How to Add Memory to a Cable Box

Many cable and satellite television providers supply receiver boxes with built-in digital video recorders (DVR) to subscribers. A DVR works with an internal hard drive for storing digital copies of recorded programs. As with any hard drive, a DVR has a finite amount of storage space. Some models include ports for connecting an external hard drive to expand memory capacity without deleting recorded programs. External drives often connect with either an eSATA or USB cable. Check the back of your DVR box to determine which type to use. The cable is often supplied with the hard drive.

Things You'll Need

• External hard drive and connecting cable

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the cable/satellite box.

2. Plug in cable supplied with your hard drive to the corresponding output jack on the cable/satellite box. An eSATA cable has a rectangular plug with metal pins inside. USB cables are equipped with plugs embossed with a three-pronged, fork-like logo on one side. The logo faces up when inserting the plug into the port.

3. Plug the other end of the cable to the port on the external hard drive and connect the DC power cord to the drive. Turn on both the cable/satellite box and hard drive.

4. Press the navigational buttons on the DVR to highlight the formatting feature. On some components, this may happen automatically when the DVR recognizes the hard drive. Press "Enter" or "OK," when prompted.

Tips & Warnings

• Formatting a hard drive erases everything recorded on the drive.

References

• Sata Supply.com: Connecting a SATA Drive to a DVR
• All DVR News: External Hard Drive DVR Hack