How do I record TV Programmes on a USB memory stick?

geek84

Hi folks

I have recently bought a new TV and after reading the manual it seems that I can record programmes on a USB Memory Stick. The TV has a USB port.

My question is - Does the USB Stick have to be of a certain type or memory capacity for programmes to be recorded on it, or can it be a standard one - the types which can be used to record files from a PC?

Thanks in advance for your response.

grizzly1911

I have never used a TV/USB as a PVR but AIUI a standard USB pen drive can be used. The higher the memory capacity the better if you want to retain recordings.

A separate hard drive may be even better.

Have often used pen drives to see digital pictures on TVs through the USB.

googler

RTFM?

Doesn't the maker's user manual give any guidance as to this?

almillar

It should say in the manual, but if it doesn't, I have to guess it would need to be FAT32, which is probably what it already is. I'd format it, stick it in the TV, and not use it for anything else.

dhj

If it's a Sony then you will need at least a 32gb drive. I used an old 500gb mains powered device which works vey well. You need to be aware though that it isn't a twin tuner so if you set to record something at say, 8pm then, at 8pm, the tv will switch to the channel you want to record and proceed to record. My Sony also has an additional USB slot which can be used to view pictures or play mp3's and films (but not record). I have used a 4gb, 8gb, 16gb and 32gb and it took them all with no trouble. Note though that although it claims you can watch .avi in practice I have only been able to get it to work with .mp4 (easy and free to convert though)

hanwellmike

Please note that it is possible that the tv will insist on formatting your USB drive before it will work. My new Sony tv did that and the formatting process will wipe the USB drive. No problem if your USB drive is dedicated to the tv, otherwise...........

Also I now find that this USB drive is not recognised when I plug it into my PC so I think will have to reformat it somehow if I want to use it again on my pc.

mttylad

It might help if the OP explained what make/model tv it is?

mildred1978

It's 6 months since he last posted the same question (word for word).

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3716791

6 months, and he still hasn't figured it out.