SA 8240HDC External Drive?

[DerbyDad03]

I'm getting the run-around from TWC.

When I called TWC to talk about external drive compatibility I was told to contact Scientific Atlanta (CISCO). When I called them, I was told that any questions related to my set-top box had to be answered by my cable company. I called TWC back and was told "We don't support external drives, so you'll have to do your own research to find out what works."

So here I am!

I found this drive, but I have no idea if it's compatible with my SA 8240HDC STB.

Anybody know if this drive will work?

(TinyURL link to TigerDirect product)

http://tinyurl.com/d7o6j4

P.S. I know a TB is big, but the difference in prices for a 500Gb isn't that much, so I figured I'd go big.

Thanks!

[DerbyDad03]

Well, it looks like that particular drive is no longer available.

However, the question still remains:

How do I know what drive is compatible with my 8240 STB?

[jagabo]

Get an eSATA drive. That's what I use with my 8240. I don't know if it will use a USB drive via the front panel.

[DerbyDad03]

Thanks for the response.

I've been able to find out that the USB port is not enabled on the 8240 at this time, so I know I need an eSATA drive.

The question I have is: Can I buy any eSATA drive from any manufacturer and expect it to work?

What model/size drive are you using?

Thanks again.

[jagabo]

A ny eSATA drive should work. I bought a NexStar eSATA external enclosure:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817392016

and stuck an standard 500GB SATA drive in it. I recommend you use a "green" drives to keep the heat down:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136317

If I remember correctly, you have to power cycle (unplug the power cord) the 8240 to get it to see and format the drive.

[DerbyDad03]

Thanks!

Now all I'm stuck with is whether or not the drive you suggested is compatible with that enclosure.

NewEgg won't discuss compatibilty - they suggest I contact each manufacturer.

New Egg does carry a 500Gb drive called the Western Digital My DVR Expander

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136259

For the price, and the fact that it comes with the cable and power supply, I may just go with it. 500 GB is probably more than enough.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

[jagabo]

Any eSATA drive should do:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2000150414+1035920386&Conf...e=&srchInDesc=

[DerbyDad03]

OK, I'm going with the 2TB rack mount option.

Thanks for the list!

[jagabo]

I believe all your recordings will be locked (encrypted) to that particular 8240HDC. If you have to replace it someday you will no longer be able to access the recordings. It may not make sense to get a 2 GB unit if that's the case.