THANKS to all the helpful tips in this forum, I replaced the HARD DRIVE today with a USED 80GB Maxtor DiamondMax 16 (only $34 - ordered from serversupply.com). Works GREAT!! ALSO:
To TRANSFER recorded programs from DVR's hard drive to computer/other Portable Devices, try ADSTECH DVD Xpress DX2 (under $100). I've been happily using one for 3 years; LUV IT!!