USB 2.0 Media Recommendations

[elder]

I have zero experience on USB 2.0 media. What thoughts are out there on which way to go for the new DVR, flash or hard drive?

 

[cavsolutions]

I'd say depends on yer budget, but a USB External Hard-Drive with a 500GB capacity can be had nowadays for about $90. Get as much as you can afford (up to the 500GB max the unit suppports) and more gigs = more space for recordings.

 

[rv1pop]

Because of off grid power considerations, I am using SanDisk 8GB flash drives from COSTCO. I keep my power consumption below 30 watts during recording on the box. For some reason, =unknown as yet - the hard drive added another 55 watts. I can transfer from the flash drive to the hard drive when I have the generator running or at peak sun times. I have not yet tried burning a DVD, but when I get enough to make it worthwhile, I will find out if I can burn 8 GB at a time or if I need to burn more from the hard drive.
My 500 GB hard drive was less that $90 , but as I noted, draws too much current to use to record onto directly at off times.

 

[elder]

Wow! There are a lot of 500 gig hard drives out there, what's a good brand under $100?

The TIME MACHINE MODE sounds interesting. If it has pause and instant replay capability it might be better to use a flash card for that mode rather than spinning a hard drive all the time. One could always switch to a hard drive for serious archiving.

 

[cavsolutions]

"Good Brand" to me are the more reputable brands like Seagate, Western Digital, Maxtor.... these guys are some the traditional hard-drive manufacturers so i tend to go with any of them.

 

[fzimmerman]

I usually go with Seagate as their 5-year warranty is the best in the business. Western Digital is my next choice.

I've had Maxtor's die on me prematurely, so I don't recommend them (although any hard-drive can die, so my experience will not be the same as someone elses).