Hi,

I'm considering switching from Dish to Comcast. However, I was wondering if any Comcast HD DVRs offer the ability to add an external hard drive via USB to increase recording capacity. This is an important feature for me.

Thanks in advance.

However, I was wondering if any Comcast HD DVRs offer the ability to add an external hard drive via USB to increase recording capacity. This is an important feature for me.

Depends what hardware (and software) they're using. If Comcast in your area is using Motorola set-tops. the answer is no; eSATA does not yet work on any Motorola STB, and it's unknown if and when they'll get around to adding that feature. If they're using SA DVRs, you might be able to. However, that depends on the software they're running and the features they've enabled; the SARA software supposedly will allow all drives, but other software like Passport (Pioneer/AptivDigital's STB software) can (and I believe usually does) disable it. You'd have to inquire with your local Comcast office as far as what software they run, and if they enable the feature.

Of course, you could get a TiVo HD and hook up an external drive to that; all you'd need to get from the cable company is an M-Card (or two S-Cards).