FIOS HD DVR external hard drive

[paulg001]

I see from other posts that the Verizon FIOS HD DVR will be able to use an external hard with software version 1.9. But, when is this update going to be released?

One of the most frustrating issues with Verizon FIOS is the lack of space on the DVR. They should be updating this software as fast as they can!!

[Justin46]

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@paulg001 wrote:

I see from other posts that the Verizon FIOS HD DVR will be able to use an external hard with software version 1.9. But, when is this update going to be released?

One of the most frustrating issues with Verizon FIOS is the lack of space on the DVR. They should be updating this software as fast as they can!!

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Verizon has informally announced that you will be able to attach an up to 1 TB external hard drive via eSATA using IMG 1.9. The planned date is apparently 4Q2010, which means on or before Dec 31, 2010. That of course is if they make that date. There is lots of speculation that they won't make the date; all we as users can do is sit back and wait.I think Verizon is well aware that their customers want greater capacity with the DVRs.

I think it will be far better for them to deliver 1.9 later without bugs (or at least with fewer bugs) than earlier with lots of bugs, so I am willing to wait. Plus, keep in mind that if you have a QIP6416 DVR today you won't be able to attach an external hard drive to it because it does not have an eSATA port; you will need to get Verizon to replace your DVR with a newer model to take advantage of the new external hard drivee suppot.

Also, Verzion is now providing customers in some areas with a DVR with a 500 GB drive in it, so greater capacity is also being made available that way. And 1.9 is not required for that.

If you just can't wait, you of course have the option of buying a Tivo and getting a cablecard from Verizon.

__________________________________
Justin
Verizon FiOS TV, Internet, and phone
QIP6416-P1, IMG 1.8, Build 02.54
Keller, TX 76248 

[AlvaroH]

I saw on engadget that Verzion is alreayd sending out to customers in some areas higher capacity (500GB) DVR's. Ihave several questions on this:

Will existing customer get replacement DVR's with higher capacity "automatically" or do we have to call Verizon to trigger that?

what about customers with home Media DVR Service? Can we also get a higher capacity DVR?

[nascar]

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@AlvaroH wrote:

I saw on engadget that Verzion is alreayd sending out to customers in some areas higher capacity (500GB) DVR's. Ihave several questions on this:

Will existing customer get replacement DVR's with higher capacity "automatically" or do we have to call Verizon to trigger that?

what about customers with home Media DVR Service? Can we also get a higher capacity DVR?

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The Home Media DVR is the same as any other DVR Verizon provides.  It is just a setup change (not the DVR) made by Verizon to allow it.

Looks like  you need to be a new customer to get a new DVR.  They really need to give us old timers a way to upgrade and not look at us as second fiddle.

[AlvaroH]

I agree 🙂

[joel826]

I've asked them to swap mine and they refused, saying that it's not being rolled out in my area yet. 

What DVR models have an eSata port?

[nascar]

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@joel826 wrote:

I've asked them to swap mine and they refused, saying that it's not being rolled out in my area yet. 

What DVR models have an eSata port?

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The new Cisco CHS 435 and the new Motorola 7232.

http://www22.verizon.com/ResidentialHelp/FiOSTV/Receivers/Equipment+Issues/QuestionsOne/128391.htm

http://www22.verizon.com/residentialhelp/fiostv/receivers/equipment+issues/questionsone/124820.htm

Soon, you will be able to request one.

[joel826]

Thanks for the links.  Hope "soon" is soon.

[vinnyv07]

Just a question about the next DVR's that are coming. The new DVRs both look like they are regular DVRs and not MR DVRs. Is that true?

[nascar]

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@vinnyv07 wrote:

Just a question about the next DVR's that are coming. The new DVRs both look like they are regular DVRs and not MR DVRs. Is that true?

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Verizon just makes a change to your account that enables Multi Room DVR.  That's it.

[unopixel]

When and were can I obtain this update? Is it something I download online from my computer? Is it something I do from my DVR's menu (settings) screen? New Verizon customer so I'm not sure how the firmware updates are rolled out to the customer.

Thanks everyone for your help in advance 🙂

[nascar]

The 1.9 update is coming over the next two months.   You need 1.9 to be able to utilize eSATA and I have a 2 TB model that is working great.  The key feature is 3Gbps eSATA.  You must have a 7 series Moto or the Cisco DVR to add eSATA.

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unopixel wrote:

When and were can I obtain this update? Is it something I download online from my computer? Is it something I do from my DVR's menu (settings) screen? New Verizon customer so I'm not sure how the firmware updates are rolled out to the customer.

Thanks everyone for your help in advance 🙂

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[ekem015]

So far I think they're only deploying the new STBs in the Buffalo area. I'm sure that will change though. There are new Motorola and Cisco models that they will slowly be adopting. But as someone said, they will probably go to new customers first.

[Keyboards]

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@ekem015 wrote:

So far I think they're only deploying the new STBs in the Buffalo area. I'm sure that will change though. There are new Motorola and Cisco models that they will slowly be adopting. But as someone said, they will probably go to new customers first.

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The Buffalo area is where they are "beta" testing the Cisco boxes.  The Moto 7232s are gradually being rolled out across the whole footprint (although with Verizon that could be years ). 

[alwayson1]

what happens to the programs recorded on the MR DVR when the eSATA drive is attached?

[nascar]

They remain on the DVR.  All recordings from the moment the eSATA is attached go on the eSATA first then the DVR. 

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alwayson wrote:

what happens to the programs recorded on the MR DVR when the eSATA drive is attached?

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