Upgrade your PVR's HDD

Home | Beyonwiz PVR Info | Homecast PVR Info |

How to upgrade your PVR's Hard Drive

Page Updated 07-Feb-2010

Donate to support and encourage further software development for PVRs

Before following this guide you must read and accept the Disclaimer

Symptoms - The PVR is constantly running low on disk space.

Cause - Keeping too many programs or recording more than you watch each week.

Solution - Upgrade to a larger HDD (if your PVR is no longer under warranty).

HDD Type - The physical size of hard drives (3.5 inch) used in PVRs generally come in 2 basic types: SATA and ATA (or SATA and PATA). PVRs usually use a CE (Consumer Electronics) version of Hard Disk Drive that are optimised for PVR use. You can use a normal non-CE designated PC version HDD but they "may" run a little hotter and be a little noisier when working hard or starting up.

Skill level required - Basic

Required Tools - Medium size Philips screwdriver & a sharp knife.
Optional - Earth wrist strap (or make sure you're not standing on carpet while wearing shoes).

Before you Start!
1) Check that your PVR has a Format HDD option in it's menu. If it does not provide a way to format the HDD you may not be able to upgrade the HDD.
2) Check that you have the correct type of HDD (SATA or ATA).
3) Check the maximum size HDD that is supported by your PVR.

Disassembly Procedure:
1) Unplug the power cable and all other cables - 240v warning!
2) Place the PVR on a suitable table.
3) If your PVR is still under warranty stop now! Otherwise, cut the anti-tamper sticker with a knife so that it is no longer joining the cover to the chassis.
4) Remove the screws from top cover (on each side and at the rear).
5) Slide the top cover back about 15mm.
6) Gently spread the cover at the bottom sides and lift it off - 240v warning!
7) Unplug both cables from the end of the HDD.
8) Remove the screws that attach the HDD bracket to the chassis.
9) Carefully lift out the HDD bracket and the HDD as one unit and place it on the table.
10) Remove the 4 or 6 screws that hold the HDD into the HDD bracket.
11) *Take note of the orientation of the HDD in the HDD bracket (particularly which is the connection end and the amount of overhang).
12) Lift the old HDD out of the HDD bracket.

Prepare the new HDD:
Check the new HDD's label for a jumper setting chart. You will need to check that the jumper is set as Master or Cable Select and change it if needed (check the old HDD's jumper and it's label to see how it was set).

Assembly Procedure:
Perform the Disassembly Procedure steps in reverse (skip steps 3 and 2).

*Note: Make sure that you orientate the new HDD correctly or the cable sockets will be at the wrong end after the HDD bracket has been re-mounted into the chassis, as the bracket often only fits one way.

Test:
Reconnect all cables and turn on the PVR - 240v warning!
Check that the HDD spins up (place your hand on top of the chassis to feel the vibration).
The PVR should detect that the HDD needs formatting and ask if you wish to format it - answer yes.
If the PVR does not ask you to format the HDD you will need to do it yourself via the appropriate menu.

WARNING! 240v can kill!

Always be very careful when working inside any 240 Volt appliance.
Make sure to unplug the power cord BEFORE removing any covers or screws.
Do NOT reconnect the power cord until the top cover has been securely re-attached.
Keep children and pets away while working with electricity or electronics.

Disclaimer:
You should only remove the cover of your PVR if it is no longer under warranty. If you are not the owner of the PVR you must get the owner's permission before you start. If you are under 18yr you must get an adult to supervise. While all possible due care and thought has been put into the writing of this guide, PVR-Tools, myself, and any business or person associated with me or PVR-Tools, will not be held responsible if something goes wrong. By following this guide you are accepting this disclaimer and agree that the only person responsible for your actions is you.