How-to video details HDD installation process in Popcorn Hour's A-100

by Darren Murph posted Jul 7th 2008 at 6:38PM

As far as mods go, it just doesn't much easier than this. Popcorn Hour's heralded A-100 HD media streamer contains a gap just big enough for a PATA HDD, and if you've been too timid to flex your DIY muscle and throw one in there, we've got the video to guide you through. Anxious to store files locally and turn your unit into a mighty useful BitTorrent client? Check out a demonstration of the painless procedure just beyond the break -- and grab your screwdriver while you're at it.

[Via eHomeUpgrade]

Filed under: DIY, Media streamers

Tags: a-100, bittorrent, hack, hd streamer, HdStreamer, how-to, media server, media streamer, MediaServer, MediaStreamer, mod, networked media tank, NetworkedMediaTank, popcorn hour, PopcornHour, stream, streaming, video

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

Jon @ Jul 7th 2008 6:47PM

i am SOOOO confused , Who cant put a HDD in a Popcorn hour A100 ? .. Its suppose to be like that ... i think 99% of people have added a HDD in it .. am i missing something ???

Highly Ranked

Keith @ Jul 7th 2008 11:59PM

It isn't difficult except for those who are unfamiliar with installing computer parts in general. Remember the first time you opened a case to install a CPU or even a hard drive with jumper selection? A bit intimidating unless you had already seen it done or read some good instructions. Hence the value of this video.

This isn't of value for many of us techies, but certainly is for others. A bit more valuable would be a video on how to install a laptop's hard drive in the Popcorn Hour. I was able to, but I've seen a few very technical forums where the question repeatedly comes up, specifically what adapter will fit.

Neutral

Jon @ Jul 7th 2008 6:52PM

I mean the instructions that come with it tell you to put a HDD in it .. to use it as a BitTorrent client ..

Neutral

Seth Chambers @ Jul 8th 2008 11:07AM

How is this a mod? The A-100 was created to have a hard drive in it. It's an option from the start...

That's like me modding my car by putting gasoline in it!!

Neutral

Mark @ Jul 8th 2008 12:21AM

Yep. This is far from a mod. I have one and the instructions tell you how to and they talk about it as a feature on the site.

Neutral

Matt @ Jul 8th 2008 10:26AM

You wouldn't call it a DIY project to replace the ram in your computer or put in a new video card, so why is this a DIY project? It's a FEATURE!!! It's MADE for you to put a hard drive in it!

Neutral

Marshall @ Jul 8th 2008 10:46AM

Yeah, sorry guys, "mod" is a stretch. Putting a HD in a Popcorn Hour is only a little more complicated than putting one in a DROBO.

Neutral

Money Mike @ Jul 8th 2008 12:43PM

I'm starting to wonder if maybe the Popcorn Hour was designed to have a HDD installed in it on purpose... like maybe this isn't really a mod. :p

Seriously, though, I've heard adding a HDD will cause overheating problems for the unit. I don't want to take a chance and ruin it. It was too hard to get.

Neutral

Marshall @ Jul 8th 2008 5:39PM

I have a Hard Drive installed, and when it runs, things certainly get hot, but I've never fried anything or had it shut down unexpectedly.

I have a review of the popcorn hour in Episode 28, you can find a video version in te show notes, or on metacafe search "Real HT Info"

Marshall
The Real HT Info Podcast

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