[xcybert]

Does anyone know if the 5040 can be upgraded with a second drive?

 

[KenL]

Early reports indicate no.


In the future with a software update? Who knows?

 

[l8er]

Quote:

Originally posted by xcybert Does anyone know if the 5040 can be upgraded with a second drive?

Yes we know. No it can't. Since the hold up on the 5320 is the lack of availability of Maxtor's new 320 gb drive, my guess is the 5000 box will not support 2 drives in the future.


-Gary

 

[KenL]

I would just add I don't really see the need for it now... with the availability of such large drives.

 

[BaysideBas]

Does anyone know how many power connectors are in the box? If only 1 of the submini type then the answer is obvious.

 

[KenL]

Looks like only one... but that doesn't mean they aren't Y-ing it this time.


However the fact that it doesn't exactly look "drive-2-bracket-ready" does suggest only one drive from the factory, much like the Showstoppers?

 

[Ghoul]

If I recall, the power supply unit had silk screen connections for a second HD power cable, but no connections.

 

[GadgetGuy]

Hmmm.... if the 5xxx series can only support one drive then the 4xxx series with a second drive can theoretically be expanded to twice the size as a 5xxx. That cash register sound you hear is the sound of the eBay value of the 4xxx series going up

 

[BaysideBas]

I think that limiting units to using a single drive is a prudent choice on SB's part. There have been reports of all recordings being wiped out by problems in a two drive set-up. At the time the drives were only around 40-60GBs, so how much could one lose? Imagine losing all recordings on a dual 320GB machine? OUCH! Besides, with the networking capability the need to put all of one's eggs in a single basket is negated. Spread the risk around, you'll be better off.

 

[Scyber]

Also now that Hard-drive sizes have reached a large enouch size, the need for 2 drives is greatly reduced. I am sure most people would have a hard time trying to record enough shows to fill up on 320 gb drive. Thats like one full week of recordings at medium quality.

 

[BaysideBas]

Quote:

Originally posted by Scyber I am sure most people would have a hard time trying to record enough shows to fill up on 320 gb drive.

Don't be so quick...

Just as nature abhors a vacuum, the RTV Gods abhor free recording space.

Recording will increase to fill the available space, so if you increase the space you will soon manage to fill it up.