Download recordings from Dish DVRs?

Question

How can I transfer my recordings from my Dish 625 DVR to the computer? I know there is a USB port on the back but that is it.

Answer 1

The Dish Network 625 DVR dual-tuner (standard definition) does have a USB port, however, it doesn't support external transfer of recorded content. Whether this will be an option in the future is up to Dish Network to decide.

The HD receivers, such as the Dish Network 622 HD-DVR dual tuner receiver, the newly released Dish Network 612 HD-DVR receiver, and the Dish Network 722 HD-DVR dual tuner receiver all support USB connectivity with an external hard drive. The customer would call into Dish at 1-800-333-3474 (if they have any of these particular receivers) and request that the USB port[s] be activated. The present cost (at the time of this post) of activating your USB port is a one-time fee of $39.00. That covers all the HD receivers on your account.

As for the direct answer to your question, how can you transfer your recordings to your computer, you can't. The external hard drive would have to be formatted to your receiver, and then you would only use that particular external hard drive solely for the HD receivers.

I'll post some links in the source list below, and you can read more about this topic from the dishnetwork.com website. When you click on the HD receiver links (622, 722, etc), scroll down to the "Dish Network DVR" section and take a peek at the topic "External Hard Drive Support Explain".

I hope this helps in answering your question!