Upgrade DVR Hard Drive

[GEGCL]

Is it possible to upgrade the IPN430MC hard drive by swapping out the current hard drive for a bigger one? I know it's probably against the terms or whatnot, but I'm just wondering, it doesn't mean I'm going to do it.

[RCSMG ACE - Master]

I haven't heard of anyone successfully doing it.  One of the main reasons is because the stbs are the property of ATT, and tampering with them could be trouble.  Another reason is, the question about how the drives work, and how they relate to the UV service.  IMO

[SomeJoe7777 ACE - Geek]

Upgrading the hard drive requires a drive that meets all the following requirements:

• Must be a drive specifically designed for DVR use, such as the Seagate DB35 series or Pipeline HD series.
• Must be 320GB or less in size (500GB+ drives will not format inside the DVR).
• Must be parallel ATA, not SATA.

Very few hard drives currently on the market meet these requirements.

Also, doing so is against the AT&T terms of service and can result in charges for damaged equipment or termination of your account.

[RCSMG ACE - Master]

What SJ said.

[GEGCL]

Oh alright thanks! I think AT&T should offer a much bigger DVR -- especially with all this THDVR business. I wanted to upgrade to 1 TB hahaha guess that isn't gunna happen.

[oufanindallas]

Part of the reason is that the STBs currently run Windows CE and anything larger than 320 won't be seen by the OS.

[wolfen]

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oufanindallas wrote:

Part of the reason is that the STBs currently run Windows CE and anything larger than 320 won't be seen by the OS.

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Can you please cite your source for this information?

[michail77]

I found some info that Windows CE can support 64 zebibytes on a FAT64 drive.  However, I don't know what a zebibytes is but it's big.  

I couldn't find much on the technical details on Mediaroom. The SDKs are restricted to the IPTV partners.

[mibrnsurg ACE - Geek]

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oufanindallas wrote:

Part of the reason is that the STBs currently run Windows CE and anything larger than 320 won't be seen by the OS.

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Users have gotten 500G drives to format and work, but when using, user interface things are slow due to that large of size.

Chris

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[psbeckerjr]

I did a bit of digging and learned that Windows CE Version 5 and above supports up to 32GB volumes.  Max file size under FAT32 is 4GB.  Microsoft does not recommend such large sizes on releases before 5, but they changed their FAT file hanlder in that release and it is now  much more stable and much faster.

In other words, it appears that the limits on disk size are somehow enforced either by Motorola in their STB or by AT&T.  Looking at the Motorola specs I can find no reference to inherent disk limitations, so I am guessing that it is an AT&T implementation issue.

[justinluck]

Is there a consensus what is the best drive to use when upgrading a Cisco box?  I pay extra for HD and a 120GB drive is just too small.

[texasguy37 ACE - Champion]

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justinluck wrote:

Is there a consensus what is the best drive to use when upgrading a Cisco box?  I pay extra for HD and a 120GB drive is just too small.

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The largest current Cisco DVR has a 320 GB hard drive.  Have you called Customer Support to inquire about an upgrade?

[justinluck]

Is this a good time to try to upgrade?  Or are they about to release new ones?  

[cozdiver]

Rumor has it there is a 500 GB on the way but if you want the 320GB I just called and ordered it but it cost $105 and then they mailed it to me in a few days.

[Uniblurb3 ACE - Guru]

Or you could just wait until you have a problem, large or small, with the DVR and call TS. Tell them you have HD service (upgrade supposed to take priority over non-HD customers) and request the 320GB Cisco DVR. That's what I did and they installed the larger hard drive Motorola DVR since I'm in a Moto area.

cozdiver, interesting and wasn't aware you could just order a larger hard drive DVR through the mail for a price. How did you have to send you older DVR back?

[cozdiver]

Same way......UPS outlet store.....Yea I thought they would have someone come out but nope they mailed it. I have been recording my daughters shows for 2 weeks and it is still at 75% full. Plenty of room for my HD shows.