How to Add Memory to a DVR

USB cable and connector plug.

Digital video recorders (DVRs) store recorded television programming on an internal hard disk drive. The disk will hit capacity with prolonged use and you will be unable to record any more shows until you either delete content on the drive or expand memory in other ways. Connecting an external hard drive to the DVR is the fastest way to add memory without deleting any programming on the unit's internal drive. Be sure to purchase an external hard drive compatible with your DVR, as noted in the owner's manual.

Things You'll Need

• External hard drive
• USB or eSata cable compatible with the DVR and the external drive

Instructions

1. Turn off the DVR and unplug the power cord from the component. Be sure the external hard drive is also unplugged.

2. Connect the data cable from the port on the back of the DVR to the port on the edge of the external hard disk drive.

3. Plug in the power cords and turn on the two components.

4. Press the "Menu" button on the DVR remote control to select the "Setup" and hard disk-drive formatting options. Some DVRs, such as models supplied by DirecTV, will format the external disk drive automatically as soon as power is restored.

Tips & Warnings

• Formatting an external hard disk drive for use with a DVR will erase all data on the drive.

References

• DireTV Tips and Tricks: Increase Recording Capacity on Your DVR or HD DVR
• Seagate: External Hard Drive Setup Instructions