Western Digital My DVR Expander (500GB, eSATA Edition) (09/15/2007)

Review: Works with DirecTv
Certfied by TiVo for their HD Units.
Reported to work with newer Scientific Atlanta units.
Just connect eSata cable, plug it in, turn it on, and reboot the DVR.

Review: Shortly after upgrading to HD a year ago April (2007), I quickly learned that the Scientific Atlanta HD DVR only stored about 15 hours of HD programming. That wouldn't work for me since I tend to record throughout the week and then catch up on my shows over the weekend.

So, I quickly researched DVR expansion and decided to go with the Western Digital MyDVR 500 GB DVR exander. At that time, I paid $199. It was easy to install, and I had zero problems with it until April / May of this year (2008). Then my DVR began telling me that the external hard drive was malfunctioning.

Currently, I can unplug the cable between the two boxes, unplug the power to each, plug everything back in, and reboot the DVR. Most of the time, the MyDVR will again function properly. Unfortunately, I'm finding more frequently that recently recorded programs will not play.

So, while I appreciate the value of the WD MyDVR, I do expect a product to last more than a year after moderate use.

I will be replacing my DVR Expander and will most likely choose the Apricorn 750 GB DVR Expander that retails for $199 (same as the WD MyDVR) and gives me 250 GBs more.

I currently have seven (7) Western Digital external hard drives shared between my desktop & my laptop. The MyDVR is the first Western Digital hard drive that I've had to die on me. (KNOCK ON WOOD!)

Review: This device is the easiest way to add significant storage capacity to your Scientific Atlanta DVR, TiVo Series 3 or TiVo HD. For just over $200, you can increase your TiVo's storage capacity to nearly 1000 hours (or just under 100 hours of HD programming). Wow! Note to potential customers: If you can't find this stocked near your local retailer's TiVo units, check in the computer section with the other external hard drives.