than having my own DVD. Especially with the unbundling which will occur soon. I was thinking of downloading some 200 or so movies to a Roamio, then having this as a permanent type of solution.

[@JohnFixes]

William Burzelewski Understood. This will not function as an archive independent of DTV...

[@5000NATE]

Did you do Western Digital hard drive please let me know

[@JohnFixes]

No, I installed the Rocstor shown in the video.... it's still working over a year later.

[@gelica702]

how can I disconnect directv from wifi?

[@JohnFixes]

+Angelica V. Do this just in reverse: support.directv.com/app/answers/print/a_id/4069

[@JohnFixes]

No, USB will not work... according to DTV, it needs eSATA. But feel free to try USB and report back!

[@JohnFixes]

No, the recordings are not transferrable.

[@israelhemu18ih]

I have a hr24-200 DVR how can i transfer my recordings to an usb memory or my computer?thanks or if anybody can help me my memory is full and i dont wanna loose it.

[@JohnFixes]

Unfortunately, you can't transfer programs off of your DirecTv DVR to a external drive or computer. This solution explained above gives you an option to *replace* your internal drive with a larger, external drive which provides increased storage capacity.

[@israelhemu18ih]

Thank for your help!!

[@loghome7061]

Good video, Bad cable management :(

[@JohnFixes]

That's why I have doors covering my devices and a Logitech IR hub....lol

[@TexasBulldog74]

***** great vid, i don't care about wire routing either and hide mine but make sure you have air flowing

[@marquezup]

+Log Home Fire Hazard

[@JohnFixes]

Yes, ethernet works. That's now how I have my system connected.

[@CPTNQUIRK1]

What is your opinion of this 4 TB external hard drive with cooling? www.dvrdaddy.com/product_info.php?cPath=28_29&products_id=207

[@JohnFixes]

DALE GLIMP Probably works fine, but overpriced....

[@JohnFixes]

I paid $238.59 back in March. I've posted a link to the product on the site I used above (click the "show more" button to uncover).

[@BrodyMcCain]

Computer expert here. You should never place electronics on carpet static electricity can ruin your devices.

[@JohnFixes]

Good point...! Didn't have that problem myself, but I absolutely agree.

[@deanssatellitesecurity4860]

We break down and compare the DIRECTV Genie and Mini, along with the features and benefits that they offer! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fF6Qf5uEqamBpsk

[@lanman5481]

this just sucks, with dish my external was an additional drive and USB2 or 3 and not esata only, and i can plug in that drive to any other dish recievers that were the same model and play the content. they said i could also transfer but i never tried it. with direct my free space is now always at 10% and have to delete all the time. this is thumbs down for direct

[@JohnFixes]

How big is your external drive? (Go bigger!)

[@lanman5481]

for Dish it is 2TB

[@cornerstonehoneybees2525]

Crap - I had to watch 6 minutes of this to discover that it doesn't copy over the recordings. START with that information next time.

[@JohnFixes]

Sounds good... Next time I'll be sure to check with you before I make a video... LOL

[@TheSportsMinutes]

What about transferring the recordings to the computer? Can that be done?

[@JohnFixes]

I'm not aware of any limits.

[@demor12]

If my EHD has recordings from Dish Network, will it play on Direct TV?

[@JohnFixes]

No, they're not compatible.