ConcordeNick
join:2009-07-25
R2R 0P4
| [TV] Motorola DCT 3416 USB
Hi. The unit has a USB port. I wish to purchase an external USB drive and connect it to the USB port to increase the storage capacity. Will this work? If so, what do I need to know and/or do to make this setup functional? Will this let me copy the shows to the external drive and then move them to a computer to burn to DVD?
Thanks in advance for any help/advice you can give me.
Nick |
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tlhIngan
join:2002-07-08
Richmond, BC
| Most likely not.
Those ports are enabled only when Shaw wants people to use them.
If you want to copy the shows to an external drive, if they're standard def shows, you can use Firewire output to do it (HD content is blocked from the Firewire output).
Else, if you really want, get something like a Hauppage HD-PVR that can capture 1080i via its component inputs - hook your PVR up to it, start recording on your PC, and hit play on the PVR.
No fast or easy way to extract video from the Motorolas. TiVos yes, but they can't get HD. |
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zod5000
join:2003-10-21
Edmonton, AB
 ·TELUS
·TekSavvy Solutions..
| I've done HD content over firewire... but its too damned time consuming. Its easier to download/faster off the internet if you can find it. Its a shame you can't add external drives to the 3416. 160gb isn't really that much when recording HD content.
There are other boxes (made my PACE) that do allow for external storage. |
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ConcordeNick
join:2009-07-25
R2R 0P4
| I spoke with SHAW yesterday and they confirmed that the 3416 will not accept either a USB or SATA drive. The Firewire option is out because I do want to record the HD shows. Worse yet, even if I did try the Firewire connection, it will not work on my computer. I have not been able to find software that will run on Vista 64 bit. So..... ARRRRGGGHHHH! I'm going to call SHAW on Monday and see if they are willing to swap out my box for a PACE box.
Is this a good idea?
Nick
PS>>> Thanks for the replies!
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ConcordeNick
join:2009-07-25
R2R 0P4
| I also forgot to add.... Motorola claims they are going to make the software upgrade available so that the ports are enabled. However.... from reading material on the net, it appears they have been promising this for several YEARS now!!! I have a bad feeling this is never going to happen.
Blah.
Nick |
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JimShawJR
@allstream.net | reply to ConcordeNick
Not going to happen. For security reasons |
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JimSharJr
@allstream.net | reply to ConcordeNick
Although If Motorolla could develop a way so that users can move their shows off the units while maintaining security of the overall unit then it may possible to enable to ports. Easier said than done. |
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tlhIngan
join:2002-07-08
Richmond, BC
| The ports probably can be made active, and Motorola probably already has the software able to do it. Unfortunately, Motorola will only pass the software to Shaw, who really controls what's pushed to the boxes.
Even if you took a US Motorola box (which has to have Firewire enabled by law - all you have to do is request it), when you connect it to Shaw's network, it'll be forced to download Shaw's software.
Anyhow, these boxes aren't made by Motorola anymore - they've gone CableCARD. Unfortunately, Shaw doesn't support CableCARD, or you could get several third-party PVRs that support external storage, e.g., a TiVoHD. (None of the TiVos in Canada support CableCARD, high-def, nor external storage, though they can be modified to fit terabyte-sized drives). |
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wlee15
join:2001-06-03
Calgary, AB | Shaw is using the latest firmware and software for their DCT. Its Motorola who does not enable USB/esata/ethernet support for their boxes. |
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