Iomega Corp., an EMC Company, announced the North American launch of the new Iomega DVR Expander Drive, a 500GB external drive that increases the storage capacity of digital video recorders. The new Iomega DVR Expander Drive expands users' digital video recorder (DVR) storage capacity by as much as 300 hours of standard-definition TV or 60 hours of high-definition TV.



The new Iomega DVR Expander Drive adds storage capacity for eSATA-enabled Scientific Atlanta DVRs, allowing cable TV customers to record and enjoy more of their favorite cable TV and movie broadcasts. Cable service providers that market the Scientific Atlanta eSATA-enabled DVRs include COX, Time Warner, Cablevision, Comcast, and Rogers (US and Canada), among others.

The new Iomega DVR Expander Drive connects to the eSATA port on the back panel of an eSATA-enabled Scientific Atlanta DVR. After an initial setup the DVR automatically streams new recordings to either its internal hard drive or the external SATA drive, whichever has more space available. For example, an Iomega DVR Expander Drive connected to a Scientific Atlanta DVR 8300HD model (a 160GB model) expands the original storage capacity for this particular model by more than three times, allowing users to keep considerably more of their favorite shows and movies on their DVR without running out of space for new recordings.

Scientific Atlanta's standard-definition 8300 DVR (an 80GB model) is also compatible with Iomega's new DVR Expander Drive. An 8300 DVR equipped with the Iomega DVR Expander has more than six times the storage space of the stock model.

"Everyone loves their DVRs and watching television on their own schedule, but I don't know anyone who likes being forced to delete programming to record some more," said Ralf San Jose, global product manager for HDD products, Iomega Corporation. "With the new Iomega DVR Expander Drive, you get a massive capacity increase for your DVR with no installation hassles. Owning an Iomega DVR Expander Drive is like getting three tanks of gas free with every fill-up. It leverages the investment in a DVR and gives buyers an incredible number of extra shows and movies to choose from. What's not to like about that?"

Compatibility
The new Iomega DVR Expander Drive, eSATA 500GB, is compatible with the eSATA-enabled Scientific Atlanta's standard-definition 8300 DVR (an 80GB model), e-SATA enabled 8300HD DVR (a 160GB model) and more upcoming Scientific Atlanta e-SATA enabled DVRs. The required eSATA cable, quick start guide and power supply are included, along with a stand for the drive, allowing for the flexibility of a vertical or horizontal placement of the Iomega DVR Expander in an entertainment center.

Additional cable companies that utilize Scientific Atlanta DVRs include Astound Broadband, Blue Ridge Communication, Bright House Networks, BVU OptiNet, Carter, Everest Communications, Knology, Oceanic, Telewest Broadband, Videotron, and Wow! Internet and Cable.

Iomega expects to announce certified compatibility with other eSATA enabled DVRs in the near future.

Price and Availability
The new Iomega DVR Expander Drive, eSATA 500GB, will be available this month for $199.95 (pricing is suggested U.S. retail) from online distributors and retailers and from the Iomega Web site.