Best External HDD for Use with DVR?

[Sir Crow]

Is there, like, a single best USB hard drive to use with the Channel Master DVR+? If the DVR has USB 2.0, should the HDD also use 2.0? I thought I'd go with the WD My Passport Ultra, but now I'm not so sure. Should I avoid USB-powered models? Help!

Thanks.

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Hey Sir Crow. Don't worry if the drive is USB 3.0, it is backward compatible and it will work just fine with the Channel Master DVR+. And it doesn't matter of it's USB powered, there should be no problem with that. The WD My Passport Ultra is a very nice choice for an external drive so I think it would suit you well if you are looking to expand the storage with up to 2TB. If you want more you could take a look at My Book external drive which is 3.5" and goes up to 6TB.

Here's a link where you can check it out: http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=870

Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any questions.
Boogieman_WD

 

[Sir Crow]

Hey Sir Crow. Don't worry if the drive is USB 3.0, it is backward compatible and it will work just fine with the Channel Master DVR+. And it doesn't matter of it's USB powered, there should be no problem with that. The WD My Passport Ultra is a very nice choice for an external drive so I think it would suit you well if you are looking to expand the storage with up to 2TB. If you want more you could take a look at My Book external drive which is 3.5" and goes up to 6TB.

Thanks for the reply.

Okay, here's the thing: I want what I need -- no more, no less -- to record OTA broadcasts using my Channel Master DVR+. This means I DO NOT want to pay for any backup software or any kind of special features I will never use. Also, I don't like the idea of a USB drive that uses anything but an ordinary USB A male to A male cable. I do NOT want the flimsy micro B cable that comes with the My Passport Ultra; I'd much prefer a full-sized USB port.

Does anything from WD come close to what I've described? I have a 320GB My Book from years ago, which I'm inclined to try with the DVR+ before buying anything new. Thanks for any future replies.

UPDATE:
The old My Book works well, but it never goes to sleep, which I hate. I don't suppose that can be fixed.

 

[Boogieman_WD]

About the backup software, note that depending on the model you decide to go with, you get either a trial version of the WD SmartWare Pro software (and buy it only if you choose to do so) or the full version.

The models I'll suggest here have no backup software whatsoever and are specially designed for recordin and streaming, but unfortunatelly have micro USB connection either 2.0 or 3.0. So here we go:

1. My Book AV - is 1TB and is designed for DVR expansion. The types of connectivity are eSATA and USB 2.0 (micro). It's optimized for smooth recording/playback and to withstand high-temperature entertainment center environments. It is powered via AC adapter. You can take a closer look of its features here: www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=360

2. My Book AV-TV - has 1TB and 2TB models. It connects via USB 3.0 cable (micro) and is powered via AC adapter. It is quiet and you get a 24x7 always-on streaming reliability. It also has a drive with ATA-7 AV standard for faster recovery times and continuous streaming for smooth recording and playback. Here's a link with all of its features: http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=1010

3. My Passport AV-TV - has a 500GB and 1TB models. It is powered and connected via USB 3.0 cable (micro). It is a portable drive, designed for TV recording and storage and is also designed to withstand 24x7 always-on video streaming environments. Here's the link for its features: http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=1250

So I think you have a few options here and if your old My Book drive works fine with the DVR+ would be awesome as well. Just go with whatever suits you best and let me know if you have any questions.

 

[Sir Crow]

About the backup software, note that depending on the model you decide to go with, you get either a trial version of the WD SmartWare Pro software (and buy it only if you choose to do so) or the full version.

The models I'll suggest here have no backup software whatsoever and are specially designed for recordin and streaming, but unfortunatelly have micro USB connection either 2.0 or 3.0. So here we go:

1. My Book AV - is 1TB and is designed for DVR expansion. The types of connectivity are eSATA and USB 2.0 (micro). It's optimized for smooth recording/playback and to withstand high-temperature entertainment center environments. It is powered via AC adapter. You can take a closer look of its features here: www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=360

2. My Book AV-TV - has 1TB and 2TB models. It connects via USB 3.0 cable (micro) and is powered via AC adapter. It is quiet and you get a 24x7 always-on streaming reliability. It also has a drive with ATA-7 AV standard for faster recovery times and continuous streaming for smooth recording and playback. Here's a link with all of its features: http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=1010

3. My Passport AV-TV - has a 500GB and 1TB models. It is powered and connected via USB 3.0 cable (micro). It is a portable drive, designed for TV recording and storage and is also designed to withstand 24x7 always-on video streaming environments. Here's the link for its features: http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=1250

So I think you have a few options here and if your old My Book drive works fine with the DVR+ would be awesome as well. Just go with whatever suits you best and let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks, I appreciate all the info. But finding the prices of all the mentioned products is kind of tricky. The one(s) I've seen are higher than I'd hoped. I think I'll test my old My Book as a temporary, at least, storage medium for my DVR+. I'll keep these other models in mind for the near future.

I must add, though, that I'm very reluctant to buy anything with the micro B connection. I've read many neg. reviews, and it just doesn't sound very secure. Not to mention the possibility of cheap parts being to blame. I would like to see the full-sized USB A replace the micro B. Thanks again.

 

[Someone Somewhere]

Most super-cheap USB3.0 enclosures have a USB A connection for some reason.

However, USB A is... not standard for that role. Very hard to find extra cables.

One thing to note is that micro-USB B was intended to move the wear from the port into the plug, so that if something broke it was a cheap cable.

 

[Sir Crow]

One thing to note is that micro-USB B was intended to move the wear from the port into the plug, so that if something broke it was a cheap cable.

Sounds sound.
Thanks.

 

[JJ2011]

Hey Sir Crow. Don't worry if the drive is USB 3.0, it is backward compatible and it will work just fine with the Channel Master DVR+. And it doesn't matter of it's USB powered, there should be no problem with that. The WD My Passport Ultra is a very nice choice for an external drive so I think it would suit you well if you are looking to expand the storage with up to 2TB. If you want more you could take a look at My Book external drive which is 3.5" and goes up to 6TB.

Thanks for the reply.

Okay, here's the thing: I want what I need -- no more, no less -- to record OTA broadcasts using my Channel Master DVR+. This means I DO NOT want to pay for any backup software or any kind of special features I will never use. Also, I don't like the idea of a USB drive that uses anything but an ordinary USB A male to A male cable. I do NOT want the flimsy micro B cable that comes with the My Passport Ultra; I'd much prefer a full-sized USB port.

Does anything from WD come close to what I've described? I have a 320GB My Book from years ago, which I'm inclined to try with the DVR+ before buying anything new. Thanks for any future replies.

UPDATE:
The old My Book works well, but it never goes to sleep, which I hate. I don't suppose that can be fixed.

 

[JJ2011]

Hi SirCrow. Update 6/4/2014: There has been a discussion since I last posted this answer on Amazon. I have talked to Western Digital and also Channel Master tech support. The WD 2 TB 3.0 USB powered (advertised as "backward compatible to 2.0) drives have a boot up current of 1000 ma, and a run current of 500ma. The DVR+ USB type A port has a max of 500 ma available. Channel Master tech support has reported a number of issues with using USB powered 2tb drives (according to CM tech support). If you are using a 2TB USB powered (does not apply to drives with an external power supply), then, to protect your DVR+ you should obtain a Y USB adapter cord and external power supply. Im using the "Apricorn USB Power Adapter Y Cable AUSB-Y USB (Black/Grey)" (Amazon $13.24 and "SIIG 4.2A USB Power Adapter - 2-Port" (Amazon $9.99), but other options are available.

 

[Sir Crow]

Hey Sir Crow. Don't worry if the drive is USB 3.0, it is backward compatible and it will work just fine with the Channel Master DVR+. And it doesn't matter of it's USB powered, there should be no problem with that.

I think I forgot to ask one thing. Are drives such as the My Passport built to be used for video recording, as with the Channel Master DVR? I've read numerous mentions that a so-called workhorse drive is well suited for such heavy use, while a My Passport is just good for the occasional backup. True or myth? Thanks!

Joe

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Well, hello there. Long time no see.

I wouldn't recommend the regular My Passport for that. Even though it's a nice drive, it's not suited for that kind of purpose. I was talking about My Passport AV-TV, which is specifically designed to do that. So I think you'd be OK with it. The links from my previous posts are still active so you could take a closer look at it and what it has to offer.

Cheers,
Boogieman_WD

 

[Sir Crow]

Well, hello there. Long time no see.

I wouldn't recommend the regular My Passport for that. Even though it's a nice drive, it's not suited for that kind of purpose. I was talking about My Passport AV-TV, which is specifically designed to do that. So I think you'd be OK with it. The links from my previous posts are still active so you could take a closer look at it and what it has to offer.

Cheers,
Boogieman_WD

Thanks for replying. Yes, I see what you're saying. But many owners of the DVR+ are using the tiny My Passport, and I'm waiting to see when someone will say that their little drive has exploded from overuse, so to speak. If the AV models aren't too much more expensive, I may indeed buy one eventually. Cheers!

 

[Boogieman_WD]

You're most welcome.

The regular My Passport may indeed wear out faster with time the longer it's used, as it's not suited for that kind of purpose. As for the My Passport AV-TV - it is designed to withstand the always-on video streaming environments, which results in a 24x7 reliability. This feature is there just for that purpose - so that you can ensure that the drive wouldn't wear out over time as fast as a regular external drive would.

 

[NameWitheld]

Is there, like, a single best USB hard drive to use with the Channel Master DVR+? If the DVR has USB 2.0, should the HDD also use 2.0? I thought I'd go with the WD My Passport Ultra, but now I'm not so sure. Should I avoid USB-powered models? Help!

Thanks.

I am using a 2 TB Toshiba Canvio that is powered through the
DVR+ USB port and it has been working well so far.
It is a USB3 HDD, it is less expensive and has a higher capacity than
what CM folks are selling or recommending.
Other brands might work too, but it is trial and error.

Channel master recommends the following Seagate HDDs:
500 GB (STCD500102), Up to 90 hours of HD content
1 TB (STBU1000100), Up to 180 hours of HD content
1 TB (STBX1000101), Up to 180 hours of HD content
3 TB (STCA3000101) Up to 540 hours of HD content
3 TB (STBV3000100) Up to 540 hours of HD content

The first 3 are USB powered and the last 2 require an external power adaptor.

 

[Sir Crow]

Is there, like, a single best USB hard drive to use with the Channel Master DVR+? If the DVR has USB 2.0, should the HDD also use 2.0? I thought I'd go with the WD My Passport Ultra, but now I'm not so sure. Should I avoid USB-powered models? Help!

Thanks.

I am using a 2 TB Toshiba Canvio that is powered through the
DVR+ USB port and it has been working well so far.
It is a USB3 HDD, it is less expensive and has a higher capacity than
what CM folks are selling or recommending.
Other brands might work too, but it is trial and error.

Channel master recommends the following Seagate HDDs:
500 GB (STCD500102), Up to 90 hours of HD content
1 TB (STBU1000100), Up to 180 hours of HD content
1 TB (STBX1000101), Up to 180 hours of HD content
3 TB (STCA3000101) Up to 540 hours of HD content
3 TB (STBV3000100) Up to 540 hours of HD content

The first 3 are USB powered and the last 2 require an external power adaptor.

In case I haven't said thanks -- THANKS.

 

[Sir Crow]

Hi SirCrow. Update 6/4/2014: There has been a discussion since I last posted this answer on Amazon. I have talked to Western Digital and also Channel Master tech support. The WD 2 TB 3.0 USB powered (advertised as "backward compatible to 2.0) drives have a boot up current of 1000 ma, and a run current of 500ma. The DVR+ USB type A port has a max of 500 ma available. Channel Master tech support has reported a number of issues with using USB powered 2tb drives (according to CM tech support). If you are using a 2TB USB powered (does not apply to drives with an external power supply), then, to protect your DVR+ you should obtain a Y USB adapter cord and external power supply. Im using the "Apricorn USB Power Adapter Y Cable AUSB-Y USB (Black/Grey)" (Amazon $13.24 and "SIIG 4.2A USB Power Adapter - 2-Port" (Amazon $9.99), but other options are available.

Sorry for this late reply. Thanks for your trouble; really appreciated.