HR54 and C61K Manuals?

[Scott13]

I just had an HR54 Genie and C61K Genie Mini installed by DirecTV. However the installer did not leave any manual with either unit and I did not think to ask before he left. Does anyone know if there is a place I can download the manual for either of these units. I did find a manual that covers HR44 and earlier models and the Genie Minis generally but nothing specific for either the HR54 or C61K.

In particular, I am looking for details on hooking up an external hard drive to expand the storage space. There is both an USB and a SATA connector on the back of the HR54. The earlier manual says the USB connector is for future use. It also says you can use the SATA connector to add an external hard drive to your receiver. Does anyone know any details regarding adding an external SATA drive to the HR54 (e.g. maximum hard drive size, etc.) or whether you will be able to add an USB hard drive to the USB connector at some point?

Thanks for any input on these subjects.

 

[texasbrit]

In general there are no manuals specific to this equipment. DirecTV's general policy is to publish "generic" manuals, although you can usually find more online, here and at dbstalk. Yes, you can add external hard drives to the HR54 via SATA (NOT usb) but it's best to use an enclosure and drive that someone else has proven can be used, because they don't all work. If you check the forums here and at dbstalk you will be able to get info on suitable drives and enclosures.

 

[jcrandall]

You need to use e-sata for the hard drive, USB is not enabled (though was briefly in test software a year plus ago, they never moved forward with USB hard drives).

I highly recommend the Wester Digital AV line, as they are designed for 24/7 DVR operation. I have a 3TB (WD30EURS) and have been very happy with it.
Most any e-sata enclosure should work ok. Bear in mind hooking up external disables the internal, it is not in addition to.
That in mind, and keeping more room on my desk (yes my HR44 is on my desk below the tv), I just replaced the internal drive on mine and 'sock drawer' the original in the event of a failure.

Antec makes a good e-sata enclosure, MX-1 if I remember correctly. Been a while since I've used one.

 

[texasbrit]

There have been some issues with drives that work with the HR44 not working with the HR54, particularly multidrive enclosures..
I have seen posts where people are using single 6Tb drives with the Hr54...

 

[Scott13]

You need to use e-sata for the hard drive, USB is not enabled (though was briefly in test software a year plus ago, they never moved forward with USB hard drives).

I highly recommend the Wester Digital AV line, as they are designed for 24/7 DVR operation. I have a 3TB (WD30EURS) and have been very happy with it.
Most any e-sata enclosure should work ok. Bear in mind hooking up external disables the internal, it is not in addition to.
That in mind, and keeping more room on my desk (yes my HR44 is on my desk below the tv), I just replaced the internal drive on mine and 'sock drawer' the original in the event of a failure.

Antec makes a good e-sata enclosure, MX-1 if I remember correctly. Been a while since I've used one.

Thank you for your reply. Just one quick additional question. You note that if you attach an external drive, it disables the internal drive. If the internal drive already has recordings on it and you then add an external drive, do you lose the prior recordings that were on the internal drive?

I will take a look at the WD AV line of drives and the enclosure you mentioned and also take a look at DBSTalk for recommendations.

 

[texasbrit]

You can still access them but only if you disconnect the external drive.

 

[alnielsen]

To look for information on the HR54, check the various forums for "first look" posts. This is where the testers will post about the capabilities of their receivers.