So you bought yourself a Personal Video Recorder, or PVR. You’ve added all your regular shows to your Timer. Your list has grown to over 40 weekly recordings and now you’re running out of space on your standard 80GB, 160GB or 250GB HDD.

So how do you upgrade your memory to allow for more hours of high quality recording. If your the owner of a Topfield PVR, the answer is easy...

Step 1 - Open Case

I purchased a Topfield TF4400PVRt with a standard 80GB HDD. This is the base model PVR with limited features, but the process for upgrading your memory is the same across the entire Topfield range. I started by removing the standard 80GB HDD. The process is very easy.

IMPORTANT: Before opening the case, remove the power plug from the wall.

Step 2 - Remove HDD

Unscrew all the relevant screws and remove the outer casing. In the case of the TF4400PVRt there are 3 screws on the back, and 2 on the side. The outer casing lid will remove with ease.

Access to the HDD on Topfield PVRs is very easy, with 3 screws securing the HDD to the cradle in the centre of the unit. The TF4400PVRt can be unscrewed from the cradle.

Note: Some Topfield units (as well as other brands) will require the removal of the HDD cradle before removing the HDD.

Step 3 - Purchase larger HDD

Inspection of my standard TF4400PVRt revealed an IDE Seagate U Series 9 80GB HDD. The power consumption figures of all HDDs are listed on the product label. The standard Seagate drive had the following power consumption.

Try to purchase a HDD with the lowest power consumption (less heat) and lowest noise performance, as this is important in a Home Theatre environment.

If in Melbourne, Australia, the best place to start for a new HDD is the GreenGuide in The Age newspaper on Thursday.

A new 320GB IDE HDD will cost around $95, and in Standard Definition provides around 176 hours of recording. (As at August 2007 in $Aud)

HDD sizes are currently (2007) available up to 1TB, or 1000GB. Unfortunately economics mean that after 320GB, value for money is reduce.

My 320GB cost $95.00, a 400GB would have cost $134 (41% more), a 500GB would have cost $187 (97% more), and a 750GB would have cost $285 (200% more).

The following recording times for a Standard Definition Topfield PVR are listed to the right.

Step 4 - Installing new HDD

IMPORTANT: Extreme care should be taken installing the IDE cable to avoid bending the fragile pins.

Physical installation of the new drive is simply the opposite of removing the original drive. Connect the IDE interface cable (flat ribbon) and the power supply cable.

Following the physical installation of the HDD you are ready to replace the top cover and screws of the PVR. Once this is complete you can safely re-connect the power cable and AV / RF Cables. Your are require to Format the new HDD before use. A message will appear on the screen warning that all data will be lost. Select Yes.

Step 5 - Re-Assembly

Following the physical installation of the HDD you are ready to replace the top cover and screws of the PVR. Once this is complete you can safely re-connect the power cable and AV / RF Cables. Your are required to Format the new HDD before use. A message will appear on the screen warning that all data will be lost. Select Yes.

Formatting is a quick process. Pressing the archive button will reveal the space available on the HDD. My 320GB HDD revealed 305242MB total HDD, compared to 76317MB with the original HDD.

You can now enjoy your PVR as it should be enjoyed.

Step 6 - Complete

As you can see, the new HDD is fully operational. The available HDD space is 305230MB on the 320GB HDD.

This equates to approximately 176 hours of Standard Definition.